Troubled teen programs provide adolescents with a nurturing home-away environment. Each program is unique, and offers specific treatments for various disorders.
“Within each treatment program, certain types of therapies or combinations of therapies are used to combat the specific mental disorder.” Families should consult local physicians for advice. Also, they should research several programs to find the right fit for their troubled teen.
Who Attends Troubled Teen Programs?
Troubled teen programs focus on treating emotional, mental, and behavioral issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- ADHD
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Substance abuse
- School Failure
- Low Self-Esteem
- Defiant Behavior
- Learning Disorders
- Self-Harm
- Trauma
Why Choose a Troubled Teen Program?
Many troubled teen programs have licenses and state accreditations. These programs offer:
- A tailored therapeutic program that’s unique to your teen.
- Professional staff with on-site doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, teachers, and mentors.
- Strong family engagement.
- A wide range of therapeutic techniques.
- Peer-to-peer activities.
- Accredited academics.
Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy programs remove teens from their negative home environment. These programs are in beautiful and serene outdoor surroundings.
“Experienced leaders, guides, and counselors teach teens about self-reliance, how to set up camp, cook, do chores, and enjoy the beauty of nature.”
Teens experience behavior modification and self-improvement. Teens also take part in daily fitness routines, yoga, and meditation. Wilderness therapy provides:
- Clinical assessments
- Development of coping strategies
- Boosts self-esteem
- Various therapeutic options
Transitional
Transitional living programs provide a safe and nurturing environment. These programs are for troubled young adults who aren’t ready to join the outside world. Many young adults previously attended residential treatment centers. Or, they were in juvenile detention centers.
Transitional living programs gradually introduce young adults to real world experiences. Many attendees struggle with undiagnosed mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. These disorders turned into failure to launch syndrome.
Transitional living programs offer:
- Mentorship
- Healthy patterns
- Structured environment
- Academic goals
- Exercise and nutrition classes
- Therapeutic treatment options
- Counseling for substance abuse
- Outdoor activities
- Reflection
- Real world skills: time management, financial planning, interview skills, and communication skills
- Job placement
Therapeutic Boarding
A therapeutic boarding school is, “an educational institution that not only serves a therapeutic role, but also has a residential program.” Struggling teens can’t function in their negative home environments. At a therapeutic boarding school, they have the opportunity to heal in a safe atmosphere.
Teens attend therapeutic boarding schools for, “behavioral and emotional challenges. Also, for cognitive learning challenges that can’t be properly addressed in a traditional school environment.”
Therapeutic boarding schools offer:
- Accredited academic curriculum
- Psychological counseling
- Therapeutic milieu
- Healthy coping strategies
- Art, writing, and animal therapy
- Nutrition and cooking classes
- Exercise and group activities
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment programs “provide intensive help for teens with serious emotional and behavior problems.” These programs provide round-the-clock monitoring in a safe and nurturing boarding environment.
Residential treatment programs offer:
- A comprehensive evaluation to assess emotional, behavioral, medical, educational, and social needs
- Individualized treatment plans
- Therapeutic milieu
- Psychiatric care by licensed professionals
- Family involvement
- Positive behavior coping techniques
- Group activities and peer-to-peer engagement
Assessment
An assessment is a “psychological evaluation.” It’s a “thorough process of assessment and screening administered by an adolescent psychologist.”
Many teens are living with incorrect diagnoses. Many parents feel there is, “uncertainty about the reasons their teen is having problems with mood, behavior, or learning.” Assessment centers take the time to properly evaluate and diagnose troubled teens. Then, an assessment center will offer an individualized treatment plan.
An assessment may include:
- Formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests
- Clinical interviews
- Tests to identify emotional, behavioral, or learning problems
Evaluations provide useful information:
- Severity of symptoms of depression or anxiety
- The presence of a learning disability
- Academic strengths and weaknesses
- Root causes of emotional problems
- Positive and negative coping styles
- Reasons for aggressive behavior
- Information about how your teen views the world
- Issues or conflicts your teen is struggling with
- Insight into your teens’ personality style
“The psychological evaluation may be an important step in helping get a better handle on the problems your teen is having.”
Troubled teen programs offer solutions for every type of problem. Teens can learn, grow, and heal with the proper treatment and facility.
To learn more about treatment programs, click here.
