Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks

Dedicated to aiding young people in overcoming trauma-related issues, Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks advocates attachment therapy as its primary guiding principle. The school and residential care program seeks to alter students' views of and trust in relationships by stressing "alliance not compliance" with counselors and teachers and using canine therapy. The dog program at Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks remains a key component of the treatment model because it teaches adolescents responsibility, patience, love, and empathy. At the end of the program, students transfer the attachment they form with dogs to the other relationships in their lives, including those with parents and siblings.
Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks welcomes adopted teenagers who are having difficulty bonding with their new guardians; adolescents experiencing considerable emotional instability; and teens who have experienced sexual, physical, or other forms of abuse. The school also caters to young people who have behavioral problems and frequently act out. Capping enrollment at 80, the school maintains a favorable ratio of one staff member for every four students. As a result, caregivers and educators can tailor treatment programs to meet each student's unique needs and personality. With a dedication to effective rather than efficient treatment, the academy cites an average stay of between 14 and 20 months.
Aside from these advantages, the school in the heart of the Ozarks offers a range of recreational therapeutic activities that stress team building and goal setting in adventurous ways. Ropes courses help students overcome challenges while creative endeavors such as drawing, building, and working with leather encourage healthy emotional expression and the development of talent. Other activities outside the classroom include canoeing, rock climbing, and wakeboarding.