Teen Substance Use Treatment at Carter House
Carter House Vision
Carter House is a small program with an individualized length of stay for adolescent boys struggling to commit to sobriety.
The typical Carter House student fits the Telos admissions criteria, but is in danger of sabotaging his treatment with an undertreated substance use issue.
Carter House Vision
Carter House Vision
Carter House is a small program with an individualized length of stay for adolescent boys struggling to commit to sobriety.
The typical Carter House student fits the Telos admissions criteria, but is in danger of sabotaging his treatment with an undertreated substance use issue.
“Truly Exceptional”
Our son spent 17 months at Telos and to say his time was transformative is an understatement. Their focus on helping kids and their families grow and heal is a caring and supportive environment and is truly exceptional.
“Improved my life immeasurably”
I was a student at Telos for over a year. There have never been better experiences in my life than the ones that I had there. The Telos tools have improved my life immeasurably.
“Our son is finally able to move forward”
Our son just completed Telos. I can say Telos is a godsend. The therapeutic resources at every level are excellent. It takes a lot of courage and trust to hand over your child to an institution 2,000 miles away.
“We are forever grateful”
There really are not words to describe how amazing Telos is. From the owners and staff to the therapists and teachers. All are special people with caring hearts and amazing training. Though it took longer than expected, our family is soooooooo much better now.
Restoring Lives Through Connection and Recovery
Carter House provides a relationship-based recovery environment where students build accountability, strengthen recovery skills, and prepare for the next phase of life.
A recovery-focused environment helps students…
A Different Kind of School Experience
Where academics, relationships, and clinical support work together
As students build sobriety, accountability, and stronger recovery habits, many are able to begin reintegrating into a broader academic setting.
Carter House helps students develop the structure, commitment, and recovery foundation needed to return to a more traditional academic and treatment environment with greater stability and success
A Specialized Recovery Approach
Carter House is a highly specialized, relationship-based treatment program for adolescents and young adults struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges, combining evidence-based recovery interventions, individualized care, and a strong peer recovery culture.
Specialized Staff
In addition to master’s-level clinicians with extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults, Carter House includes Substance Use Disorder specialists who are specifically trained in the assessment and treatment of addictive behaviors. These professionals bring deep clinical expertise and a nuanced understanding of the complex emotional, behavioral, and neurological dynamics involved in addiction and recovery.
Carter House also intentionally seeks out staff members who have achieved lasting recovery from their own substance use disorders. These individuals offer something uniquely powerful: lived experience. Having personally navigated the challenges of addiction, treatment, relapse, and recovery, they bring authenticity, empathy, and relational credibility that cannot be taught in a classroom. For many students, these mentors become powerful examples that lasting change is possible.
The Carter House Story
Carter Berardi was one of our first Telos students. He came to Telos in 2004 and left transformed by the relationships and interventions that shaped his experience here.
Years later, Carter lost his life to fentanyl poisoning. In response, Telos made a deeper commitment to students struggling with substance use and built Carter House to honor his life and help others find lasting recovery.
A Day at Carter House
Structure, support, and real moments of growth — every day.
Meet the Best Team in the Profession
If you are considering Carter House for your son, our admissions team can help you understand the program, answer questions about fit, and guide you through next steps.