Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I receive information about your program?
Contact us by dialing 1-866-590-6816. We recommend that parents visit our facility to tour and meet our staff. We realize this may not be possible due to the urgency to place or travel considerations. The last step would be to make financial arrangements and schedule the admission date for your son.

Where are you located?

The Academy accepts 12 students and is located in beautiful Mequite, Nevada. We will provide directions to our facility upon request.

What are the living accommodations like?
Focal Point maintains a home-style environment. Your son will have 2 or 3 roommates. We provide all the amenities of a regular home. Outside, we offer access to a sports court, basketball courts, soccer field, ropes course, and much more. Students may also choose to participate with community service, recreation, music, or art projects. Focal Point believes that coupling nature with a constructive environment aids emotional healing.

Are you a locked facility?
We are not a typical "lock-down" facility, even though the students may not leave. We prefer to call ourselves a "staff secure" facility. We have a minimum of 1 staff member to every 6 students, and are therefore able to spend valuable one-on-one time with those in need.

What is the daily schedule?
The typical daily schedule consists of exercise, planning and goal setting, individual time, meals, chores, school, a session of group psychotherapy, a session of recreation therapy, an activity in the community, and individual or family therapy. The activities are diverse and varied. We focus on numerous positive experiences every day for our student's wellbeing.

Is your school accredited, can credits be transferred to another school?
Our academic curriculum is accredited through the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Any course our students complete at Focal Point can be transferred to any other school, public or private. Our Education Director works closely with the school of your choice to make sure academic transition is accurate and complete.

What is the school curriculum?
Our curriculum is comparable to any normal junior high or high school curriculum. We individualize academic needs for each of our students. All work and testing is organized for school district approval.

What are some of the common problems boys have who are admitted into Focal Point?
Two of the most common problems we treat at Focal Point are depression and opposition-defiance. Our typical student has low self-esteem and is struggling with authority. Other common problems we address include drug abuse, school failure, trauma/abuse, mood disorders, and family discord, etc.

How much therapy does Focal Point offer?
We provide 15 hours of therapy per student per week (individual, family, group, and recreational therapy). We individualize the treatment your son receives at every possible level, such as placing him in psychotherapy groups that are specific to his particular issues. Current examples are anger management, relaxation, emotions, social skills, adoption, and trauma.
How much contact may I have with my son?
During the first week, there are no phone privileges outside of family therapy. Your son will be able to communicate more with his family as he progresses. A minimum of one phone call per week to parents is allowed for each student. We hope you will plan to visit your son as often as you can. We encourage face-to-face family therapy, and we require at least 1- Focal Point visit and 1-participation in a family weekend experience before discharge.

How do you handle my son if he refuses to comply with the program?
We believe in using natural and logical consequences. We do not use isolation rooms, restraint systems, or medication to subdue students. Our therapeutic and considerate approach is facilitated by our high staffing ratios. We believe that lasting motivation for change within young men is fostered by healthy relationships with peers, staff, and family.

What is the average length of stay in your program?
Many of our students complete their treatment in as little as 6 months. Our average length of stay is approximately 9 months. We try to focus more on positive outcomes and less on time frames, while still remaining sensitive to the financial and emotional needs of the family.

Focal Point Academy - Mesquite, Nevada - Phone 1-866-490-3666