The Shores Academy

Set in the seaside La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, The Shores Academy helps teens work through substance use and related mental health challenges or process addictions by addressing the deeper issues behind their behavior. Their outpatient programs support healing in the mind, body, and spirit through a mix of individual, group, and family therapy. Teens can also join a specialized anger management program that helps them understand their triggers and build healthier ways to cope.

Standout features of The Shores Academy are that they treat marijuana and smoking/nicotine addictions, which most treatment centers in the U.S. don't treat, and that they use their proximity to the Pacific to offer surfing and kayaking as part of therapy.

Keeping Teens on Track—In and Out of the Classroom

Teens at The Shores Academy continue their education while in treatment. The morning intensive outpatient program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by academic tutoring from 3 to 5 p.m. This schedule helps reduce school disruptions and supports a smoother return to daily life. The program also offers educational resources on adolescent development so families can better understand and support their teen’s progress.

Where Science Meets Whole-Person Care

The Shores Academy uses evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). For trauma, they have a specialized therapy called trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Additionally, they use medication support when needed, including nicotine replacement therapies.

In addition to clinical counseling, their experiential therapies like surf and kayak therapies and experience-based therapies like art and music give teens hands-on ways to explore emotions, build confidence, and connect with peers in a natural setting. These approaches help teens develop skills for long-term recovery and personal growth.

Guiding Families, Not Just Teens

Families play an important role in the healing process. Through family counseling and educational support, loved ones learn tools to strengthen communication and create a more supportive home environment. The Shores Academy's team helps family understand how to provide a supportive environment for continued long-term recovery.