Cornerstone Cottage

Residential Youth Treatment Program for Teenage Girls

Cornerstone Cottage is a residential facility for adolescent girls, ages 11 through 17, who have a history of trauma. We provide a home-like atmosphere, offering a secure, therapeutic, culturally sensitive and healing environment with professionally trained staff focused on healing the effects of developmental trauma. Our clinical model is designed to provide healing intervention with every interaction.

Our treatment focuses on our staff assisting in emotional regulation and skills with the intention of building an inner skill set for each student. This skill set includes the ability for emotional regulation, sensory integration, ability for relational connection and attachment, social skills, life skills, self-confidence, individual beliefs and increased cognitive abilities. Our program focuses on understanding the developmental impact of trauma, building secure attachments, increasing self-regulation, healthy self-care and competency.

Our Method & Approach

We utilize a holistic and individualized approach to promote healing, and growth. By combining trauma-informed care, evidence-based interventions, a safe and supportive environment, collaborative practices, life skills development, and comprehensive aftercare planning. Our aim is to empower young individuals to build a foundation for a healthier future.

The program provides a safe and supportive environment for these girls to process trauma, learn interpersonal skills, and foster their personal growth while still encouraging them to engage in community based activities and services.

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Cornerstone Cottage adopts a trauma-informed care approach, recognizing that trauma can significantly impact a young person’s mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. All staff members are trained to understand the complex effects of trauma and create an environment that promotes healing, safety, and empowerment.

Each youth entering the program receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. The treatment team, which includes mental health professionals and support staff, conducts comprehensive assessments and collaboratively develops a plan that addresses the individual’s trauma experiences and related challenges. Treatment plans are updated every 90 days to address the youth’s current needs and goals.

We have an on-site full-time therapist for our girls, who meets with them individually at least once a week and facilitates two group sessions. Girls are also able to request more frequent check-ins as needed. Girls also participate in Mindfulness and Equine therapy off site weekly. We also offer family therapy in order to help reconnect girls with family or repair strained relationships.

Our mission is to create an atmosphere of safety, through trust and relationships, and meet each girl where they are at. We realize that every girl is different, having her own strengths and gifts, as well as areas to grow. When a new resident arrives, our team assesses her needs, and along with input from guardians and the resident herself, creates an individualized treatment plan which will outline goals she will work on throughout her stay. Girls will utilize Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), trauma-informed care, as well as psychoeducation on topics such as codependency, substance use, attachment issues, healthy relationships and more depending on the needs of the current milieu.

Cornerstone Cottage staff utilizes Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): “TBRI® with girls in therapy as well as with floor staff that engages with them on a daily 24/7 basis. TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.”

At Cornerstone Cottage we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for the girls to be able to not only be themselves but also to encourage growth in all aspects. Physical spaces are designed to provide comfort and security, promoting a sense of safety and stability for residents. Additionally, staff members are trained in de-escalation techniques, crisis management, and non-violent communication to effectively respond to any challenging situations that may arise. There is also always an on call staff who can respond to escalations and emergencies.

Cornerstone Cottage recognizes the importance of collaboration among the treatment team, residents, and their families. Regular monthly meetings as well as, as-needed communication is established to involve all people involved in the girls’ care in the treatment process. This collaboration ensures that the treatment plan remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of each youth and their families/prospective families.

Cornerstone Cottage places a strong emphasis on developing essential life skills and providing educational support. Educational services are tailored to meet the academic needs of residents, ensuring they receive appropriate schooling and educational support through ICANs. Residents are engaged in activities that foster emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-care practices including activities of daily living.

Recognizing that the journey of healing extends beyond the residential program, the treatment center prioritizes comprehensive transition and aftercare planning. The team works closely with residents and their families to establish a robust support network, connect with community resources, and develop a plan for continued therapeutic services and progress monitoring post-discharge.

“Cornerstone staff are excellent, very supportive and caring.”

Region 2 Caseworker
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

“I have no words of how pleased and amazed I am with the help, treatment, assistance (hidden name) received at Cornerstone Cottage. They are truly a home and family. I’m thankful for everything they have done for this young beautiful young woman and all the others they are helping- they are amazing.”

Region 4 Caseworker
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

“Cornerstone Cottage staff helped (name hidden), therapeutically, to assist with her trauma and response.”

Region 4 Caseworker
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare

Take the first step

Change starts with a single step. Are you ready to begin recovery? Email us, call us today, or request a callback at any time that’s convenient for you.

(208) 777-4179