Our Outdoor
Therapeutic

Approach

For adolescent girls who are having emotional or behavioral difficulties, Eckerd Connects’ E-Nini-Hassee Outdoor Therapeutic School for Girls delivers fully-accredited education and counseling services in a therapeutic outdoor environment that fosters personal growth.

E-Nini-Hassee was founded in 1969 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd as the first outdoor therapeutic program for troubled girls in the southeast.

At E-Nini-Hassee, the Eckerds created a positive, strength-based environment for girls ages 12-18 to experience nurturing guidance.

Students are able to see adults role modeling appropriate behaviors, learn in an educational setting with passionate teachers and participate in therapeutic outdoor adventures during their time at the school.
E-Nini-Hassee helps girls fully realize the potential that already exists within them.

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Better Than Traditional Boarding or Alternative Schools for Girls

Most parents and professionals choose Eckerd Connects' E-Nini-Hassee over traditional boarding or alternative schools because, along with providing a quality boarding school type education, each girl receives an individualized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of emotional and behavioral problems. As a result, girls grow not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well. Family relationships are strengthened. Just as importantly, girls learn how to communicate and solve problems effectively, accept personal responsibility, respect themselves and others, and gain the self-esteem needed to navigate the tough road from adolescence to adulthood.

See our 8 Positive Change Essentials

"Your program literally saved my daughter’s life, and I will be eternally grateful to the entire staff and counselors there."

- Trish, parent

Powerful Therapeutic Combination of Individualized Academics, Therapy & Outdoor Adventures — Because no two girls or families are alike, each girl receives an individualized academic and therapeutic plan to address her unique needs. What really takes our approach to the next level in effectiveness, however, is our outdoor adventure activities. The power of outdoor therapy is well-documented in boosting girls’ self-esteem and helping them develop important life skills such as leadership, getting along with others, problem-solving and communication skills. This integrated approach to improving girls’ minds, bodies and spirits means that girls benefit therapeutically, emotionally and educationally from each activity throughout the day.
Fully Licensed & Accredited — We are fully licensed as a substance abuse treatment program, and also accredited as an outdoor therapeutic school by COGNIA/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as the Council on Accreditation.
Evidence-based Approach for Long-lasting Change — Our evidence-based practices focus on long-lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors in girls and promote academic excellence.
Staff Longevity — The longevity of our professional staff is virtually unheard of in the therapeutic industry. Most of our professional staff have worked together for more than two decades and are a highly experienced team who collectively mentor our girls and provide them with interventions at critical emotional and behavioral junctures.
High Parent Satisfaction — Our parent satisfaction surveys show that nearly 100% of parents are completely satisfied with our services and would recommend E-Nini-Hassee to families who need treatment.