Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School

Chrysalis is accredited by the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA). Every five years, the NIPSA board visits to ensure we are meeting/exceeding standards and continually improving our process to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Chrysalis has been a NIPSA member since 2008. Chrysalis also maintains Cognia Accreditation.

We are a SEVP (SEVIS) approved school, allowing our international students to heal on their therapeutic journey, while receiving academic credit which will transfer back to their school after treatment is completed.

We are also licensed by the Montana Health and Human Services Department.

We are a member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

We have rolling admissions and accept students at any time of the year. Our custom academic program helps students get back on track for high school graduation.

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.

• Review psychological and educational testing, any discharge summaries or other previous treatment reports
• Family phone interview
• Campus tour (optional but highly recommended)
• Application paperwork

We know that every girl is unique. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Our maximum number of students at any time is 40, which makes for an excellent staff-to-student ratio of 1:6. What’s more, classes are intentionally kept small, allowing for greater one-on-one attention.

Your daughter will be in the best hands with our team. Before hiring, every staff member goes through extensive background checks, references, and a screening process.

At Chrysalis, student instruction is provided by state-certified high school teachers. Our teachers are able to use their creative planning skills to make the lessons fit the individual needs of the students on campus. We have six full-time therapists, who all are master’s level and above, and a partnering certified adolescent psychiatrist. Chrysalis is uniquely aligned with the local public school, Lincoln County High School (LCHS), in Eureka, Montana.  All staff members attend annual customized training to stay up-to-date with the latest safety and clinical approaches.

Referral is not required. Our students come directly from home, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers or short-term treatment facilities.