About Ozark Trails Academy
If you are reading this, our hearts go out to you. Raising a family in today’s chaotic and ever-changing world is difficult, and many parents feel overwhelmed trying to help their teen through emotional or behavioral challenges. Families like yours inspired us to create Ozark Trails Academy — a safe, relationship-based, and family-oriented residential treatment center where lasting change begins from the heart.
We believe real transformation happens through connection, trust, and faith. Our entire Residential Treatment Program is designed around this concept, helping teens rediscover who they are, build healthy relationships, and embrace a better future.
Where Change Happens
Nestled deep in the hills of Southern Missouri on a beautiful 750-acre ranch surrounded by thousands of acres of the Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark Trails Academy provides a secluded, peaceful setting that allows students to disconnect from the pressures of the outside world. The environment encourages focus on personal growth, peer relationships, and family healing.
Our 32,000-square-foot campus includes separate dormitories for boys and girls, comfortable living spaces, classrooms, counseling rooms, and community gathering areas. Students enjoy a homelike atmosphere while participating in structured, trauma-informed therapy and academic programs. In this natural environment, the heart begins to heal, and long-term transformation takes root.
How Transformation Works
Our philosophy is built on a transformative cycle of Learning, Living, and Leading. Upon arrival, each student is guided through self-discovery — exploring why they think, speak, and act as they do. With this insight, they begin to make practical changes and embrace responsibility for their choices and emotions.
Through this process, students address struggles such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, low self-esteem, and family conflict. They learn emotional regulation, relational repair, and purpose-driven living. As they progress, they begin leading others by example, becoming mentors to their peers, and inspiring growth in others. This continuous cycle of learning, living, and leading becomes a lifelong skill for success and stability.
Clinical Care, Academics, and Adventure
Ozark Trails Academy blends clinical care, academic instruction, and adventure therapy in one cohesive program. Each component reinforces the others to promote emotional growth, academic progress, and spiritual renewal. Students participate in individual and group therapy sessions, equine therapy, life-skills development, and outdoor challenges like hiking, biking, climbing, and exploring the North Fork River. Every experience helps build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
In partnership with licensed therapists, certified teachers, and caring mentors, students rediscover purpose, confidence, and hope for the future. Transitional living and college-readiness opportunities—including up to two years of free college credit through Southwest Missouri State College—help them take the next step after graduation.
Top Benefits for Your Teen
- Adventure and experiential therapy
- High school credits and college readiness
- Individual and group clinical therapy
- Faith-based and trauma-informed approach
- “Live, Learn, Lead” positive peer culture
- Emotional processing and self-reflection
- Life skills and personal responsibility
- Safe, home-type environment
- Strong family communication and involvement
- Holistic, thorough approach to healing
Program Details
Program Name: Ozark Trails Academy
Type: Faith-based Residential Treatment Program
Ages Served: 13–19 (boys and girls)
Enrollment: Rolling admissions, typically 9–12 months
Licensed: Yes — fully licensed residential care facility in Missouri
Accreditation: The Joint Commission (JCAHO)
Program Highlights:
- Individualized therapeutic and academic plans
- Adventure-based counseling and equine therapy
- Life coaching and mentoring
- Daily chapel and devotionals
- Family involvement and communication
- Secure, rural environment promoting focus and healing
Contact Information:
6724 County Road 203
Willow Springs, MO 65793
Phone: (417) 278-6868
Email: admissions@ozarktrailsacademy.com
Website: ozarktrailsacademy.com
Our Commitment
At Ozark Trails Academy, we believe lasting change comes from the heart. By combining faith, therapy, and the healing power of nature, we help teens and families find peace, purpose, and hope. Our mission is to restore lives and rebuild families — one heart at a time.
General
Program Name: Ozark Trails Academy.
Program Details: Residential treatment center and Residential Treatment Program for teens (co-ed) ages 12–21 in Willow Springs, Missouri; integrates licensed clinical therapy (e.g., EMDR/CBT), academics (via WSSD/MOCAP/Launch), and experiential/outdoor programming (equine, hiking, climbing, rafting).
Founder:
Founding Date: June 2020
Contact Information
Location: Willow Springs, Missouri.
Website: ozarktrailsacademy.com.
Telephone: (417) 278-6868.
Email: enroll@ozarktrailsyouth.com.
