What are Residential Treatment Centers?
Residential treatment centers provide 24-hour support for teens struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Longer-term programs provide opportunities to build stronger connections with peers and the clinical team and allow teens to dive deeper into processing underlying issues. Students have the chance to apply coping skills that they’ve learned and integrate healthier habits into their routines.
TYPICAL LENGTH OF STAY
Every residential treatment center varies in length, depending on the clinical model and students’ individual needs. Finding a good fit for your teen depends on the type of issues they struggle with and the extent to which they affect their functioning. Other areas where they may need extra support also determine length of stay.
- Most substance abuse programs are between 30 and 90 days for detox and stabilization
- More structured residential programs usually last 6-12 months and meet the needs of residents with more complex struggles
- Programs that offer accredited academics may be longer to ensure that students receive the appropriate credits
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Holistic ApproachAcknowledges that mental health issues affect multiple areas of one’s life and aims to integrate strategies that improve one’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
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Variety of ExperiencesOffers opportunities for adventure activities, community service, and education that would not be possible in a shorter-term program.
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Internalizing ChangeGives students time to adopt skills to help them lead healthier and happier lives rather than just stopping negative behaviors
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Strengthening CommunityAllows teens to build deeper connections and trust with peers and clinical team. Teens learn relationship skills that allow them to form healthy and positive relationships.
LONG TERM SUCCESS RATES
Long-term treatment is associated with long-term success rates. Studies show that outcomes are better when a person stays in treatment for a minimum of three months and is provided with transition planning. Long-term success is attributed to a change in mindset as well as a change in behavior. Residential treatment centers focus on addressing belief systems related to self-esteem and future-orientation as well as processing emotional and behavioral problems.
