Teens with severe behavioral problems are at risk for jeopardizing the emotional development that is so crucial during the adolescent years. If your teen is struggling with an issue like depression, defiance, substance abuse or a mental disorder, you may want to consider more intensive help than you can provide at home. Full time facilities like therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment centers are valuable options for parents whose teens cannot or will not respond to disciplinary measures or outpatient options. While it is intimidating to consider sending your son away from home, such programs can be life changing for troubled teens.
What Exactly Is A Therapeutic Boarding School?
Full time therapeutic programs are facilities that support and house teens with behavioral issues that are too severe to be successfully dealt with at home. They provide a secure environment where teens can get the help they need without the distraction of old triggers and temptations. Each teen is individually assessed and offered a plan of care that caters to his unique combination of needs and goals. Through a mixture of therapy, academics, life skills experiences and recreational activities, teens are guided toward identifying the root of their issues and developing the skills they need to manage them and heal from the inside out.
What Will My Teen Learn There?
A full time therapeutic solution is generally a major emotional and financial investment. Although each facility will be somewhat different, it is helpful to pinpoint some of the main goals your son should work on, so you can select a program with confidence.
Communication Skills – Regular interaction with peers and authority figures along with group therapy and team based exercises offers students the opportunity to practice positive communication.
Coping Skills – Because troubled teens have usually developed an unhealthy reaction to daily challenges, they must be guided toward more positive responses. Experienced counselors help each teen identify his triggers and practice overcoming them.
Self-Esteem – Low self-esteem is often the culprit behind many poor behavior choices. Programs that offer a variety of therapy modalities such as recreational, music, culinary and experiential options in addition to the usual group, family and individual sessions are more likely to find something that engages each teen on a personal level and keeps him moving forward.
Academics – Most programs offer some kind of academic course, but it is important to make sure that any you are considering are nationally accredited. Otherwise, your son’s school at home might not accept the credits he earns while he is away.
Sundance Canyon Academy is a residential treatment center located in scenic northern Utah. Our specialized relationship based therapy program helps boys target issues at the root, rather than just the symptoms like so many behavior modification therapy based programs do. For questions or a consultation, please contact us today at 1-866-678-2425.