According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the families of up to 12 million American children deal with developmental and behavioral issues. (Reference 3) Teenagers may experience drug and alcohol problems, as well. Parents can find it difficult recognize such problems in their own children and may not know what steps to take or how to react once they do. (Reference 1)
4 Troubled Teens
The Teen Boarding Schools organization offers the website 4 Troubled Teens. It contains resources to help parents recognize risk factors in their teenagers and act before problems get out of hand. It also has links to "emotional growth" boarding schools if parents need further assistance in saving their children. Emotional growth schools differ from other boarding schools by offering emotional and behavioral programs with the usual academics. Some of these can be pricey, so 4 Troubled Teens also offers suggestions regarding lending programs if a boarding school seems like an option. Some health insurance providers will cover schools licensed to provide treatment for psychiatric problems or substance abuse.
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs also offers a directory of boarding schools, in-home therapy programs, and wilderness and outdoor programs for youths. Created in 1999, NATSAP is a hub that links parents to its members -- all licensed and accredited in therapeutic and behavioral treatment of adolescents. NATSAP will not recommend any of its members to individual families because of its inability to diagnose and identify their unique problems, but you can research the website for appropriate providers.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Founded in 1953, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is also a membership organization of more than 7,500 psychiatrists and physicians who serve adolescents. It offers a member directory similar to NATSAP. Its website provides a database of helpful information, including facts for families.
Parents. The Anti Drug
"Parents. The Anti Drug" is a website provided by and overseen by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, founded in 1998. It is an information center offering articles from experts in the areas of drug abuse and abuse prevention in teenagers. A key aspect of the website is the support network it offers with other parents. It gives a voice to teenagers as well. You can also sign up for a parenting tips newsletter.
