Therapeutic Boarding Schools For Troubled Teenage Boys
- Sundance Canyon Academy
- Aug 28, 2015
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
If you have a severely troubled teen and aren’t sure where to turn, seeking professional help at a therapeutic boarding school may be the right solution. A therapeutic boarding school for boys, such as ours at Sundance Canyon Academy, offers effective treatment programs specifically designed to help troubled teens make lasting changes. Through skilled counselors and therapists, teens receive support and healing in an environment tailored to foster personal growth and manage daily challenges in healthy ways.
Why You Should Use A Therapeutic Boarding School For Troubled Boys
The treatment approach used in therapeutic boarding schools is one step further than many other programs. Most facilities offer behavior modification therapies that focus on the symptoms of a greater problem. At a residential treatment center or therapeutic boarding school, they seek to heal teens troubled from the inside out, focusing on the cause to correct the symptoms. Program attendees are encouraged to seek out and identify the core of what is leading them to act out and make poor decisions. As they heal from the inside out, they are more likely to recognize their triggers and make changes that result in long-term success. Through support, consistency, and experience, each teen becomes the agent of his own change and develops skills that he can use for the rest of his life.
What a Therapeutic Boarding School Can Offer Your Troubled Teen
When troubled teens are no longer able or willing to respond to efforts to help them within their home environment, experts recommend removing troubled teens from daily triggers and placing them in a structured therapeutic boarding school. In this environment, they can gain new perspectives and develop healthy habits.
In a therapeutic boarding school setting you find a variety of benefits that will provide teens with the greatest opportunity for success in life:
Parental Involvement – Parents should be involved in their son’s healing process. You will be his main support system when he returns home and you will be more able to help him maintain his hard work if you are familiar with the efforts he made to achieve his goals.
Holistic Therapy – In addition to the usual therapy modalities, like Individual, Group and Family sessions, therapeutic boarding schools also offer more hands-on opportunities such as recreation, music, culinary and art therapy. When teens are able to stay engaged, expand their creativity and develop stronger communication skills while also participating in traditional therapy, they are more likely to improve on a personal level.
Academics – Most therapeutic boarding school programs include nationally accredited academic classes that are taught by experienced and licensed instructors. Statistically, students with poor grades improve when they are free from the social and emotional distractions they deal with in a traditional school setting.
Aftercare – Once boys complete a stay in a therapeutic boarding school and return home, their program will most likely offer an Aftercare program that supports both teens and their parents as they navigate this sometimes difficult transition.
Troubled Boys Needing A Therapeutic Boarding School Face Many Challenges
Being a teen in today’s world can be extremely hard. They are inundated with temptations that are more prevalent and more easily obtained than ever. Some of the issues that affect teens are:
Substance Abuse: Teens may misuse drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism or due to peer pressure. This behavior can lead to health risks, addiction, and impaired judgment, requiring structured intervention to develop healthier habits.
Manipulation: Teens may manipulate others to avoid consequences or gain control. This can harm relationships and may be a symptom of deeper emotional issues needing therapeutic guidance.
Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from activities can impact a teen’s life. Therapy helps them build resilience and healthier coping skills.
Low Self-Worth: Teens with low self-esteem struggle with confidence, often impacting social and academic areas. Therapeutic programs help rebuild their sense of self-worth.
Teen Pregnancy: Unplanned pregnancies bring emotional and physical challenges. Supportive environments teach responsibility and life skills.
Truancy and Struggling Academically: Chronic absenteeism and low academic performance may result from various factors, including learning disabilities, bullying, or family issues. Therapeutic settings help address these root causes.
Trauma and Loss/Bereavement: Unprocessed grief or traumatic events can lead to depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. Therapeutic programs offer structured emotional support and coping strategies.
Anxiety: Excessive worry can disrupt daily life. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help teens manage anxiety.
Rage or Anger: Intense anger may stem from unresolved conflicts or frustrations. Therapy teaches emotional regulation and constructive expression.
Attachment Problems: Teens who struggle with forming healthy bonds may have difficulties in relationships. Attachment-focused therapies help improve social interactions.
Crime: Risky behaviors may escalate to criminal acts. Therapeutic boarding schools offer positive behavior modeling and social accountability.
Diagnosed Personality Disorders: Conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder require specialized therapy to manage symptoms and improve interpersonal relationships.
Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by mood swings, this disorder needs professional support for mood stabilization and coping strategies.
