Embark at The Poconos

Contact Us Today!
Contact Us Today!

Embark at The Poconos – located in White Haven, Pennsylvania, along the Lehigh River near the Pocono Mountains. Our serene and private environment nestled within the rolling woodlands and meadows of the foothills provides an ideal setting for reflection and growth. 77 beautiful acres within the Pocono Mountains create a natural, tranquil, peaceful and healing setting for your daughter and family.

Embark offers premier short-term residential care and support for pre-teen and teen girls ages 12-17, who may be struggling with mental health. We provide a healing, nurturing and safe environment to help families and their daughters overcome behavioral health issues that may be affecting their everyday life. Embark is proud to tailor treatment to the individual needs of each student and family.

For teen girls experiencing and struggling with the mental health issues below, the earlier they are diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Identifying those behaviors and symptoms early on and implementing a course of care and specialized treatment can prevent further and more severe problems from developing as teen girls grow into adults.

Short-term treatment typically lasts between one and three months. Pre-teens and teens best suited for short-term treatment often come to The Poconos from another treatment program or an unsuccessful living environment seeking a 24-hour continuum of care. In our trusted home-like environment, we provide an empathetic and supportive therapeutic structure that helps pre-teens and teens manage their daily life tasks and make healthy lifestyle changes.

If you are looking for a short-term residential program for pre-teen and teen boys, visit Embark at the Forge.

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Short-Term Residential Treatment in Pennsylvania and Across the Country

Embark at The Poconos is proud to offer short-term residential treatment in Pennsylvania and across the country. We provide a unique developmental framework that allows us to heal and strengthen the functional, mental, and physical strength of your child alongside other adolescents that come from many different backgrounds and upbringings. Our peaceful, therapeutic environment in the Poconos and high standards of treatment provides the perfect environment for your child to work alongside other pre-teens and teens from all over the United States to overcome difficult mental health issues.

 

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Embark at The Poconos FAQ

In short-term residential treatment at Embark at The Poconos, pre-teen and teen girls will live at our beautiful residential treatment center in Pennsylvania and participate in a schedule of activities centered around treating mental health conditions and healing. The benefit of short-term care at Embark at The Poconos is that it is more affordable than long-term care, the shorter care we provide makes it easier for adolescents to jump back into life at home, and it is frequently reimbursed by insurance.

The main differences between short-term care at Embark at The Poconos and inpatient treatment are the treatment environments and lengths of care. Our beautiful location in White Haven provides pre-teens and teens with a home-like environment and a schedule that mirrors home life but has more therapy mixed in throughout the day. Inpatient treatment usually takes place in a hospital environment. Embark at The Poconos also provides a longer treatment time in comparison to inpatient treatment, which can last around 30 days on average.

The length of treatment differs for each pre-teen and teen, but on average our treatment periods can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days.

People from all over the United States come to our residential treatment center in Pennsylvania due to the intensive 24-hour care it can provide for a wide range of mental health and substance abuse issues. For pre-teens and teens who have educational needs, safety issues, lack of support at home, need intensive treatment after inpatient care or needed a more in-depth treatment option after outpatient treatment, treatment at Embark at The Poconos can be a good option.

Our treatments are necessary when your pre-teen or teen’s mental health needs are too great for outpatient care, or when they are stepping down in treatment intensity, for example from an inpatient hospitalization program. Short-term residential treatment can also be a good option if someone feels unsafe at home, or for those who are trying to break out of a negative daily routine.

Engaging Therapeutic and Experiential Activities

In addition to traditional therapy methods, your teen will also participate in therapeutic and experiential activities. We implement these activities for your teen to not only get a break from the house but also learn how to apply the skills learned on campus in real-world environments, while also learning healthy and appropriate ways to find enjoyment in life.

All the activities that we do fall within one of the five domains of functioning which include social functioning, emotional functioning, intellectual functioning, physical functioning, or spiritual functioning. We also love to hear suggestions of ideas from each of our students and take their interests into account when scheduling the monthly activities. Here are some examples of activities that we do that fall under each category:

Start your healing journey

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Phone: 570-715-6185

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Embark at Poconos

108 Country Place Lane

White Haven, PA 18661

Embark Behavioral Health’s Short-Term Residential Programs

Embark Behavioral Health has four other dedicated, premier short-term residential programs that serve families nationally. Learn about each one to find one that fits your needs.

