Often, when parents have exhausted intervention techniques for their troubled teens, they look for residential programs that provide a safe environment for their teens to receive behavior modification treatment and help. Rather than send their children to a hospital or jail-like institution, parents look for alternatives that are available in a variety of settings.
Benefits
Residential treatment programs provide a safe environment for troubled teens while giving parents a break from the day-to-day stresses of dealing with the problems brought into the family. Many programs have proven effective in teaching teens new coping skills and an appreciation for their lives. Counselors at Turning Wind Academic Institute report that effective treatment programs can help to build teens' self-esteem, as well as provide positive motivation and skilled direction. Trained counselors can individualize the program to meet the needs of each resident.
Types
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that residential programs for troubled teens are not regulated by the government and use a number of different names, such as boarding schools, boot camps and wilderness programs. Some are more focused on teen substance abuse and provide withdrawal supervision and recovery oriented training. Other programs follow more military style programs where teens are taught discipline and may receive consequences and punishment when they veer from the rules. Still other programs introduce teens to the outdoors and teach them survival skills that can be translated into coping skills back at home.
Considerations
The FTC recommends that parents check out a facility before sending their teen. Request proof of the staff's credentials, any accreditation the facility may have and what policies and procedures are followed. Ask for referrals and follow up with calls to former patients and other state agencies that may utilize the services of the residential treatment program. Visit the site unannounced to see how the programs are run and how clean the facilities are. Find out about what kinds of medical and educational services are offered. Most important, the FTC recommends that parents receive copies of rules, regulations and promises in writing. Most insurance policies don't cover residential treatment for troubled youths, so the cost of the treatment must be considered.
Time Frame
While many programs are available that last from six to eight weeks, counselors at Turning Wind report that no real changes can occur unless the teens can receive a longer period of treatment. They say that in the long run, a residential program that lasts for a year or longer will be able to make major differences in the teen's future chances of success. Long-term treatment, while more expensive, up to $20,000 per year or more, will save time and money as it has a better chance for long-term success.
Expert Insight
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health report that long-term inpatient treatment for troubled teens is more effective than short-term residential and outpatient programs. Teens who spent at least 90 days in a residential treatment program were twice as likely to return to school and improve their grades, abstain from substance abuse and stay out of legal trouble.
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