We are breaking our silence, families deserve to know there is hope.
Breaking Code Silence and Unsilenced have utilized online discussion boards such as Reddit to accuse and mischaracterize programs, individuals, and the therapeutic field at large of maltreatment. This wide mischaracterization paints all programs as bad or harmful.
Sadly, many families are not accessing treatment as a result of these forums.
To rally public action, focus has been placed on accusations that draw the most attention.
This is a form of sensationalized or clickbait content. These often shocking grievances are not indicative of regulated and relationship-focused therapeutic programs.
As is common with stigmatic media, the community boards which harvest allegations do not allow open dialogue to address the issues nor share positive stories. Specifically, the community boards only allow negative remarks against youth treatment facilities.
Sensationalized headlines pull readers into an ‘information cocoon’ of one-sided information regarding youth treatment facilities. By fixating on the instances where individuals felt abandoned, we lose focus of the vast majority of youth whose experience helped them reconnect with their family and themselves.
Why does this matter?
When we experience stress, our decision-making ability is significantly impaired. Not only is it harder to make decisions in crisis scenarios–we actually have less accurate perceptions of our processing.
Can you imagine the stress induced when your child is in a mental or behavioral health crisis, you have exhausted your community resources, and sensationalized media sources lead you to believe there are no safe therapeutic programs for your child?
Sound decisions need a wider perspective than the rabbit holes of anonymous community boards.
If the only easily accessible information is weighted with negative reviews or comments from individuals with no personal experience in youth treatment programs– how will families know that our therapeutic approach is safe, regulated, relational, and successful?
Much of the negativity portrayed in news headlines or shared through social media feeds are experiences of individuals who, decades ago, were in unregulated, behavioral modification programs.
Clinical modalities and therapeutic approaches are constantly evolving and improving to better help children and families in need.
Our program focuses on building healthy connections through relational therapy to promote long-lasting change.
For those who have experienced trauma, we wholeheartedly continue to acknowledge and hold space for you.
Our team is dedicated to the perpetual process of improving our field through:
- continually educating ourselves and others on trauma-informed treatment.
- sharing clinical expertise with other programs to improve best practices.
- actively taking part in national conferences to learn from others.
- consistently advancing regulation of youth therapy programs.
Familiarize yourself with the latest facts about today's adolescent treatment programs:



Today, families have access to supportive, safe, and nurturing therapeutic environments. You’re not alone. There is hope.
Relationship based programs rely on the quality of our relationships as the primary basis of change.
Reddit and other social media platforms aren’t credible sources of information. Why?
Reddit communities and social media algorithms implement strategic rules and formatting. These rules mean accredited youth treatment facilities which engage in regulated, trauma-informed and relational therapy have been unable to share their stories in “community” discussion.
We know it can be heartrending to send a reluctant teen to get the help they need. We want families to know that we are dedicated to supporting and nurturing youth in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Families are in good hands at Trails Carolina.
Our certified & licensed therapists implement up-to-date, evidence-based, & trauma-informed treatment practices. Our family-systems approach ensures family involvement & support for parents at every step.
We collaborate with reputable organizations such as CReATE, Asheville, NC, & The University of Arkansas to conduct our outcomes studies. We use our outcome data to improve the quality & effectiveness of our treatment practices.
One-sided, biased media portrayal has negatively impacted public perception of our clinically proven therapeutic models. This creates fear for families, preventing them from getting the help they need.
Mental Health Intervention Outcomes
On average, youth receiving mental health interventions report a 40% improvement in their symptoms upon program completion.
Parents and guardians report a 55% average symptomatic improvement for their child. Source

We want to join the conversation by disrupting the one-sided narrative of negative information. Our hope is to shed light on the safe practices and beneficial work our staff have dedicated their lives to.
Get started today
Contact us today to learn how Trails Carolina can help your family
Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022