California Addiction Treatment Center Offers Equine Therapy for Teens

Adolescent drug and alcohol treatment program Newport Academy spotlighted their breakthrough equine therapy program this week, as part of their ongoing initiative to provide holistic, progressive therapies to teen residents in recovery. With an emphasis on the psychological and emotional experience of horsemanship, the center’s program offers professionally guided interactions with horses on the rehabilitation center’s scenic Southern California campus.

 “Residents at Newport find our Equine Assisted Therapy Program transformative,” explained Mickey Kay Troxell, Newport Academy Certified Equine Therapist. “Adolescents can relate to horses as part of experiential therapy, building confidence, bonding abilities and emotional intuition.”

A certified cognitive therapist with a specialty in addiction, Troxell has functioned as the CEO and founder of several equine industry organizations, including Pegasus ECT and the Certified Therapy Horse Association. Troxell's addiction work has spanned 17 years, including executive and clinical positions in the field of chemical dependency treatment.

Newport’s Equine Assisted Therapy Program joins its cache of treatments targeted to teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, including personalized psychotherapy, expressive arts therapy, and family and group counseling sessions. The program also falls in line with Newport Academy’s emphasis on teen health, in addition to healing methodologies focused on nutritional guidance, fitness activities and treatment of eating disorders.  

Under direction of certified clinical addiction therapists and equine specialists, the program uses horse-assisted therapy in order to promote psychological, physical and emotional healing for teenage patients. Benefits of Newport Academy’s progressive Equine Assisted Therapy Program include strengthening of social skills, heightened self-confidence, emotional resolution and development of problem-solving skills. Equipped to handle cases of Dual Diagnosis, the academy also employs equine therapy in the rehabilitation of teens suffering from co-occurring mental health disorders.

“Horses provide a straightforward, honest means of relationship,” explained Robin LeAnn, Newport Academy’s Equine Specialist. “The trust built between the animals and teens extends to other important relationships—particularly those with the self, family members, therapists and peers.”

LeAnn brings nearly three decades of horsemanship experience to Newport Academy’s Equine Assisted Therapy Program, including seven years’ involvement with a Mounted Patrol Unit in Southern California. Joining forces with Troxell, LeAnn guides patients recovering from drug and alcohol addiction through the therapeutic experience of horseback riding.

Prospective patients can enroll in Newport Academy’s equine-assisted therapy program by calling (866) 382-6651 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (866) 382-6651      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by accessing more information online at equine assisted therapy

About Newport Academy

Founded in 2009, Newport Academy offers customized, gender-tailored residential treatment programs for adolescents battling drug and alcohol addiction. The holistic treatment regimen offers substance abuse addiction recovery for mind, body and spirit while providing ongoing schooling in a safe, sober and social environment. Situated 15 miles from downtown Newport Beach, the teen rehabilitation center also offers specialized therapeutic programs for adolescents, such as equine therapy, creative arts therapy and Dual Diagnosis capacity for those with co-occurring disorders.