Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your program located?

NorthStar Center is located in Bend, Oregon, a scenic city in the center of the state that has developed a reputation as “the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon.”

What types of students is your program prepared to serve?

NorthStar Center is designed to serve young adults (ages 17.6 to 24) who meet the following criteria:

• Young adults who need a structured living program and recovery support for continued sobriety.
• Older teens and young adults who need help transitioning from a therapeutic boarding school, treatment facility or wilderness program to living on their own.
• Young men and women who are motivated toward recovery and are open to receiving the professional support they need.
• Students who need additional support while pursuing educational goals such as completing their high school diploma or GED and/or pursuing a college education.

How much will tuition cost?

For detailed information about tuition costs and related services, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Does your school provide financing options?

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. If you're interested in determining if you would qualify for a private loan, we work with an independent loan organization called Clark Behavioral Health Financing. Loans can cover tuition, enrollment fees and miscellaneous expenses including transportation to and from the program.

CBHF features multiple loan products with competitive rates, and a possible deferral of interest for up to 6 months with no prepayment penalties or cancellation fees. Learn more about financing and payment plan options.

Will my child be working with qualified and licensed professionals?

Absolutely! In addition to being supremely talented, dedicated and experienced, the members of the NorthStar Center academic, clinical and administrative teams hold a range of credentials, licenses and certifications.

For more specific information about the professionals who make NorthStar Center such a powerful and effective program, visit our Staff page.

How long will my child need to remain at NorthStar Center?

Students coming to NorthStar Center must commit to at least six months in residence. An average length of stay is one year. A more extended period of treatment is necessary to prepare students for college and life success – this gives them the opportunity to gradually earn increasing freedoms and responsibilities while still living in a safe and sober environment.

How will NorthStar Center meet my child’s academic needs?

NorthStar Academics are focused on helping students achieve independent academic success, regardless of whether they left high school without earning a diploma/GED, or whether they started college and dropped out.

We focus on empowering students through honest self-assessment and short- and long-range planning that enhances self-sufficiency and strengthens appropriate interdependent behaviors. For a detailed look at our academic support services visit our Academics page.

What types of therapeutic/clinical support will my child receive at NorthStar Center?

Highlights of our therapeutic services include the following:

• 12-Step study & meetings
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Educational lectures (on topics pertaining to addiction, mental health, etc.)
• Psycho-education groups
• Emotional growth workshops
• Family retreat workshops

For more details visit our Addiction Recovery Therapy page.

How much involvement will I have in my child’s experience at your school?
Our program is designed to help parents achieve the following objectives regarding their children’s treatment, recovery and progress:

• Deepen their understanding of the student's recovery process.
• Receive coaching from staff to understand how to support the young adult's separation and path into adulthood in a healthy manner.
• Have an opportunity to participate in a variety of on-line articles, interactive teleconferences and in-depth parent workshops to improve parenting skills with the emerging young adult.
• Learn how to allow the student to define his/her own direction and be part of the student's support system.
• Understand the importance of exploring their own personal issues as they relate to the young adult's struggle.

How do you prepare students (and families) for life after graduation?

The fundamental purpose of NorthStar Center is to prepare struggling young adults to achieve long-term sobriety and pursue healthy and productive futures. From the moment a student arrives in our program, we work to provide students and their families with a structured path toward successful independence.

How can I learn more about your school?

Call (866) 313-7580 or visit our Contact page. We look forward to talking to you about the many benefits of NorthStar Center!