Ironwood FAQ

Where is Ironwood located?
Ironwood is located in a rural setting adjacent to Maine’s pristine Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area, approximately 20 miles northwest of Camden, Maine. We are serviced by two major airports in Bangor (approximately 45 miles away, 1 hour 15 minute drive time) and Portland (approximately 95 miles away, 2 hours 10 minute drive time). Accommodations are available nearby in Belfast, Camden and Rockland.

What are accommodations like for my teen?
Initially, the troubled teen is introduced to the rigorous, disciplined environment of the "Frye" area of Ironwood. Frye (a name that honors our wholesome Frye Mountain setting) constitutes the initial part of the program that prepares the resident to begin his or her inward, and upward, journey toward understanding themselves, their families and communities, and the world in which they live. During this phase of treatment the one-to-one supervision and immediate intervention create a safety network for teens who have self harmed or are out of control behaviorally. The firm, consistent mentoring of the angry, defiant youngster is gradually turned around so that each resident is prepared emotionally and behaviorally to leave the supportive, predictable environment into which they have settled. After leaving Frye, the teen moves to a more typical farm environment where they share living space with other residents, and under the constant guidance and supervision of our experienced staff, they build acceptable social interaction.

How long is the Ironwood Program?
The length of the youth’s stay at Ironwood is on average six to nine months.

What kind of communication will I have with my teen at Ironwood?
During the initial period, it is imperative that the teen uses this time for reflection and without any outside influence. During this period, Ironwood encourages frequent letter-writing to his or her family. Ironwood respects the troubled teen's privacy and will not read any outgoing or incoming mail. Youths are required to write at least two letters to parents per week. This process establishes a pattern of thoughtful communication with parents. The teen’s therapist will schedule weekly telephone calls with parents to update the family on his or her progress.

Once the resident has reached Level 2, weekly therapy sessions, via telephone conference call, are implemented. When the resident reaches Level 3, he or she is allowed a once-weekly private, unsupervised phone call with his or her parents.

Weekly website updates are provided throughout the teen’s stay at Ironwood, and provide the parent with photographs, a web site letter, and an update from the residential care staff.

How will I know my teen is safe at Ironwood?
The Ironwood staff has decades of experience dealing with camp security and safety issues. The Ironwood facilities have been outfitted with state-of-the-art security and fire protection systems. All residential areas have automatic sprinkler systems and independent electrical generating units.

Who else will be in the program with my teen?
Typically, Ironwood works with troubled teens between the ages of 13 and 18 and who will most probably benefit from an extended period of treatment within the therapeutic environment of adventure-based counseling and therapy programs. Ironwood works with troubled youth who are typically disengaged from the family and are out of control... some suffer from histories of unmanageable, irresponsible behavior... others have tried previous treatments attempts at change that have failed them.

Who will be working with my teen?
Simply put, the professional staff at Ironwood have years of experience with troubled teen programs and know what they are doing. They are highly skilled in mentoring and providing therapeutic interventions at critical emotional and behavioral junctures. Using their collective compassion and wisdom, they guide the troubled teens with empathetic counseling, planned instruction and provide experiences to give them the opportunity to make and correct mistakes in a safe environment. The combination of provocative experiences, and adult mentoring assists teens in arriving at a decision point to make healthier decisions for their own lives. In other words, Ironwood treats the troubled youth with respect and sets an expectation that experience and self-discovery brings out the best that is within them. At Ironwood, we believe that the things we remember for the rest of our lives come from a combination of experience and mentoring.

Will our family's confidentiality be protected?
Your family's confidentiality is extremely important to Ironwood. Ironwood will safeguard your confidentiality through the use of a strict confidentiality policy and comprehensive confidentiality agreement signed by each Ironwood staff member.

How do I know if my teen is a good fit for the Ironwood program?
Prior to admission into the Ironwood program, the Admissions Director and Clinical Director, in concert with other members of the treatment team, review each application to determine if the center will meet your youth’s needs. A complete review of available psychological, medical, and educational assessments in conjunction with interviews with the family, determines what degree your troubled teen may safely participate in and benefit from the programs at Ironwood. If necessary, a psycho-educational evaluation will be conducted. Special attention is given to the physical requirements for participating in the adventure component of the program. Our staff reviews information you provide and continues to be in contact with you regarding your teen's physical care. As soon as possible after admission, assessments are conducted by your teen's primary therapist, nurse, and physician. These assessments are documented in the Service Plan, Nursing Assessment Form, and Intake Physical Examination Form.

Can we visit the program and facility before committing?
Yes, Ironwood has an open door policy. Please call our office to set up a convenient day and time.

