Therapeutic Gardening for Youth Mental Health

In a quiet corner of Casa Pacifica, therapeutic gardening for youth mental health takes root.

When Caleb arrived at Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School (NPS), he was withdrawn and hurting. Shy and reserved, he had difficulty connecting with peers and was falling behind academically. In the classroom, he was easily overwhelmed and often coped by running away; when stopped, he sometimes reacted aggressively—signs of the deep distress he was experiencing

It wasn’t a classroom that first reached him. It was a patch of green just outside.

Casa Pacifica’s teaching garden, a 40-square foot space adjacent to the NPS, quickly became Caleb’s sanctuary. A passionate animal lover, he chatted excitedly to his care team about lizards, snakes, bugs and birds.

“The teaching garden really helped me,” he shared, surveying the garden’s flowers and plants during a recent visit after his graduation from NPS. “It’s where I felt the most calm, where I felt safe.”

The teaching garden is more than a place to grow vegetables –it’s a powerful therapeutic tool and one of the only teaching gardens offered at a youth mental health facility in Ventura County. For Caleb, it was the first space where he didn’t feel pressured. A place where his passion for animals and nature could shine. His treatment team saw the transformation and quickly incorporated time in the garden into his therapy sessions.

“When kids are engaged in something hands-on, like gardening, they often feel more at ease,” says Ali Villegas, Casa Pacifica’s Farm to School Coordinator. “As a teacher, I see how these kinds of experiences help students relax and open up in their own time.”

Casa Pacifica’s NPS supports K-12 students who struggle in traditional academic settings due to mental health or learning challenges. Here, education is deeply intertwined with emotional healing. Students like Caleb receive individualized care that goes beyond the classroom—blending academics with therapeutic support and creative interventions, like time in the teaching garden, to help them flourish.

“Each child has a unique path to success,” says Mark Capritto, Ed.D., Senior Director of Education. “We provide the individualized support they need to walk that path. Whether it’s in the classroom or the garden, we’re committed to meeting every student’s needs and empowering them to reach their full potential.”

Research highlights the mental health benefits of gardening, including its positive effects on the nervous system and mood. The simple act of working with soil – even touching it – has been shown to elevate serotonin levels. In the garden, students like Caleb find peace and the confidence that they can grow through adversity.

As Caleb prepared for graduation, he began asking his care team about jobs—an important step toward building his future. Over the course of his time at Casa Pacifica, Caleb discovered that his strengths were hands-on, and he developed an interest in pursuing a career in the trades. He expressed a desire to work at a hardware store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, and sought further education to refine his skills. This newfound sense of purpose marked a significant turning point in his journey, as Caleb not only embraced his potential but also began taking concrete steps toward a fulfilling and independent future.

Today, as Caleb steps into adulthood, he carries with him the lessons of resilience that took root at Casa Pacifica’s garden. Like the seeds he planted in the garden, his journey has been nurtured by care and patience — and grown in hope.

If you’re interested in supporting Casa Pacifica’s life-changing mission, donate now!