A happy group of teens walks arm-in-arm

San Martin, California 

Embark at
San Martin

Coed Treatment Ages 12-17

Learn More
Inpatient Residential Treatment For Girls Embark Behavioral Health Hobble Creek Utah Valley

Springville, Utah

Embark at
Hobble Creek

For Girls Ages 12 - 17

Learn More
Patient enjoying recreational activities

Benton, Tennessee

Embark at
The Forge

For Boys Ages 12-17

Learn More
AdobeStock 271631082

Marion, Montana

Embark at
Flathead Valley

Coed Treatment Ages 12-17

Learn More
Emotional Icon

Emotional

Animal interactions

Painting

Making dreamcatchers

Poetry

Social Icon

Social

Laser Tag

Karaoke

Service Projects

Baking

Bowling

Intellectual Icon

Intellectual

Knoebels Amusement Park

Hershey Park

Historical Philadelphia

Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Museum of Art

National Parks

Physical Icon yellow

Physical

White Water rafting

Bike Trails

Waterfall trails

State Park Outdoor Activities

Horseback riding

Aerial Park/Ropes Course

Spiritual Icon Green

Spiritual

Yoga

Salt cave

Sound bath

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Conditions We Treat

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Interventions and Therapies

Our services are highly recognized.  Specialized services and areas of focus include:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)

• Experiential Therapy

Daily Schedule Highlights

Embark at the Poconos offers a structured, supportive learning environment designed to promote healing, self-care and emotional wellness. The schedule encompasses activities of daily living, groups, exercise, meals and a therapeutic milieu. This approach, in combination with individual and family therapy, is designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships and improve social-emotional functioning.

8am - 10am
Morning Routine

10am
Group

11am - 3pm
School

3pm
Activity

4pm
Yoga

5pm
Dinner

6pm
Group

7pm - 10pm
Evening Routine

Tour Embark at Poconos

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Our Team

Helene Creasy

Position: Vice President, Embark at the Poconos
Credentials: LCSW, MBA
Helene has extensive experience in the delivery, management, and administration of behavioral health services. Over the span of her 30-year career, she has developed programming in various adult and adolescent treatment settings including inpatient care, partial hospitalization, IOP and outpatient. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker herself, she is passionate about person-centered, quality treatment. Helene seeks to build genuine relationships with the individuals and families she serves. Her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT and Multi-Systemic Family Therapy provides a clinical framework that is solution-focused. Prior to joining Embark, Helene operated a Private Practice, had been an adjunct faculty member at Alvernia University and currently serves on several community advisory boards. Helene is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. She received her BSW from Bloomsburg University, MSW from Temple University and attained her MBA from the University of Scranton. Helene and her husband own and manage a local pizzeria. In her free time, Helene enjoys traveling, walking, hiking, spending time with family and loves to relax near the East Coast beaches.

Helene Creasy

Vice President, Embark at the Poconos

Helene has extensive experience in the delivery, management, and administration...

Katie Holahan

Position: Clinical Director
Credentials: LCSW CATP
Katie Holahan graduated from Marywood University with an MSW degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Behavioral Health.  She has been working in the field for 15 years and has been acknowledged internationally as a certified trauma therapist. Katie has provided family and individual therapy, substance abuse, and behavior modification to a wide variety of populations such as children starting at the age of 5 to adults 60 and over.  She has treated individuals diagnosed with autism, mental health illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and comorbidity.

Katie Holahan

Clinical Director

Katie Holahan graduated from Marywood University with an MSW degree in...