Are one-on-one therapy sessions offered?
Ironwood provides every troubled teen with intensive one-on-one sessions, twice weekly. The use of group sessions to treat young people is used throughout the week and is effective when they are used in concert with individual therapies.

What is Ironwood's treatment program?
Ironwood offers a progressive system in which residents may graduate into a less restrictive program as they demonstrate progress and responsibility within the program. This primary program Ironwood offers is termed "Intervention." The secondary, longer, term program is termed "Rehabilitation and Transition." The Intervention program provides primary assessment, treatment, discharge planning, and after-care recommendations for students who continue to make poor choices and need to develop a greater awareness of the effects of his/her behavior on themselves, their family and future. The Intervention program combines group and intensive one-on-one therapies, outdoor expeditions and structured classroom academics each week. Family intervention is included as the troubled teen proceeds through the program. This is a challenging troubled youth program that utilizes our level system to determine length of stay and appropriate after care planning. The Rehabilitation and Transition program is less restrictive and more cognitive and academic than the Intervention program. Transitioning youth are those that will benefit from continued but gradually reduced, structure and increased intensity in therapy until completion of his/her service plan.

How will attending Ironwood affect my teen's schooling?
Ironwood is supportive of its teens’ continuing education and has accredited online education available.

Will my teen be required to perform chores?
Yes, chores and work projects are key elements in Ironwood’s rewards-based program. This is a rigorous and disciplined teen program with character and team-building responsibilities that instills a sense of achievement.

What is Ironwood's policy on administering prescribed medications?
Our Certified Residential Medication Aides administer prescribed medications as directed by your teen’s physician and treats minor injuries. State and Federal Laws require that all medications remain locked up and under direct control by staff. All medications are administered as directed by the prescribing physician. Ironwood requires a letter from the prescribing physician stating why the medication was prescribed and what the short and long term effects on your troubled teen will be.

Is transportation available for doctor visits and other appointments?
Yes, transportation is provided to scheduled appointments. Local doctors and medical facilities are located within eight miles of Ironwood. Ironwood has 911 service available for emergency needs.

How will my teen's special dietary needs be accommodated?
Proper nutrition is an integral part of Ironwood’s approach to treatment. A nutritionist will help determine what is best for your youth's dietary needs.

How will my youth's religious needs be met?
Ironwood respects each individual's religious freedom and the need for the troubled teen to have time to reflect on their spirituality. We include the parents of each resident in a mini-program, so that they gain the benefit and knowledge of their child's experience, first hand, In addition, we engage the parents in a family therapy process which originates with them as they participate in developing the service plan, continues as the change process of the child progresses.

As a parent, what support from Ironwood staff can I expect throughout the treatment journey?
The journey toward recovery is not easy, either for the family or teen. Life doesn't always hand us circumstances already shaped the way we want. Sometimes we need to be actively involved in the molding process. You will need courage, strength and tenacity to see treatment through to completion. There will be times when you doubt your teen’s ability to change. There will still be moments, hours, even days of despair when you question how your family life could ever be okay again. The staff at Ironwood will support you through these bleak times. They have the experience and skills to envision the "beginning to end." They have worked with disruptive, defiant, and destructive teens and have seen them emerge into responsible and caring individuals willing and ready to take their place in the family unit once again. We include the parents of each resident in a mini-program, so that they gain the benefit and knowledge of their teen's experience, first hand, In addition, we engage the parents in a family therapy process which originates with them as they participate in developing the service plan, continues as the change process of the youth progresses.

Will my youth be allowed to communicate with our family?
During the initial Intake period, it is imperative that the teen uses this time for reflection and without any outside influence. After this period, Ironwood encourages frequent letter-writing to his or her family. Ironwood respects the troubled teen's privacy and will not read any outgoing or incoming mail. Youths are required to write at least two letters to parents per week. This process establishes a pattern of thoughtful communication with parents that can be converted into action when the troubled teen is ready to leave the program.

How does my teen continue with an educational program while at Ironwood?
Ironwood has subcontracted with a recognized and accredited distance learning program. Our licensed educator will assess, guide and mentor your teen as he/she advances through an educational program which will either help them "catch up" if they are failing, or keep them current if they are on target.

What if my child has completed High School?
Ironwood's clinical and educational staff will assist you and your teen in determining a course of education that can be pursued via distance learning at an accredited college. Ironwood also offers certificate programs for teens who wish to develop an interest in horticulture, equine care and riding, and dog training and handling.

How will I get my child to Ironwood?
We at Ironwood recommend that you personally bring your child. However, if this is not possible, we can recommend reputable escort services.

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
There are several ways to contact us regarding any questions you might have. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may e-mail us at questions@ironwoodmaine.com.