Questions and Answers about Residential Treatment Programs for Teens

What is a Residential Treatment Program for Teens?

A residential treatment program for teens allows them to remain in house to get the treatment they need. There are many different programs offered including those for substance abuse, alcohol treatment, eating disorders, mental health concerns, and even behavior problems. Spending some time in such a program can change the outcome of the future for your child.

It can be a great solution for parents that have tried everything to help their teen remove themselves from such concerns. There are many different names that these facilities can operate under. You want to make sure the program offered is going to be in the best interest of your child.

What is the Curriculum that your Child will be Involved with?

There is so much variety when it comes to a residential treatment program for teens. Take your time to carefully look into what the program has to offer. The best programs cover a wide variety of areas. That way your child will emerge with a variety of great skills, better methods for coping, and effective communication skills.

If your child will be in the program for several months there should be educational goals involved too. Find out what your child will be learning as well as how. You want them to be right on target or even ahead when they return to regular schooling later on.

What Type of Accreditation does the Treatment Facility have?

It is often assumed that residential treatment programs are accredited. However, you will be surprised to learn that they aren’t regulated in many instances. Ask about accreditation and find out what it means. That can tell you a great deal about the overall quality of such a residential treatment program that is offered.

At the very least such a treatment facility should be licensed in the state where they are located. You can verify this information through your local Department of Human Services. If you get any indication that the program isn’t legitimate then listen to your gut instinct.

Can I Visit the Treatment Facility?

The policies for visiting the site vary by location. It is best to call in advance and schedule an appointment. That consultation should be free and you can ask a variety of questions at that point in time. You should also ask for a tour of the facilities. While there may be areas you can’t go see many of them they will take you to.

Exploring where your child will be living while at the residential treatment program can put your own fears to rest. If you aren’t comfortable with the facility though or they refuse to allow you to tour it then don’t send your child there.

How do I Check for Complaints?

You can easily check online with the Better Business Bureau or you can call them. The information that they provide is free. Any complaints that have been listed with them can be shared with you. A residential treatment facility that with lots of complaints isn’t one you want to place your child in.

For the most part you will find that residential treatment facilities are quality establishments. They strive to offer excellent programs for teenagers to really benefit from. They have lots of structure and well qualified staff available around the clock. What often gets media attention are those facilities that aren’t up to standard in all of the different areas.

Even so, it is worth it to do some careful investigating on your own. It can be a tough decision to decide if you want to place your child in a care facility like this. Understanding the value that is offered with a particular program though can encourage you to go through with it.

What should the Facility Provide me with if I Agree for my Child to Attend?

Everything that you agree to with a given residential treatment facility for your teenager should be put into writing. You don’t want to admit your child to the facility unless you have all of that documentation and it has all been signed. Make sure anything that isn’t clear in those documents is carefully explained to you before you schedule the admittance date.

The policies and procedures for day to day operations need to be covered. This includes how your child’s progress will be measured, what they consider to be indicators your child is ready to go home, how disciplinary problems are handled, and what the process will be if your child becomes ill while in their care.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

The Different Levels of an Adolescent Residential Treatment

How to Pay for Residential Treatment

Do Residential Treatment Centers Work?

Speak to an expert about Questions and Answers about Residential Treatment Programs for Teens and how it may help your child.

Connect with an Admissions Counselor who specializes in Questions and Answers about Residential Treatment Programs for Teens to help your teen begin their recovery today.

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