Address: Route 1 Box 169, Willow Springs, MO 65793.
Organization Information
Licensed? Yes — “licensed to provide all levels of therapeutic care for youth, ages 13–19” (Missouri; exact license category not specified on site).
Accreditations (therapeutic/academic):
• Joint Commission certification/accreditation is claimed on the site.
• Academics delivered via Willow Springs School District / Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP) / Launch (MOCAP provider).
Strengths (as described on site): Small enrollment; licensed therapists; trauma-informed/evidence-based modalities (EMDR, CBT, etc.); integrated outdoor/experiential learning on a large rural campus.
Religious? No — But we offer spirituality groups.
Other Affiliations (org-level): Academic partners noted above (WSSD/MOCAP/Launch).
Reference Checks: State and federal background checks are done on every employee
Site Visits: We welcome any parents or potential students to come tour the facility before making a decision on whether to enroll with us
Students are more than welcome to come visit post-graduation with a notice to set up days/times
Length of Stay: Typically about 10 months or longer; FAQ suggests minimum 9–12 months (sometimes longer).
Enrollment Period(s): Year-round / rolling admissions.
Target Population
Ages: 13–19.
Gender(s): Male and Female (co-ed).
Ideal For: Teens with behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges; trauma, anxiety/depression, oppositional behaviors; students needing structured residential setting with academics and therapy.
Program Structure
Clinical Expertise (staff credentials): Licensed clinical therapists (e.g., LCSW/clinical social work noted in staff bios); modalities include EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, family/group therapy, etc.
Program Design (overall concept): 24/7 residential care combining individualized clinical therapy, academics delivered through WSSD/MOCAP/Launch, and experiential/adventure elements (equine, wilderness, rock climbing, rafting) on a large rural campus.
Specialized Focus: Trauma-informed residential care with integrated outdoor/experiential therapy alongside academics for teens 13–19.
Trauma-Specific Tools: EMDR; trauma-informed CBT; attachment-focused work; sand tray; trauma-sensitive yoga (per site FAQs list).
Trauma-Informed Care? Yes — trauma-informed approaches described throughout therapy materials.
Community Focus (on-campus community): Family-oriented, relationship-based residential setting; family involvement emphasized.
Special Activities: Equine therapy/horsemanship, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, wilderness learning, spelunking.
Team Sports: No organized teams but we do play soccer, basketball, pickle ball, volleyball, flag football, weight lifting, boxing and self-defense classes.
Individual Sports: None
Clubs: None
School/Program Slogan: Residential Treatment Program with Clinical Care and Adventure Therapy Just for Troubled Teens
Academics and Training
Academic Support (education included?): Yes — high-school coursework with options for dual/college credit; small classes and tutoring.
Classroom Type: Teacher-led instruction with standards-aligned courses; digital/online curriculum delivered through district/Launch/MOCAP.
State Licensed Teachers? Stated “State certificated teachers” on academics page.
Diplomas Given? Students that graduate high school or middle school with us do receive an official diploma from sturgeon high school or middle school
Credits Transferrable? Site indicates standards-aligned courses intended to keep credits moving/transferable.
Life Skills Training: Responsibility, communication, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, hygiene, time management (described broadly on site).
Trade Skills Training: None
Therapies Used
Individual Therapy: EMDR; CBT; trauma-informed CBT; narrative therapy; attachment therapy; solutions-focused; mindfulness; etc. (as listed in FAQs).
Group Therapy: Group sessions are listed among core therapies.
Evidence-Based Methods: EMDR; CBT; TF-CBT; mindfulness approaches (per site).
Family Therapy: Family therapy and strong family involvement noted.
Equine Assisted: Yes — equine therapy / horsemanship appears repeatedly.
Animal Assisted: Animal-assisted therapy listed.
Experiential Therapy: Wilderness/adventure, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, outdoor skills.
Holistic Therapies: Horticulture therapy; trauma-sensitive yoga; music/art therapy.
Family Involvement: Parents encouraged to participate; family therapy emphasized (articles and FAQs).
Aftercare Planning: We set up home contracts and help parents get students transitioned back into school, individual and family therapy and we help transition the medication management as well
Cost
Estimated Cost: Call for more information!
Financial Assistance: Call for more information!
Insurance: We bill private insurance, and families can generally receive up to 50-70% assistance from their insurance over a year time span. We do not take Medicaid.
