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Treatment-Resistant Students Find Healing and Connection

By Stephen C. Schultz


We’ve all been there—whether in private therapeutic practice, a hospital setting, educational consulting, or residential treatment. At some point, we’ve all worked with a student, patient, or client who is struggling and headed toward a bad outcome. Every therapeutic environment has a percentage of individuals who face significant challenges, despite the resources and effort dedicated to helping them.



One of the biggest obstacles for these students is their inability to connect—whether with peers, parents, adults, or authority figures. More importantly, they struggle to connect with themselves in a meaningful and productive way through therapy. Often labeled as “treatment-resistant,” these students frequently move from one program to another, requiring a higher level of clinical care to address their needs effectively.

That’s why Oxbow Academy was created. Since 2006, parents and professionals alike have referred to Oxbow as the best-kept secret in specialized treatment.

With minimal outreach, Oxbow Academy has grown organically through word of mouth and a strong reputation for quality care. The academy serves three distinct student populations, providing each with individualized academic support, specialized clinical care, and small, nurturing communities. In this environment, students develop self-advocacy skills that help them engage with peers, direct care staff, and the broader community.

Oxbow Academy at a Glance:

Oxbow Academy consists of four specialized milieus:

  1. Evaluation and functional assessment
  2. Neurotypical residential setting
  3. Neurodiverse residential setting
  4. Latency-age residential setting and school

Oxbow offers highly personalized care in small milieu settings with increased staff-to-student ratios.

The academy is specifically designed to engage students who are at risk of poor outcomes. Many of these students carry secrets that prevent them from fully participating in traditional therapy. They experience deep shame and embarrassment surrounding their Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), making it difficult for them to open up and engage in treatment.

However, when students enter Oxbow’s structured and supportive environment—surrounded by peers who are also working through PSB issues—they begin to feel safe. This sense of safety allows them to let down their guard and truly engage in the therapeutic process.

Success at Oxbow is driven by a compassionate and highly trained team, including direct care staff who provide daily support and experienced therapists who specialize in PSB treatment. The academy’s customized academic program further reinforces progress, helping students build confidence and develop healthier relationships.

When students feel connected—to themselves, to others, and to their therapeutic journey—they set the stage for lasting success. They become more engaged in school, develop positive relationships, and experience personal growth that extends beyond treatment.

To learn more about Oxbow Academy, visit www.OxbowAcademy.net.

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Location: United States

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