Stables Autism Program at Smoky Mountain Lodge

"This program changed my life. Thank you to all of the amazing staff for their kindness and compassionate care during my experience. I highly recommend the Stables to anyone looking to know themselves more. In addition, the animal therapy program is exceptional and helped me with my parents dog whom I did not have a good relationship with before the Stables. The staff is phenomenal, and I built relationships with my fellow residents as well. If you are interested in a superb experience, look to the Stables."

"A family member was a client at the Stables for the summer of 2023. He received professional and compassionate care during his stay. The environment at the Stables is skillfully designed to promote healing. The staff exhibited genuine concern for all clients in the program. Client/staff ratios are exceptional providing plenty of opportunities for informal counseling and guidance. The bucolicc country setting with horses, goats and other assorted animals, also promotes recovery and growth. There were plenty of opportunities for engaging in off-site activities as well. Our family is eternally grateful that we entrusted the care of our loved one to the staff at the Stables."

"My son Harrison was in crisis and in a bad head space. We were afraid for his wellbeing. The stables’ team and nurturing, peaceful environment enabled him to stabilize and recharge. Therapy with Julius was extremely helpful and he was spot on in identifying Harrison’s strengths and weaknesses. I was very impressed with the program and extremely grateful to Julius and the staff for helping my son regain control and feel empowered. He is off to do wonderful things and live independently."

"Our 22-year-old son spent 3 weeks at The Stables in July 2023. He was admitted while in severe crisis. He could not do even very simple tasks such as riding in a car, walking outside, reading, or using a computer without getting very angry at a particular trigger. Everything seemed to trigger him: words, sounds, websites, memories. In the previous 6 months before his admission to The Stables, he destroyed dozens of books and other objects because they reminded him of past traumas (i.e., being a public school student) and withdrew from college because he could no longer finish any work. He resorted to extreme social isolation and did not want to leave his room. The highly trained and compassionate staff at The Stables turned him around pretty quickly. They adjusted his medication and helped him open up to communication and tolerating many triggers. After coming back home after just 3 weeks there, he was happy, calm and composed, and is now able to do many of his favorite tasks like reading, listening to music, and taking a walk. We are beyond grateful to Julius, Tamara, Erin, Dr. Kupfner, and other wonderful professionals for what they do for the residents!"

"The Stables program changed my brother's life in the best possible way. I cannot say better things about this program. The staff have great expertise and are kind, patient, and creative when it comes to their care. It is such an individualized experience for each patient so they get real hands-on treatment that goes to the heart of some of their biggest mental health struggles. The animal treatment therapy was especially transformative for my brother. The program makes sure to connect each patient with their farm life, including horses, pigs, dogs and sheep. My brother, who was grieving the loss of our father immensely, found great comfort in his sessions with the horses. In addition to the fantastic therapeutic care, the property is singularly beautiful, set in the calm of the Smoky Mountains. And they arrange fun activities constantly, from tubing to baking classes. We are so grateful to the loving Stables family, especially Julius and Erin. We hope other people find them as wonderful as we did!"