For nearly 50 years, Structure House in Durham, North Carolina, has been a pillar of the residential weight loss community. Since 1977, thousands of individuals have walked through its doors to address the complex relationship between psychology, nutrition, and fitness.
However, a major shift is coming to the wellness landscape. Structure House has officially announced that it will be closing its doors on January 25th.
For the loyal community of “graduates” and those who were planning their first stay in 2026, this news is a significant shock. When a trusted institution closes, it leaves a void—not just in a calendar, but in the support system many rely on to maintain their health.
If you are looking for the facts regarding the Structure House closure or are searching for a comparable residential wellness program to continue your journey, this guide will provide the details you need and a comparison of how Skyterra Wellness Retreat offers a modern, holistic evolution of the residential health model.
The Facts: Why is Structure House Closing?
While the official announcement marks January 25th as the final day of operations, the closure reflects broader changes in the healthcare and wellness industry. Structure House, owned by Acadia Healthcare, has long been recognized for its “Structure House Method,” which pioneered the idea that weight loss is as much about the mind as it is about the body.
Key Details of the Closure:
- Final Date: Operations are set to cease on January 25th.
- Legacy: Over 40,000 participants have been treated at the Durham campus since its inception.
- Impact: The closure leaves a gap in the Southeast for intensive, psychologically-based residential weight management.
For many, Structure House was more than a facility; it was a sanctuary. The transition leaves many wondering where they can find that same level of expertise, community, and clinical integrity.
Comparing the Two: Structure House vs. Skyterra Wellness
As you look for a new “wellness home,” it’s important to understand how programs differ. While Structure House focused heavily on the behavioral psychology of eating, Skyterra Wellness Retreat—located just a few hours away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina—offers a comprehensive, multi-pillar approach that builds on those foundations while incorporating modern science and nature-based healing.
1. Philosophy and Approach
Structure House: Their philosophy was rooted in the “Structure House Method,” which emphasized a clinical, three-pronged approach: nutrition, fitness, and psychology. It was often described as a “behavioral weight loss” center, focusing heavily on calorie tracking and identifying triggers for overeating.
Skyterra Wellness: Skyterra moves beyond “weight loss” to focus on “whole-person wellness.” While weight loss is a common goal for guests (addressed specifically through the LoseSmart program), the philosophy is centered on eight pillars: Movement, Nutrition, Mindfulness, Sleep, Stress Management, Community, Nature, and Purpose.
The Difference: If Structure House was a “clinical academy,” Skyterra is a “holistic retreat.” Skyterra prioritizes sustainable lifestyle changes that don’t feel like a restrictive “diet,” but rather a life-enhancing shift.
2. The Environment: Clinical vs. Natural
Structure House: Located in Durham, NC, the campus had a traditional, functional feel. It provided a structured, suburban environment where participants lived in apartments and attended classes in a centralized facility.
Skyterra Wellness: Skyterra is located in Lake Toxaway, NC, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. The environment is a core part of the therapy. Guests stay in luxury mountain cottages and spend a significant amount of time outdoors—hiking to waterfalls, breathing mountain air, and reconnecting with nature.
The Difference: Skyterra utilizes “Forest Bathing” and outdoor recreation as therapeutic tools, believing that a beautiful, serene environment lowers cortisol levels and makes the hard work of health transformation more enjoyable.
3. Nutrition: Tracking vs. Intuition
Structure House: Known for a very structured eating plan, often involving calorie counting and specific portion controls to help guests regain a sense of “structure” over their meals.
Skyterra Wellness: Skyterra’s culinary program, led by executive chefs and registered dietitians, focuses on “culinary medicine.” The goal is to teach guests how to eat whole, anti-inflammatory foods that satisfy without the need for obsessive tracking.
The Difference: While Structure House taught you how to control food, Skyterra teaches you how to enjoy food that fuels your body, offering hands-on cooking demonstrations in a state-of-the-art culinary classroom.
4. Fitness and Movement
Structure House: Fitness at Structure House was often gym-based, focusing on traditional cardio and strength training in a controlled environment.
Skyterra Wellness: Movement at Skyterra is incredibly diverse. While there are world-class fitness facilities, there is a heavy emphasis on “functional movement” and “play.” Guests can choose from yoga, water aerobics, pickleball, and guided hikes, alongside traditional strength and mobility classes.
The Difference: Skyterra meets you where you are. Whether you have mobility issues or are an athlete, the movement is designed to be “approachable,” ensuring you leave with a routine you actually want to do at home.
Why Skyterra is the Natural Next Step for Structure House Graduates
If you have spent time at Structure House, you already value the importance of taking time away from your daily environment to focus on yourself. Here is why Skyterra is an ideal transition:
A Focus on Sustainable Weight Loss (LoseSmart)
For those who specifically appreciated the weight loss focus of Structure House, Skyterra’s LoseSmart program is the modern answer. It combines medical screenings, body composition analysis (InBody), and personalized coaching. Like Structure House, it acknowledges the psychological side of weight but adds a heavy emphasis on metabolic health and hormone balance.
Psychological Support
Structure House was famous for its therapists. Skyterra carries this torch forward with on-site therapists and wellness coaches who lead small-group discussions and private sessions. We address the “why” behind your habits—stress, trauma, and burnout—not just the “what” of your habits.
Small Group Intimacy
One common critique of larger facilities is that you can get lost in the crowd. Skyterra intentionally keeps its guest count low to ensure a high staff-to-guest ratio. You aren’t just a number; the entire team knows your name, your goals, and your physical limitations from day one.
What to Look for in a Post-Structure House World
The closing of Structure House is the end of an era, but it is also an opportunity to evaluate what “wellness” means in 2026. Today, we know more than ever about the importance of:
- Gut Health: How our microbiome affects our weight and mood.
- Stress Regulation: Why you can’t lose weight if your nervous system is in “fight or flight” mode.
- Community: The power of being surrounded by like-minded people who are on the same journey.
Skyterra was built to address these modern understandings. We invite you to explore a program that respects the clinical foundations laid by pioneers like Structure House while providing a more vibrant, nature-integrated, and holistic path to health.
Take the Next Step
Change is difficult, especially when it involves losing a community you trust. If the January 25th closure has left you looking for a new place to reset, we invite you to call Skyterra.
Our admissions team is familiar with the Structure House program and can help you understand how a stay at Skyterra will feel familiar in its support, yet refreshingly new in its execution.
Don’t let the closure of one door stop your momentum. Your health journey is a lifelong path, and while the location may change, the destination—a healthier, more vibrant you—remains the same.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Structure House (Closing Jan 25) | Skyterra Wellness Retreat |
| Location | Urban/Suburban (Durham, NC) | Mountain/Nature (Lake Toxaway, NC) |
| Primary Vibe | Clinical & Structured | Holistic & Rejuvenating |
| Food Philosophy | Portion Control & Calorie Tracking | Whole Foods & Anti-Inflammatory |
| Accommodations | Apartment-Style | Luxury Mountain Cottages |
| Nature Access | Limited | Direct access to National Forest & Waterfalls |
| Movement | Gym-focused | Diverse: Hiking, Yoga, Functional Fitness |
| Medical Support | Behavioral Health Focus | Integrated Medical & Metabolic Health |
