Welcome to
Natchez Trace Youth Academy
Natchez Trace Youth Academy is a CARF-accredited residential treatment facility for boys and young men, ages 10 to 17. We provide holistic care to youth who’ve exhibited emotional and behavioral issues that can’t be managed at home or other residential treatment settings. Our full programming includes a state-licensed school, competitive athletics, and outdoor immersion opportunities to provide students with numerous outlets to restore their mental health, practice their social skills and blaze trails for success.
Services
Our residential treatment programs offer a secure, controlled environment for young men who are struggling with diagnosed behavioral and mental health problems. These problems often manifest in truancy, aggression, violence, and other reactive behavior that cause disruptions at home, in school, and in the community. Our Trauma-Focused Program offers restorative care to young men who’ve become reactive due to past traumas and neglect that have gone unaddressed. Our Traditional Psychiatric Treatment Program provides treatment for emotional and mental health issues such as severe depression, mood disorders and more.
Our fully licensed and accredited school offers a rich educational experience for the students in our care. Students can take a more academic track as they prepare to earn their high school diploma and take college exams like the ACT, but we also have vocational training opportunities. Students learn skills and trades, like horticulture, auto repair, woodworking, and business management. We supplement our education programs with enrichment activities like climbing, 4H and even community service programs. We participate in TSSAA athletics, so our students can also play basketball and run track competitively. We offer a range of options so our students can put their therapeutic learnings into practice in multiple life situations.
Our Facility
With an Alpine Tower made for team building activities, a full gym, basketball sports, and a therapeutic wilderness setting, our campus provides students with a secure space to restore their health and focus on personal growth. Take a virtual tour of our expansive campus and facility.
PARTNERSHIPS
Natchez Trace is a proud supporter of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
FAQs
Get answers to some of the most common questions about visitation, phone hours, what to pack for your child, and much more.
LICENSING & ACCREDITATION
Natchez Trace is CARF-accredited residential facility. Read more about that designation.
“We are grateful for Natchez and the miracle working staff. Our 15-year-old was unreachable before Natchez. He had so many behaviors that were leading him to some life altering diagnosis. He had been in the unruly program and just wouldn’t change until Natchez. Everyone there held him to account and made him deal with his stuff. He went in an angry self-destructive kid with no hope in himself to a smiling, responsible sweet natured young man I always knew was there. We have hope in our home, and we are a full family again. This wouldn’t have been possible without Natchez bringing our son back to us.”
Parent of Former Patient
“Being a resident of Natchez Trace Youth Academy made an impact on me that will last a lifetime. It made me grow up really fast, and I learned a lot about life… I will never forget my stay here at NTYA, and when I look back, I’m glad I had this experience, as it was a part of my journey leading to who I am today: working with kids and young adults as they transition into life after being victims of crime. I thank all the staff at NTYA for helping me.”
Former Patient
“Every day for almost a year, you have encouraged, nursed, counseled, and held my son accountable. I can only imagine that some days, you must ask yourselves, “Why?” We are why. Each and every one of you makes a difference. Thank you for helping us to be a family again, and for helping my son become a man.”
Parent of Former Patient
“Communication with NTYA has been constant, consistent and complete. Just about every week, whether we are conducting a family phone therapy session or not, I have gotten a phone call giving me an update concerning my son’s progress. I have found them to be honest and everyone working with the same common goal. From the counselors that work with my son in every aspect of his residency at NTYA and his assigned therapist, they work together regarding the specified treatment for my son. His therapist and counselor work with me in formulating the specifics of his treatment. Whenever there are changes that are suggested concerning his treatment and/or medicine, I am contacted and advised, yet the ultimate decision is left up to me.”
Parent of Former Patient
Patient Satisfaction
* Data based on patients surveyed between January-June 2024.
Natchez Trace Youth Academy
415 Seven Hawks Lane
Waverly, TN 37185
Phone: 931-296-1183
Fax: 931-296-7576