Is Adolescent Residential Treatment Too Extreme?

Some may think that exposing a loved one to a residential treatment center at an adolescent age would be too intense or too extreme.

Structured and specialized care.

A residential treatment center (or RTC) can be an intensive experience, resulting in very positive results. A residential treatment program can provide the structure, specialized care and support that homes or families often cannot provide at that specific time of need.

Reasons for an intensive program.

Adolescents suffer from mental health concerns just like the rest of us. Severe anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar and behavioral issues will only get worse if not treated. These are all common reasons for school refusal, social anxiety, isolation and suicidality.

Even the best of parents and families can have difficulties getting through to their loved one during the adolescent years. Add the additional layer of a mental health concern, a professional and intensive care option could be the answer.

Therapeutic moments.

When the uncontrived “therapeutic moments” become available within the supportive environment of residential treatment, these nuggets are held with nurturing communication, tools and evidence based practices. Some practices may be DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), among other others. These therapeutic moments are welcomed with care and are key to growth. In a short time of an intensive treatment, we see maturity and ease within the adolescent around building resilience, experiencing more balanced emotional regulation and showing stronger coping skills.

Clinical specialization.

The clinical specializations for adolescent residential treatment centers are an array of options and getting the right fit for your struggling loved one is crucial. Therapeutic experiences include school, individual therapy, group therapy, working with animals, caring for animals, outdoor adventure, art, music, individual sports, team sports, urban living, country living… etc. Depending on the struggles and situation, there are certainly enough options to have the best fit program for success.

A therapeutic consultant can help relieve the stress.

A therapeutic consultant travels often throughout the country and sometimes outside the country, to curate programs and schools. We intimately get to know programs in order to be the best referral source for you and your loved one.

If you or anyone you know is considering inpatient therapy options, contact us here for a complimentary discovery call.

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