frequently asked questions.

The Goodale School and Recovery Community expects an 8- to 12-month commitment from families. Our goal is to create a foundation for life-long recovery for your son. Experience has shown that students who actively engage in clinical support, participate fully in each phase of the program and graduate having completed it will do better in the long term than those who do not. 

While he is at The Goodale School, your son will learn a new way of life. He will gain new skills and discover what inspires him. He will regain lost academic ground and re-engage in learning. And he will develop positive habits that will replace destructive ones. This process takes time and a safe place to practice, fail and try again as he works to incorporate these new skills into his life. 

Your investment in The Goodale School, and your family’s commitment to seeing the program to completion, despite any challenges along the way, are important. They will allow your son the time and support he needs to succeed in the program and in long-term recovery.

The Goodale School is licensed by the State of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services. Our academic program is accredited by Cognia, and all credits awarded are fully transferrable.

Parents’ involvement in the program is invaluable. We will update you regularly on your son’s progress and ask you for input on his treatment goals and strategies. At the same time, it will be important for you to do your own work – healing your own wounds, repairing your relationship with your son and learning how to support him in his recovery going forward.  

Our clinical team will provide support to your family through weekly family therapy sessions, parent support calls, parent workshops three times per year, webinars and other educational resources to help you understand and embrace your son’s recovery process. 

We also recommend that you seek support locally through Al-Anon or Families Anonymous groups and individual or couples therapy. We will make every effort to help you find an appropriate mental health provider in your area if you need assistance. 

Yes. Because there is a strong correlation between substance use disorders and learning challenges, our academic program is designed to be flexible to accommodate each student’s learning profile. ​The Goodale School's Academic Director Alexis Allen has her Ph.D. in Special Education and is attuned to a variety of learning styles and needs. 

We feel strongly about supporting students in the exploration and development of their sexual identity, which we understand is a process of discovery, not choice. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diversity of our staff and shared by the greater Asheville community. 

Yes. Students can remain in our program after turning 18, but must be 17 upon enrollment.

Many of our students do come to us following treatment in wilderness programs and attending a program in an urban setting does provide a different set of challenges. However, we believe the benefits outweigh the risks. The Goodale School’s setting more closely mirrors the communities to which most of our students will return and provides them the opportunity to develop real-life recovery skills that will serve them in the future.

To maximize student safety, we drug test our students at regular intervals, maintain at least a 1:5 staff member-to-student ratio during waking hours and we have awake, overnight staff who are backed up by on-call management. All staff members are trained in emergency and risk management protocols as required by our licensure.

Our students’ safety and success in recovery is our priority. For many students, and especially for those who are new to the program, a home visit can undermine their progress in recovery. We want to make sure your student is truly ready for a visit and that you will have the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.

The Goodale School does not accept insurance. We encourage you to contact your insurance company for coverage and benefit information.

Please speak with your accountant about whether you can deduct tuition as a medical expense.