Our Philosophy and Mission

Valleyhead, founded in 1969, is a residential school for girls nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Lenox, Massachusetts. We provide a home and education for girls ages 12 to 22 with emotional needs. Most of our girls come from abusive and traumatic backgrounds. Many do not have intact families.

Valleyhead believes that a fully integrated program of clinical, educational and residential services is essential to student success. Our philosophy is to support students’ learning in a positive therapeutic manner that enhances each girl’s experience of herself and others. It is reflected in our clinical model of "Therapeutic Behavior Change" which is infused throughout the residential, educational and clinical components of Valleyhead’s program, weaving a seamless therapeutic milieu. Our goal is to help each student develop the skills, attitudes and behaviors necessary to ensure her continued growth and progress towards a less restrictive environment. Reintegration with family and community is ideal.

Valleyhead’s mission is to instill a sense of hope, an improved self-concept, an attitude of mutual respect and the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions. With the development of these attributes, students leave Valleyhead with the ability to make positive contributions and lead productive and happy lives. Valleyhead seeks to bring "real life" values, such as trust, honesty, pride, respect and compassion to the core of the treatment program. It is Valleyhead’s belief that the power of the community and the interpersonal relationships within the community will evoke change. These relationships provide in essence, a "corrective emotional experience" by which students are able to experience themselves and others in a much more positive light.