White River Academy is a therapeutic boarding school located on the edge of Utah’s Great Basin. It supports adolescent boys facing issues such as mental health, behavioral challenges, substance use, learning difficulties, and family conflict. Through a structured, residential program, the academy combines academics and therapy to guide students toward long-term growth and success.
The program integrates evidence-based and holistic therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, and the academy’s signature developmental vacation model. Students participate in individual and group counseling, along with family therapy that strengthens relationships and reinforces progress at home.
What sets White River apart is its use of animal and equine therapy to promote emotional connection, responsibility, and trust. Students care for and ride horses as part of their therapeutic routine. The campus’ natural surroundings provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking and team sports. These experiences help students build resilience, discipline, and healthy peer relationships in a supportive, engaging environment.
Classified as multi-setting mental health facility (e.g., non-hospital residential plus either outpatient and/or partial hospitalization/day treatment). private for-profit organization. Primary focus: mental health treatment, treatment for co-occurring substance use plus either serious mental health illness in adults/serious emotional disturbance in children.
This listing is sourced from the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Data last synced: April 2026. Always verify current programs and insurance directly with the facility.