Kathleen Goughler

Position: Director of Professional Relations
Kathleen Goughler is the Director of Professional Relations for Embark at Main Line.  Kathleen has bachelor’s degree in marketing for West Chester University.  She has extension experience working in the mental health community.  Kathleen started her career working for Johnson and Johnson in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. She continued her career in the mental health field by working with residential treatment programs for adolescents and adults.  Kathleen has spent over 12 years working with families, treatment providers and programs to build awareness for treatment options to those struggling with mental health and addiction.  She is committed to being a pillar in the community to reduce the stigma of mental health treatment.  Kathleen is married with two sons and one cat.  She loves spending time with her family, the sun of the beach and not taking life too seriously.

Kathleen Goughler

Director of Professional Relations

Kathleen Goughler is the Director of Professional Relations for Embark...

Elmer Cupino 400x500 1

Elmer Cupino

Position: Board Certified Psychiatrist
Credentials: MD
Dr. Elmer Cupino was born in the Philippines and is a graduate of Walla Walla University, Washington. He earned his medical degree from the University of Montemorelos, Mexico, and completed his residency in Psychiatry at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, and his Child & Adolescent fellowship at University of Massachusetts. Dr. Cupino has almost thirty years of hospital inpatient and outpatient psychiatric practice in both general psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry in DuBois, PA., Pottsville, PA., and currently at Tower Health in Pottstown, PA. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and good standing member of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He has served as a clinical assistant professor for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, DeSales University in the Nurse Practitioner program and Physician Assistant program, Drexel Nurse Practitioner program and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He and his wife, Dorothy, call southern Berks, PA. their home. Their two sons have flown the nest. The eldest son Andrew, a practicing radiation-oncologist lives in MT with his wife and three sons while their second son, Alan, a Ph D candidate in Epidemiology lives in CA with his wife and is employed by the Los Angeles county as a supervising epidemiologist.
Elmer Cupino 400x500 1

Elmer Cupino

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Dr. Elmer Cupino was born in the Philippines and is...

Stephanie Bernardryn

Position: Enrollment Director

Stephanie Bernardryn

Enrollment Director

Emily Berry

Position: Nurse Practitioner
Credentials: MSN, CRNP
Emily Berry, MSN, CRNP serves as a Nurse Practitioner for Embark at the Main Line. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Villanova University before pursuing a career in nursing. She then went on to achieve her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. She has many years of experience working with the pediatric and adolescent populations and is passionate about caring for others. Emily grew up in the area and currently lives with her husband, son, and dog, Nimbus. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and learning new things.

Emily Berry

Nurse Practitioner

Emily Berry, MSN, CRNP serves as a Nurse Practitioner for...

Regan Sarmento

Position: Director of Professional Relations
Regan Sarmento, M. Ed. has enjoyed an exciting career supporting adolescents struggling with mental illness for over 20 years. She began her career at American Day Treatment Center which later transitioned to Mirmont Behavioral Health. While working within the partial hospital program, she oversaw the educational component of client treatment and was an advocate aiding in successful return back to each client’s academic environment. In 2016, Regan oversaw the creation and management of the first PHP offered by Onward Behavioral Health. She later transitioned to Assistant Director of Adolescent Services at OBH. Currently, she is the Director of Professional Relations with Embark Behavioral Health in the Philadelphia region where she enjoys her role as a community liaison and advocates passionately for families on their journey of mental wellness. Regan earned both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from West Chester University and is passionate about equality of treatment for adolescents and meeting their ever changing mental health needs. In addition, Regan is both a wife and mother of two children. Additionally, she co-facilitates Nourish for Caregivers, a support group within her parish. In her off time, she can often be found on the sidelines of a soccer field or walking the fields of Chester County.

Regan Sarmento

Director of Professional Relations

Regan Sarmento, M. Ed. has enjoyed an exciting career supporting...

Alicia Hamilton

Position: Academic Coordinator
Alicia is a highly skilled instructional designer with 25 years of classroom teaching experience across multiple grade levels. She has extensive practice designing successful learning opportunities and supporting educational communities for a diverse set of students, including those with specialized cognitive and behavioral needs. Alicia believes explicit support in executive functioning and emotional regulation is central to academic success, and she is certified by Mindful Schools to instruct students in a variety of techniques to manage stress and build resilience. Her unique set of skills enables Alicia to engage compassionately with students, parents, and colleagues. Alicia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and her Master of Arts in Instructional Technology from San Jose State. In the summer of 2021, she relocated from San Jose, California to Northeast Pennsylvania. In her free time, Alicia enjoys volunteering at the White Haven Area Community Library, reading, walking, live music, and traveling.

