How do I know my teen needs a therapeutic boarding school or residential therapy?

One simple online search for “schools for troubled teens” yields over 14.5 million results!

When a parent calls P.U.R.E.™ they are usually surfing the internet and confused by all the fancy websites, terminology they are now learning about (RTC, TBS, wilderness, transport services and more) and wondering — is this really want my child needs?

Is your teenager:

-Defiant, disrespectful, rude, entitled?
-Anger, rage, explosive?
-Vaping, doing drugs, drinking?
–ADHD, ODD, RAD, Bipolar
-Addicted to their smartphone, video-gaming?
-Refusing to go to school, skipping classes?
-Smart, but failing in school?
–Withdrawing from favorite interests?
-Struggling with depression or anxiety?
-Stealing money from parents? Legal issues?

The fact is, in many situations you have a good kid that is now making some really bad choices and you never in a million years thought you would be facing this day.

None of us did. Yet here we are.

That’s the best part – you’re not alone.

There are many residential therapy schools and programs in our country, probably because there are many families in need of help today. Although there are many good programs and schools in our country – there are also many that you need to be skeptical of – as well as many sales people or placement specialists, that don’t always have your child’s best interest first. Or you may stumble on some professionals that believe everyone needs to attend a wilderness program before they get actual long-lasting help.

When will you know it’s time for residential treatment?

1. Have you exhausted all your local resources? From using local therapy to trying outpatient services – teens can be easily shut-down. Although we know that many times it’s difficult to get a teen to open up to therapist – or even attend a session, parents need to know they at least tried. When in residential treatment, the entire program evolves around their emotional wellness, 24/7. Being removed from their negativity helps tremendously.

2. Living with a relative. Some families have attempted to move the troubled teen to live with a relative. Again, sometimes this works – and other times it can be a band-aid, however it can help you make that decision that you have exhausted your local resources before you decide to choose residential therapy.

3. Is your teen a danger to themselves or other people (you)? Has your child become destructive towards you or themselves? This is when you know it’s time to start researching for residential therapy. It’s not working at home.

4. Do you feel like you are hostage in your home by their behavior? Do you feel like you are walking on egg shells? Are you careful about what you say or how you act for fear they may become explosive? This could be another red flag it may be time for residential therapy.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

Read: Goals of Behavior Modification Programs for Teens.

Read: Why Residential Therapy Works.

###

Since 2001 we’ve been helping parents find the right therapeutic boarding schools for their troubled teens. Contact us for a free consultation.