RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

Residential Treatment - At Risk Youth Programs

Adolescence comes along with significant challenges for many teens. Complex, intense feelings, phases of self-discovery, and major social influence can easily push struggling teens onto a treacherous path. Residential treatment programs provide a therapeutic environment for an at-risk teen that is struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, or behavior issues.

A Closer Look at Residential Programs for Troubled Youth

Residential treatment programs provide a therapeutic environment for an at-risk teen that is struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, or behavior issues.

How Do Residential Treatment Programs Work for Teens?

Upon admission, individuals are evaluated by a team of professionals who determine their needs. The appointed care team may include trained counselors, clinical psychologists and other clinicians, and field specialists.

Parents are generally consulted in-depth from the beginning, so they have an awareness of what the teen’s living situation and regimen will look like. During treatment, struggling teens are exposed to multiple types of therapy to help them overcome harmful behaviors, learn new coping skills, and potentially build stronger connections with their loved ones.

Important Facts To Know About Teen Depression And Suicide Programs can vary in terms of amenities and activities, but most involve:

Around-the-clock supervision
Daily therapy, which may include one-on-one, group, or family therapy
Access to daily activities or on-site amenities
Skill development opportunities
Medication management
A daily schedule or routine that must be followed

Treatment facilities are also available that are specifically geared toward teen girls, teen boys, or teens with specific needs.

How Do You Know Your Teen Needs Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment may be a good option for teens struggling with mental health, behavior problems, or substance abuse. In general, residential programs are considered if standard attempts to make changes have been ineffective. A few signs your teen may need residential treatment include:

Academic performance decline
Risky behaviors, such as acting out sexually or taking part in violent or illegal activities
Substance use or abuse
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Antisocial behaviors
Issues with anger and aggression
Severe issues with anxiety or depression
Other concerning issues that cause concern

Benefits of Residential Treatment

Intervention with residential treatment can pose significant advantages to the teen and their future. In many cases, programs become a turning point for the teen. Individuals who complete therapeutic programs may be more likely to do better in school, go on to college, and become healthy, functional members of society. While the final outcome of treatment can depend on the child and even the environment the child returns to, these programs are designed by professionals who know what it takes to help a troubled teen make positive changes.

Do You Have Questions About Residential Treatment?

How long do teens stay in residential treatment?

Treatment centers for troubled teens may recommend different program durations depending on the needs of the individual. The general time frame can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the circumstances.

Teens facing a mental health crisis or in need of drug rehabilitation may need longer treatment. Likewise, a child struggling with behavior issues may benefit from a longer program in a structured environment.

Does insurance cover residential treatment?

Individual health insurance plans vary. Many plans cover residential programs for troubled youth, specifically for certain conditions and treatments like mental health disorders, eating disorders, or substance abuse issues.

Insurance does not typically cover therapeutic boarding school since these programs are a combination of educational and therapeutic.

Are there downfalls of residential treatment for teens?

All treatment options for mental health or behavior issues come along with pros and cons to consider. For most parents, a primary con of residential treatment is spending time away from their child during treatment.

While this can be emotionally challenging, the structured change in the teen's environment can make a profound difference. A second downfall is cost; some programs can be more than $1,000 per day or more.

However, working with an experienced team of professionals can help you narrow down options that work for your budget, examine payment options, and check for insurance coverage.

How to Find the Best Residential Treatment Center for Your Teen

There are numerous types of residential programs for troubled youth, including:

Short-term programs
High-security programs
Structured live-in facilities

Finding the best residential program involves evaluating the individual’s personal needs and challenges and looking at different aspects of available options.

At Risk Youth Programs Can Help

Navigating your way as a parent to the best residential treatment facility can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to find the best place for your struggling teen alone.

At Risk Youth Programs helps you evaluate which therapeutic programs can be most beneficial for your teen’s situation. Contact us to speak to a family counselor who can help you achieve timely intervention to get your child back on the right path.