Alicia Hamilton

Academic Coordinator

Alicia is a highly skilled instructional designer with 25 years...

Anna Alberswerth

Position: Administrative Assistant
Anna has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Anna launched her career by attaining an Associates Degree as a Medical Assistant and immediately went to work at a cardiology/family practice upon graduation. Anna then moved on in her career and became a Certified Nursing Assistant where she worked in long term care facilities with the elderly. Additionally, she has experience in Emergency Room settings where she advanced her clinical skills.  Anna has a love of lifelong learning and has advanced her career, serving in a variety of capacities. These include staffing coordinator, medical record director, central supply director, and has worked alongside human resource teams. Anna is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. She plans to pursue a Human Resource Manager certificate within the next few months.  Anna and her husband have a handsome son who absolutely adores the history of the Titanic. In her free time, Anna likes to go on hikes, walks with her family and dogs, traveling, and learning more about the Titanic. Anna also believes in self care and loves going to a local spa for some relaxation.

Anna Alberswerth

Administrative Assistant

Anna has over 15 years of experience in the medical...

Emily Gokey

Position: Therapist
Throughout the last decade, Emily has used her skills as an LSW to provide services to individuals helping them overcome both mental health and substance abuse issues. Emily utilizes a combination of therapeutic techniques including CBT, DBT, SMART Recovery, and Motivational Interviewing while using a person centered approach to meet each individual where they are at clinically. Emily has experience working in both an inpatient and outpatient setting allowing her to understand the continuum of treatment. Emily uses a caring and empathetic approach with each client to assist them in building rapport and developing a safe trauma informed space for them to begin processing their trauma. Emily received both her BSW and MSW from Kutztown University. Emily is also a proud fur mom to her 3 dogs and 2 cats, one of which she is training to be a Therapy Dog. In her free time, Emily enjoy spending time outdoors and playing in a local soccer league.

Emily Gokey

Therapist

Throughout the last decade, Emily has used her skills as...

Joie Knott

Position: Therapist
Joie has experience in the delivery of mental health services in a variety of settings with adults and adolescents. Her experience includes crisis intervention and management, case management, community care, and employment services. Prior to joining Embark, she was a member of the Schuylkill County Forensic Task Force whose mission is to address social injustices with individuals who have had involvement with the criminal justice system due to mental health needs. Joie received her MSW from Baylor University where she concentrated in clinical social work. Joie dedicated her advanced year at Baylor University to researching crisis intervention and crisis management. She has been a first responder for eight years with her local fire company and enjoys being an active member in her community.

Joie Knott

Therapist

Joie has experience in the delivery of mental health services...

Michele Garren

Position: Registered Nurse
Michele Garren has been working in healthcare since her first job.  As a teenager she began as a Certified Nursing Assistant and continued this as she put herself through college obtaining her RN license.  A Registered Nurse since 1993 she has worked in a variety of specialties but was always found herself being drawn back to behavioral health. Michele enjoys talking with, listening, and supporting her patients. She always keeps her own children in mind when caring for her students “I treat them just as I would treat my own kids or how I would expect someone else to treat my children.”  In her spare time Michele enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband and sons.

Michele Garren

Registered Nurse

Michele Garren has been working in healthcare since her first...

Yurii Harden

Position: Assistant Clinical Director
Yurii has experience in the delivery, management, and administration of behavioral health services. Over the span of a 30-year career, she has provided and developed programming in various adult and adolescent treatment settings including inpatient care, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she strives to recognize the uniqueness and worth of each client and treats clients/families with respect and dignity while recognizing the value every individual brings to the world. Education and training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing provides a clinical framework that is solution-focused. Prior to joining Embark, Yurii was a member of a Private Practice Team and clinical director of a residential treatment facility. Yurii has largely resided in Northeastern Pennsylvania and received a BS from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA and MSW from Marywood University, Scranton, PA. She is State Certified in DDAP Clinical Supervision, SAMSHA Certified Trainer of Trauma Informed Care Approaches, and ASAM Assessments for Level of Care State Certified. Yurii and her husband enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, and caring for their many pets.

