Date: October 4, 2025
METHUEN — The goal of a new adolescent treatment facility is not just to give teenagers a safe place to grow up, but to get them out the door and participating in the community in a positive way, according to Spectrum Health Systems Chief Operating Officer Kristin Nolan.
Placement at Breakwater, a new intensive treatment residence for boys 14-17, is set to begin mid-October, though the group has already been taking referrals.
Nolan, who works for the nonprofit that specializes in substance abuse treatment and mental health care, said the facility will offer services including cognitive behavioral health and recovery support.
She said the services are geared to kids who are unable to stay in their communities.
“They need a higher level of care,” she said. “More monitoring, but just really a safe atmosphere.”
Nolan said the structure of the program will help the youth stay focused and help shield them from outside noise and stay in school. She said the program is also about teaching kids to learn coping skills that will last a lifetime.
“There is some level of privacy but we are really promoting getting out, not isolating,” Nolan said. “Getting involved in the community.”
The facility will be staffed by about 20 professionals, most of whom have had training on trauma-informed care and were previously employed when the program was run by the Department of Youth Services.
“This is a special group of people,” Nolan said. “We are changing their lives but we are also going to be changing their futures.”
The center will have 12 beds, which Nolan said was the maximum for a variety of reasons, including the program’s goal of individualized care. Each patient has an individualized treatment plan and will have clinical support. Bedrooms will have three to four residents.
“The environment is very family-oriented; they will be eating all together, helping to meal plan,” Nolan said.
Nolan said staff will also try to keep the families connected to their kids.
She said the name Breakwater was conceived by staff, who wanted to evoke the symbolism of how a breakwater protects the shore from harsh waves.
Nolan said referrals are taken from all over the state but the Department of Children and Families will likely place kids so they can continue their education at whatever school they are currently attending.
When the patients turn 18, Nolan said they could potentially transition to supportive housing, but in some cases, they might return to their families.
