Eckerd Youth Alternatives
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A Pioneer in Adolescent Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens 

Eckerd Youth Alternatives is an industry leader in outdoor therapeutic programs for troubled teens not only because of our highly effective approach, but also because we’ve been working with troubled teens for over 40 years. 

A Leader in Outdoor Therapy
for Troubled Teens

Jack and Ruth Eckerd founded our very first residential adolescent treatment program for troubled boys in 1968 in Brooksville, Florida. At the time, the primary treatment option for troubled teens was hospitalization. The Eckerds saw an investment in children as an investment in the future of our country, and believed at-risk youth needed a better treatment alternative, one that was more holistic and provided long-lasting change.   

The Eckerds’ nurturing, outdoor-therapy approach was viewed by some as hopelessly naive. The critics, however, were proven wrong, and the success of Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ first outdoor program paved the way for many more adolescent treatment programs for troubled boys and girls. More than merely a residential home for troubled youth, Eckerd’s programs provide a holistic, nurturing environment where “at-risk” transforms into “successful” and “productive.”

As opposed to typical “boot camps” or other wilderness programs, Eckerd Youth Alternatives provides specialized care, based on each teen’s development and particular needs. Students in Eckerd’s programs not only receive the emotional and social attention they need, but they also maintain their academic progress through our accredited on-campus schools.

Eckerd Youth Alternatives now operates 14 outdoor therapy programs in seven states. Most are dedicated to serving youth referred by public agencies. However, three are dedicated to serving troubled teens privately referred by families and professionals.  Eckerd Academy at Brooksville, Florida, Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge, Georgia and Eckerd Academy at Deer Lodge, Tennessee. 

A National Leader in Youth Services
In the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, Eckerd Youth Alternatives has developed many other residential and community-based programs, as well to help at-risk and troubled youth. Today, it is considered to be one of the nation’s leading youth services organizations, serving at-risk and troubled youth through about 40 residential and community-based programs nationawide. More information about other Eckerd programs is available on the Website. Throughout the years, one principle remains constant: the nurturing, caring environment in which kids learn to re-direct their behavior, take responsibility and return home to their families as better daughters and sons.

Our Mission
Develop and share programs that promote the well-being of children and serve at-risk youth and their families.

Our Vision
Ensure that each child has the opportunity to succeed.

Our Values

  • We base our concepts upon a belief in God and the uniqueness and inherent worth of each individual.
  • We believe that youth always come first.
  • We strive to assist youth in developing their potential to achieve balanced physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual strength.
  • We believe that youth and their families are our partners in treatment.
  • We seek to build a culturally diverse organization that honors the cultural diversity of the youth, families and communities we serve.
  • We embrace innovation, flexibility, reflection, and continuous improvement.
  • We thrive in a culture of learning, personal development and professional growth.
  • We value all members of our staff and strive to provide the highest level of care and support to each.
  • We hold ourselves accountable for achieving superior outcomes.
  • We strive for excellence in all of our endeavors.

Our Beliefs About Working With Youth

  • Youth come first. The first question is always, “Is it good for kids?”
  • We treat youth with unconditional positive regard.
  • We believe in and are committed to each youth’s ability to change.
  • We believe in treating the whole youth: mind, body and spirit.
  • We believe youth are partners in program and treatment.
  • We believe in partnering with the youth’s family or guardians and the community to ensure the youth’s success.
  • Eckerd programs are non-punitive.
  • Eckerd staff members are genuine, straight forward and consistent.

ECKERD YOUTH  ALTERNATIVES, INC.  •  P.O. Box 7450, Clearwater, FL 33758-7450
Tel 727-461-2990  •   1-800-554-HELP (4357)  •   Fax 727-442-5911
© Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.
Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. strictly adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in the admission of youths without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, religion or national origin. Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)