Yurii Harden

Assistant Clinical Director

Yurii has experience in the delivery, management, and administration of...

Michelle Grigas-Nause

Position: Recreational Therapist
Michelle has 30 years of experience working in the mental health field. She has worked in an array of services from residential facilities, to in home counseling, to family services and the last 15 years as an outpatient therapist in a clinic setting. Michelle has experience in trauma informed care, CBT, individual as well as family therapy with adults and children. Michelle prides herself in forming bonds with the people she works with and feeling like she has made an impact on those she works with. Michelle has lived in Pennsylvania most of her life. She received her BA in Psychology from Mansfield University. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She loves to go camping in their RV and going to the beach, along with kayaking, fishing and crafting.

Michelle Grigas-Nause

Recreational Therapist

Michelle has 30 years of experience working in the mental...

Tammy Allegretta

Position: Chef

Tammy Allegretta

Chef

Embark at The Poconos Reviews

Embark at the Poconos
Embark at the Poconos
5.0
Based on 13 reviews
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rissa roxsrissa roxs
01:56 14 Jan 22
I was here from Sept to November 2021. Embark and my therapists helped me very much to stabilize my thoughts. I would definitely recommend this facility!!
Grace NelsonGrace Nelson
17:08 13 Nov 21
I highly recommend Embark at the Poconos based on the excellent experience our daughter had there this fall. First, we wanted her to be safe and Embark is very serious about safety, starting by watching her 24/7 when she first arrived. We also were pleased with the way they treated all aspects of her health; emotional, mental, and physical. They helped us evaluate her medications and they have an excellent nurse on staff who was very responsive to our daughters' needs and our questions. She was able to continue her schoolwork while at Embark with support from an experienced full-time teacher. Finally, her therapist was tremendous. She dug deep into our daughter's thoughts and feelings and truly helped her develop the coping skills she needs going forward. We also worked as a family to determine how we could better support our daughter's emotional well-being and we signed a expectations and consequences contract to help all of us. She will most likely struggle with her emotional health throughout her life but the team at Embark gave her many of the tools she will need to live a better life. Thank you Embark!!
Clay BagbyClay Bagby
16:43 04 Nov 21
My daughter was in residential treatment at Embark at the Poconos for 8 weeks this fall. During that time we were very impressed with the program and the people we worked with. Katie was a wonderful therapist and worked hard with our daughter but was also very available to us. Because we live in Georgia, we were limited in our ability to visit but they did a great job to serve us with virtual family sessions, after hours phone calls, quick text message communication, and intentionality toward our involvement and input in the treatment process. Additionally, they did a great job to work with our insurance so that we could maximize the benefits of residential treatment. Overall, it was a very positive experience for us and our daughter.
Barbara ButlerBarbara Butler
20:52 21 Oct 21
After many months of hospitalizations and programs, we finally found success at Embark in the Poconos. Their individualized approach to my daughters mental health issues is what she really needed for that "breakthrough moment" to start to get better. I can't say enough about her therapist Emily. She was absolutely wonderful and we will never forget her impact on our lives. She and the entire staff, helped my daughter and I through the hardest time of our lives.
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Embark Behavioral Health’s Short-Term Residential Programs

Embark Behavioral Health has four other dedicated, premier short-term residential programs that serve families nationally. Learn about each one to find one that fits your needs.

A happy group of teens walks arm-in-arm

San Martin, California 

Embark at
San Martin

Coed Treatment Ages 12-17

Learn More
Inpatient Residential Treatment For Girls Embark Behavioral Health Hobble Creek Utah Valley

Springville, Utah

Embark at
Hobble Creek

For Girls Ages 12 - 17

Learn More
Patient enjoying recreational activities

Benton, Tennessee

Embark at
The Forge

For Boys Ages 12-17

Learn More
AdobeStock 271631082

Marion, Montana

Embark at
Flathead Valley

Coed Treatment Ages 12-17

Learn More