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