What is the average length of stay?

Length of stay varies, and reflects each student’s individual needs. The typical stay is about 10 to 14 months. We collect weekly data that provides in the moment, objective information on a student’s progress.

Many families ask us why our average length of stay is roughly 12 months. We take many factors into our reasoning. First, our students have struggled in peer and/or family relationships, and our family-style living coupled with our length of stay allows the students to practice making genuine, lasting relationships. Second, for students with emotional dysregulation or mood disorders, the length of our program provides the time for new neuro pathways to develop; thus new healthy habits are created and given time to become lasting lifestyle changes. We also have a number of students who have experienced some type of trauma; the healing process of trauma work requires extended time in a safe environment. Third is that a large part of the work a student does at Chrysalis is identity development. Prior to treatment Chrysalis students were often engaging in unhealthy behaviors in an effort to connect with peers and develop an identity. It is natural for an adolescent to try on different identities as she figures out who she wants to be, yet it’s crucial that this happen in a safe and nurturing environment. Our length of stay allows students the space and opportunity to try new activities and form a healthy identity.

The goal is always program graduation, and we want to feel confident in our recommendation that a student is ready to transition elsewhere.