Adult Autism Treatment in East Tennessee

Pasadena Villa

The Stables

1222 Goose Gap Rd.
Sevierville, TN 37876

Adult Autism Treatment in East TN

Pasadena Villa

The Stables

222 Goose Gap Rd.
Sevierville, TN 37876

Aerial view of the Stables Autism Program grounds and farm during fall
Aerial view of the Stables Autism Program grounds and farm during fall

An adult autism treatment center that supports independent living

Set on 25 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, The Stables Autism Program helps adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gain self-awareness, acceptance, inner strength, and life strategies to live more independently. Our multidisciplinary treatment team helps clients set and achieve their goals — at their own pace. At The Stables, our goal is to empower people on the autism spectrum to comfortably explore the vast possibilities of an independent life.

Play Video about Christi DeFrancesco at The Stables Autism Program

The Stables
At-a-glance

Ages Treated

Adults (ages 18+)

Levels of Care

Residential treatment

Conditions Treated

Autism spectrum disorder

Payment Options

Private pay

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How We Treat

Therapies & Treatment Groups

At The Stables Autism Program, we understand it can be challenging to find an autism center that meets the unique needs of those with ASD. Our program is individualized, and we work with each client and their loved ones to customize a treatment plan that meets their specific needs. Our clinicians and therapists utilize various types of autism therapy, including:

Treatment & Therapies

Behavioral interventions

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Collaborative problem solving

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Experiential therapy

Experiential therapy (family systems approach)

Family therapy

Individual therapy

Life skills & independence building

Motivational interviewing

Mindfulness activities

Nature-based & animal-assisted therapy (AAT)

Social Integration Model™

Vocational skills development & employment

Treatment Groups

Activities

Anger & behavioral control (ABC)

Anger management

Community meeting

Cooking

Co-occurring conditions

Good overall living skills (GOALS)

Medication support

Relapse prevention

Self-responsibility & assertiveness

Life skills & independence building

Motivational interviewing

Mindfulness activities

Nature-based & animal-assisted therapy (AAT)

Social Integration Model™

Vocational skills development & employment

Who We Treat

At The Stables, we treat adults of all genders (18 and older) who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have not achieved or sustained the level of social, academic, occupational, employment, and family function desired.

Why Choose Us?

What Makes The Stables Different

At The Stables, we understand the challenges that parents and caregivers face in finding the best treatment for their adult child with ASD. Our unique autism treatment program includes various types of animal-assisted therapy, which is individualized based on each client’s comfort level. 

Our campus sits on 25 acres of stunning scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains. As part of our philosophy of healing and skill-building, each client at The Stables participates in AAT sessions and evidence-based, nature-centered outdoor experiences, including:

  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Horseback riding

The Social Integration Model™, founded by Pasadena Villa, is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that focuses on preparing clients for life outside of a formal treatment program.

Our evidence-based treatment approach focuses on skill-building in four main categories:

  • Goal-setting
  • Executive functioning
  • Emotional regulation
  • Social skills
Joint Commission Gold Seal Logo

Pasadena Villa The Stables is proud to be Joint Commission Certified, highlighting our consistent approach to patient care and commitment to a culture of excellence.

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Explore Our Campus

Testimonials

What Our Alumni & Their Families Say About Us

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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. - Grateful Alumnus
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Stables was a transformative experience for my son. He arrived there deeply depressed, anxious, with chronic ocd. Left so much calmer with new strategies for coping and being around others . He felt loved and supported at all times and now he has returned has been able to start a job which is going well. I have recommended Stables to other parents who have tried other treatments without success. - Grateful Parent of an Alumnus
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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. - Grateful Family Member of an Alumnus

Our Team

Meet Our Leaders

The Stables is led by a team of dedicated, experienced professionals who share a commitment to providing the highest quality care. Our autism treatment model is designed to offer practical, real-time life strategies, empowering our clients to attain greater independence in their lives.

Dr. John Kupfner

Dr. John Kupfner

Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Medical Director

Cheryl Jones headshot

Cheryl Brown

Therapist

Paying for Care

Insurance & Payment Options

The Stables Autism Program is private pay only

For any payment or admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team at 877.845.5235. 

Learn more about The Stables Autism Program today. Call 256.240.0067 or complete our contact form.