Equinox RTC, a residential treatment center for teen boys ages 14-18, expands their post-graduation support system for students as they see an increase in enrollment of 11th and 12th graders. 

As Equinox students begin to look towards life post-graduation, it is important that Equinox provides a solid support system so students and their families can best plan for what the future might hold. Some students look towards attending university or local community college and require help with the application process while other students plan to immediately enter the job market. Regardless of which comes first, the student’s support team, which includes teachers, therapists, and residential counselors, helps students explore career options that they are passionate about to help them determine paths of interest after high school. 

“One of the things that I am most proud of at Equinox is how we support students in the college and career planning process.” says Equinox Academic Director Bonnie Richardson, “We’ve helped many students through big life transitions such as applying for jobs or getting their own apartment. The transition from Equinox to young adult life is an enormous transition and it’s crucial that we are there to support our students and families in navigating these big decisions and sorting through options, as well as managing some of the stress and anxiety that comes with this. We have seen them grow and transform and often see potential and strengths they are just beginning to realize.”

Students are given several career assessment tools to determine interests and potential matches for career pursuits. One tool that Equinox utilizes is  career surveying or assessment. Students are actually given three assessments for consistency and accuracy; if an interest or career field shows up repeatedly across all assessments, this is a strong indicator that the student may want to research that interest, field of study, or career. After completing the assessments, students go over the results with the Academic Director and discuss what piques their interest. Career surveys are a good indicator of passions and occasionally suggest unexplored interests. These assessment tools have led many Equinox students to be curious about career potentials and sometimes ones that they had never considered.

Equinox staff emphasizes the importance of having a combination of personal strengths and passion when it comes to choosing a career. Once students have worked with Equinox staff to determine a few overlapping interests, staff will work with students to gain knowledge and experience in related fields. Sometimes this can be done on the Equinox campus. For example, if students have an interest in psychology, they are encouraged to shadow Primary Therapists to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities. And many students have worked with the Facilities Director to learn carpentry and other skills for trade school.

Equinox staff will also assist in helping students to find field-related experience elsewhere such as volunteer opportunities, internships, and summer jobs.

To learn more about academics at Equinox, visit https://equinoxrtc.com/student-life/academics/ or call (877) 279-8925 for more information.

About Equinox RTC

Equinox RTC is a leading residential treatment center for boys ages 14-18. Equinox is unique in its focus on Trauma, Loss, and Attachment, providing clinically intensive treatment for boys struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD, learning disabilities, and other emotional and behavioral needs. Equinox offers a combination of clinically sophisticated support with a whole-person approach including adventure therapy, a health and fitness program, and a whole foods diet. Equinox provides a fully accredited school, with broad course selections taught by licensed teachers in a college-preparatory environment.