3 Things You Need to Know about Residential Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens

Some information about residential treatment programs for troubled teens that may be useful to you includes the nature, goals, and types of residential treatment program.

Dealing with problematic teens is a very challenging and stressful task. This is when a residential treatment center for teens can help both parents and teens deal with the situation. Here are some useful things to know about residential treatment programs that will help you make the right choice for your teen.

Nature of residential treatment programs for troubled teens

Residential treatment programs are live-in therapeutic programs specifically designed to address the needs of troubled teens. They can be known as boys homes, boarding homes, or boot camps, and include structured physical activities, therapies, support, vocational education, and counseling to treat troubled teens. Counseling and therapeutic activities come in both group and individual sessions to encourage and instill fellowship, as well as to monitor the progress of each resident. Individual sessions also help counselors focus on the individual problems of each teen and receive immediate response from each of them.

Goals of residential treatment centers

Residential treatment programs are aimed at treating different behavioral problems, as well as other emotional and psychological concerns of teens. These centers also have specific goals that activities are geared towards. These goals include recognizing and acknowledging personal issues, building on the ability to make constructive and positive choices, enhancing self-image, developing anger management skills, improving communication with family and friends, developing problem-solving skills, acknowledging feedback, minimizing self-destructive attitudes, and improving conformity with house regulations.

Types of residential treatment programs

There are different types of residential treatment programs available to teens depending on the level of care and support they require. In general there are two types of residential treatment centers: locked and unlocked. In an unlocked center, residents can freely move about the facility without much restriction. By contrast, in locked centers, like in some hospitals, the residents' mobility may be very restricted. Furthermore, in an unlocked residential treatment center, the activities of residents are less structured and there is typically a lower level of tension compared to a locked center.

Some residential treatment centers also focus on certain conditions, such as emotional disorders, physical disorders, alcohol and drug addiction, and other behavioral issues.

There is ongoing debate as to whether these residential treatment programs can really cure troubled teens. Some studies reveal that these in-house treatment programs have been successful when it comes to dealing with teens with history of addictive conduct and even criminal activity.