As the pioneers in providing worldwide, in-home aftercare services, Homeward Bound has had great success in helping families prepare for a smooth transition home. Our research-based model is designed to prepare and guide the family through the predictable phases of transition (Excitement, Honeymoon, Testing, and Maintenance), as well as the not so predictable bumps along the way. Our research, unique curriculum, and model are consistently taught and facilitated online with the Family Bridge technology, in-home workshops, parent coaching videos, and through Dr. Tim Thayne’s book Not by Chance: How Parents Boost Their Teen’s Success In and After Treatment.

As far as we know, we are the only company and model that has been brought in-house and licensed by some of the best treatment programs in the country to help them boost their treatment outcomes.

A significant portion of what we do has been done virtually for the last 20 years. We have worked with families all over the world and have had consistent success rates whether we are local to you or not.

All of our coaches are experts in supporting the whole family system, and will focus on helping each individual do their part. Research shows that in the treatment of mental health, parent-focused support groups create the most positive results. Our coaches are experts in working with both the parents and the teen simultaneously. We help families and individuals create sustainable change and build upon solid, principled foundations without boxing individuals into a one-size-fits all approach. In addition, all of our coaches are P.h.D or Master’s degree level clinicians with a variety of specific expertise ranging from, anxiety, adhd, depression, ASD, self-harm, school refusal, substance abuse, excessive technology use, conflict at home, emotional dysregulation, identity challenges, etc. We are especially skilled at helping parents focus on their part in managing these challenges.

Homeward Bound has a 96% satisfaction rating (2021). We have found that the most satisfied and successful families include parents who are willing to be committed and engaged in the process, and who are looking to build solid habits for the future, rather than look for temporary fixes or someone else to do the work.

Even during our busiest times we can start working with you virtually right away and schedule the initial home visit as soon as possible.

Clinically speaking, yes. All of our coaches have a Master’s or Ph.D. level clinical degree. But when we started Homeward Bound, we were intentional about creationg traction more quickly than traditional therapy does. What we “do” is far
beyond a therapist conducting out-patient therapy sessions inside of a home. Our workshops and coaching are customized for each family and built on proven processes and principles. When applied consistently, it results in great outcomes. Parents are empowered, teens maintain the gains made in treatment, and peace and security settle in.

There are three things we consider: level of engagement, parental stamina, and safety issues. Does the family resonate and want to engage in a model that is designed to help them as parents, while also helping their teen or young adult? If
they want that kind of coaching and support, we are probably a really good fit for them. If they are a good fit for us depends on the clinical acuity of the situation. There does have to be enough energy for the parents to engage in the process. There has to be enough safety that we aren’t worried teens will harm themselves. Parents just need “a little in the tank” and we’ll add to your energy supply. If it’s an early intervention case, then we look at patterns of spiraling. If they haven’t recovered in between crises, then they may need an out of home placement. If parents can’t come to an agreement on anything, then that would be another reason for an out-of-home placement for a teen who is escalating.

Yes, we refer to this as our early intervention program and it's catered perfectly to this situation. We have helped hundreds of families who are in between out-patient therapy and sending their teen to treatment.

Our coaches and curriculum focus on the practical, concrete topics relevant to each teen and his/her family. We tap into media and other forms of information for our content, and use various formats to communicate, such as video coaching and texting. Every family is given access to the “Own It!” youth curriculum which is a 10-unit mini-course that prepares teens with the mindset they need to own their choices, and a personal profile to guide their decisions. Our goal is to help the teen build on their newfound knowledge and skills and use them in the “real world.”

Parents are universally concerned about who their teens will turn to for friendship and support after having been away in treatment. At Homeward Bound we believe in multiple natural mentors, versus one paid mentor. We help families identify and empower the natural mentors in their hometown or teen’s life, who can provide friendship and leadership for years to come. And, if needed, we also have trained peer mentors on staff to further support our families.

No, we send our Masters or Ph.D. level therapists to spend time in your home, where they are able to gather and utilize the subtle information necessary to help the family craft a plan that is tailored to their own strengths, weaknesses and unique circumstances. These in-home workshops are incredibly impactful and help to provide the stamina and confidence necessary to shift deeply ingrained family patterns. Our clients regularly remark that our three day visit to their home is more effective than anything else they’ve ever done in therapy.

Beyond our coach’s work with a family systems approach, we also provide case management and connect with any key players (local therapists, school personnel, doctors, coaches, extended family, neighbors and friends) to ensure that a safety-net of support is cast wide enough to sustain continued progress in all areas of the teen’s life—positive peers, academics, job, and extracurricular activities. Too often the efforts of these good people are not coordinated and as a result are not as effective. Our coaches help organize and coordinate treatment so that everyone involved “pulls” in the same direction.