About Us

Sycamore Canyon Academy

Located north of Tuscon, Arizona in a canyon shaded by ancient oak trees, Sycamore Canyon Academy is a residential treatment program that offers young men opportunities to build productive and meaningful futures for themselves and their communities. Since it began operations in 2007, Sycamore has evolved and grown, incorporating the latest research and evidence into our program model. Our understanding of the populations that we serve has helped us to develop an evidence-based program based on the tenets of Positive Youth Development that helps our young men learn the skills they need to attain their goals.

Sycamore Canyon Academy is operated by Rite of Passage, a leading National provider of evidence-based therapeutic and educational programs for youth. Rite of Passage provides a diverse continuum of care with evidence-based programs in education, youth shelter programs, family and community aftercare and intensive treatment for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

For over 30 years, Rite of Passage has been improving the lives of youth. Through its work at Sycamore Canyon Academy and other academy programs, Rite of Passage has developed the Integrated Care Model framework to articulate its program philosophy, methodology, and specific evidence-based practices.

THE INTEGRATED CARE MODEL

The Integrated Care Model is the framework for Sycamore Canyon Academy’s programming and services. Beginning with a foundation of safety, accomplished through caring relationships, qualified and trained staff, fosters a culture where students can learn.

Staff model pro-social skills, utilize the appropriate amount of empathy and provide youth with problem resolution skills. Assessments identify individual student needs and strengths and develop their intrinsic motivation for change.

Evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions help students develop skills to overcome aggression, disruptive behavior, and heal from traumatic events in their lives. Since many of the students will return home, family involvement and treatment are provided at an appropriate intensity.

The normalized environment enables each student to develop and practice skills in the therapeutic, academic, vocational, health/wellness, family and community activities. Through these experiences, the student gains competencies and skills to attain Treatment Plan goals; then, new goals are established and the process of positive change is moved forward, creating a new vision and hope for the youth.