What are Residential Therapy Programs?
Residential therapy programs provide 24-hour care for troubled teens.
Residential therapy programs are “staffed to provide constant supervision and therapeutic support. These programs are set up to treat mental health disorders by providing services to include education, support, therapy, medication, and discharge planning.”
Many well-regarded residential therapy programs:
- Licensed by the state.
- Accredited academics.
- Experienced and professional staff with on-site doctors, therapists, psychologists, and mentors.
- Provide a holistic and safe environment.
- Offer individualized treatment plans.
“Residential programs provide full-time treatment within a secure, residential setting.” Many programs are in beautiful, and peaceful locations. Teens wander the grounds, go on hikes, and breathe fresh air. Residential centers make teens feel comfortable because they provide a home-away environment.
Who are Residential Therapy Programs For?
Residential therapy programs are for teens struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders.
Teens attend residential therapy to treat:
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety
- Substance Abuse
- School Failure
- Low Self-Esteem
- Self-Harming Behaviors
- Trauma
- Negative Relationships
- ADHD
- Learning Disorders
- Technology Addiction
- Psychological Issues
- Behavioral Issues
- Victims of Abuse
- Attachment Issues
- Conduct Disorder
- Suicidal Ideation
Residential therapy programs remove teens from toxic environments. “A teen’s emotional problems are often tangled in a web of environmental influences—at home, and in school.”
“By pulling your teen out of that environment, the child may be better able to isolate and address the problems without distraction, judgment, or interference.”
Therapeutic Methods
Licensed professionals develop a trusted relationship with teens before creating individualized treatment approaches. Professionals perform in-depth clinical assessments. Therapists then treat teens through numerous methods:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Wilderness therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Equine therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Medicine/psychiatric care
Each residential program offers custom therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Behavioral Interventions
Behavior modification techniques “can be an effective way of decreasing maladaptive behaviors.”
Therapists “spend time working with teens. They delve deep into the causes of the emotional and behavioral problems the teen may have.”
Therapists then “introduce teens to a new environment that will, over time, adapt their thinking and the way they process their surroundings. This helps them make better decisions in the future.” Essentially, therapists help teens respond in a positive way to negative situations.
Accredited Academics
Many residential therapy centers offer extensive scholastic programs. They have certified and licensed teachers. Also, academic credits “will transfer to the resident’s home school and count toward a high school diploma.”
Teens have the opportunity to learn and study in a non-threatening setting. They develop critical thinking and goal setting skills. Teens learn to succeed in a holistic academic setting.
Family Involvement
Residential therapy programs emphasize the importance of family involvement. Families learn to heal through weekly phone calls and therapy sessions. “Family members seemed more satisfied when they were actively engaged in their child’s treatment.”
Community Involvement
Many residential therapy programs offer volunteer programs with the local community. They “facilitate community involvement and services. Teaching youth the skills needed for reintegration into their community.”
Teens work with their peers to solve problems, and to get things done. Local outings help improve socialization, friendships, and trust.
Physical Activity
Physical health is just as important as mental health. Residential therapy programs offer daily exercise classes. Teens hike and practice yoga. They also take part in wilderness activities, and perform adventure-based physical challenges.
Nutrition and cooking classes are also offered. Teens who eat well and exercise daily show improvement in self-esteem and self-worth.
Discharge Planning
Discharge planning helps “the adolescent and family manage and continue to work on problems at home.”
“They determine what the youth needs for successful discharge. They focus on eliminating barriers and building necessary supports. Gains are more likely to be maintained and readmissions decreased when attention is paid to what services and/or placement is needed post-discharge and the plan is executed.”
To learn more about residential treatment centers, click here.
