About Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School

A well-rounded boarding school leads to a well-rounded individual

Nestled in scenic northwest Montana is a place where young people come to find themselves. Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School offers a nurturing and supportive environment, with the clinical sophistication of a residential treatment center. We specialize in treating female students, ages 13-18, who internalize debilitating emotional issues versus externalized behaviors. We treat students struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, which can manifest with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family dysfunction, feelings of low self-worth and academic trauma.

We believe that to heal within, we must get outside. Our adventure and experiential modalities allow our students to take healthy risks, make healthy connections, and we use service and cultural immersion opportunities to get clients outside of themselves. Our clinical team utilizes trauma-informed interventions, such as EMDR and Brainspotting, along with family therapy programming that includes parent coaching and transition support.

Our accredited school offers robust electives, special education and executive functioning support to help students realize their strengths, so that they can flourish in an academic environment. Our 40+ acre lakeside property is nestled under the majesty of Glacier National Park, and hosts family-style homes next to our beautiful academic and clinical buildings.

Our program consists of:

  • Highly qualified and caring academic and clinical experts
  • A proven comprehensive and individualized program (ask about our data collection!)
  • A robust, year-round adventure therapy program
  • Routine psychiatric care for students needing medication evaluation and support
  • A specialization in relational development and family-style living
  • A calm and beautiful setting conducive to healing
  • International travel opportunities and local excursions

Chrysalis was founded in 1998 by two clinicians who dreamed of creating a residential treatment program that paralleled life at home. Over the years since Chrysalis was founded, the school has maintained the core principles of relational treatment while expanding from its original size. Today, Chrysalis is accredited by the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), Cognia, and the Joint Commission, and is officially licensed and registered with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. We are members of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

Why are we located in Montana?

Chrysalis is intentionally located in beautiful northwest Montana to promote opportunities for self-reflection and healing away from urban distractions.  We are in close proximity to the solitude of wild places where deep healing and self-exploration unfolds.

Our backyard is a large outdoor playground in pristine mountains with challenging rock faces, downhill skiing and snowboarding,  wild rivers, and grand forests where experiences await students. The campus provides inspiring views of the Whitefish mountain range, our lakeshore invites opportunities for contemplative moments along with hours of water activities in the summer.

Families quickly discover that our location is what sets us apart and allows us to facilitate robust adventure programming year round. Our setting removes the distractions of peer pressure, implicit expectations and other issues that may have brought our students here in the first place. An outdoor environment allows them to have an appreciation for something greater than themselves by giving them a sense of connection, meaning, and purpose.

Chrysalis has made all the difference for many families and their daughters. Even those who have not had success with other programs emerge from a state of emotional anguish and self-destructive behavior to develop a stable, enlightened and empowered sense of self.