Threatening Behavior: This may include verbal or physical aggression, often stemming from unresolved anger or fear. Structured intervention helps address these impulses safely.
Lacking Motivation: Often linked to depression or low self-worth, a lack of motivation affects goals and future aspirations. Therapeutic settings encourage personal achievement.
PTSD: Traumatic events can lead to recurring distress. Therapeutic settings provide trauma-informed care to promote healing and recovery.
Relationship Problems: Teens may face conflicts with peers or family. Therapy helps develop conflict-resolution skills and healthier relationships.
Theft and Other Illegal Behaviors: These behaviors may signal deeper issues, such as peer pressure or emotional distress, which therapy can address.
Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD): Characterized by disobedience and hostility, this disorder benefits from behavioral therapy to encourage respect and compliance.
ADHD: Teens with ADHD may struggle with attention and impulsivity. Specialized approaches teach focus and organizational skills.
Compulsive Lying: Lying as a habit can damage trust and relationships. Therapy focuses on accountability and honesty.
Low Graduation Rates: Struggles in school may impact a teen’s ability to succeed. Therapeutic programs provide academic support to encourage graduation.
Acting Out Sexually: This may stem from peer influence or trauma. Therapeutic environments provide boundaries and education.
Learning Disabilities: Teens with learning challenges benefit from specialized academic and emotional support to build confidence and competence.
It can be frightening to raise a teen that is immersed in such behavior because they are threatening their future as well as his present. Without help, his poor decisions could result in consequences that will plague him for the rest of his life. Many teens get into trouble that they can’t get out of on their own, whether they admit it or not. If you have serious concerns about your son, sending him to a therapeutic boarding school for boys can be life changing.
The “emotional detoxification” required for extremely troubled teens can only be successfully achieved through the right balance of therapy and support. Therapeutic boarding schools are an ideal setting for teen boys that need help turning their lives around and becoming more equipped to manage the challenges they face now and in the future.
Finding the Best Therapeutic Boarding School for Troubled Teens
While many families prefer local programs, we encourage parents to prioritize quality over proximity. Each state has different requirements for therapeutic boarding schools; some states, like Utah, have stringent standards that prioritize safety and accreditation. Choosing the best therapeutic boarding school should include an evaluation of the program’s therapeutic offerings and success rates.
Therapeutic boarding schools are an effective place for troubled boys to learn and grow because they have the same goal you do; they want to see your son become the caring and contributing young man you know he can be.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools and the environment they offer have been proven through educational studies to be an effective treatment for adolescents. These studies showed that longer therapy based programs showed higher rates of success.
More studies performed showed substantial evidence that a long-term program that focuses on psychological improvement had notable success rates for the teens and parents participating in these programs. Therapeutic boarding school programs were considered in these studies to be effective and worthwhile.
“Words cannot adequately express our appreciation for the care and guidance you gave our son. All of you worked together as a team to help him find his way. Thank you!” – Donna O. CA
Financial Options and Insurance for Therapeutic Boarding Schools
If you teen is being medically treated for any of a number of behavioral or psychological conditions, the school may be able to bill your insurance provider to help cover the cost of treatment. As you’re applying to schools, they can give you a good idea of your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses before enrolling in the program.
Families can often set up payment plans when the cost is more than they can cover up front.
Local Schools For Troubled Teens Can Be Hard To Find
Each state regulates the requirements, licensing, and laws surrounding therapeutic boarding schools. So some states make better options for treatment than others. You could possibly live in a state where they’ve determined youth can check themselves in and out of treatment at any time. For parents struggling with teens who are in need of, but refuse to attend a therapeutic program, this tends to not be a good option making an out-of-state program a better choice.
If a better option for your teen is in an out-of-state school, this can limit visitation. In this case, most programs offer regular video communication and schedule plenty of time for you to speak with and visit your teen. You can learn more about the laws safeguarding boarding schools here.
While Your Teen Is Away, They’re Cared For By Professionals
In a therapeutic boarding school, teens are monitored closely and cared for by licensed therapists and well-trained counselors. The staff in these programs have the same things in mind for your son as you do – they are there to help them heal, grow, and become happy and capable adults. Among the regular staff, you’ll find therapists, administrators, teachers, counselors, activity directors, security, doctors, and others.
Each program will vary, as well as the staff, leniency, and supervision for the students. This is something to consider as you interview potential programs.
If Sundance Canyon Academy could help you and sounds like the right therapeutic boarding school for your troubled boy needs please call us at 866.678.2425
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