Residential treatment centers are full time facilities that provide intensive therapeutic care for severely troubled teens. The immersive environment of these programs allow teens to start over in an environment dedicated to helping them identify their needs and gain the necessary tools to turn their lives around and make positive, lasting changes. Programs such as these are often considered a last resort by parents whose teen was unable or unwilling to respond their discipline or other outpatient solutions.
Although the actual treatment programs vary depending on the facility, most include a mixture of group, individual and family therapies along with recreational activities and academics when applicable. The primary objective of most residential treatment centers is to help troubled teens determine what core issue is leading to their behavior issues and develop healthier ways to cope with it. Programs that simply treat the symptoms of a greater problem are less likely to be successful. Although each curriculum will be unique, these programs offer a combination of options and benefits for their residents.
Individualized Plan of Care – There is no single type of treatment that will work for every troubled teen. Because each resident and his problems are unique, they are individually evaluated upon arrival by a qualified therapist. The results of this assessment allow the staff to create a plan of care for each resident that is targeted to his medical, behavioral, emotional and social needs.
Academics – Many facilities offer accredited educational programs as part of their daily curriculum. Whether a resident needs assistance with grade repair, or is simply keeping up with his age level, each program strives to help teens transition from the program on target with their peers at home.
One-on-one Coaching – Residential treatment centers often have a small class size in order to allow each resident to receive more one-on-one coaching and guidance from the counselors and therapists. This consistent attention is designed so that each teen can have his plan of care amended as he works his way through the program.
Better Communication – Almost every teen entering a treatment program needs to work on communicating more effectively with both peers and authority figures. A safe and supportive family style environment combined with healthy recreational activities help residents learn to communicate more effectively with both adults and peers.
Respite – A particularly valuable resource that residential treatment centers offer is emotional respite for parents. Raising a troubled teen is often overwhelming and isolating and it can be a relief to have the option to stop shouldering the burden alone. While their son is living in a secure and caring environment dedicated to helping him deal with his challenges, parents are able to emotionally regroup and receive guidance on how to improve the relationship with their teen and help ensure his long term success.
Sundance Canyon Academy is a residential treatment center located in northern Utah. We specialize in helping troubled teen boys through our proven relationship based therapy program. For information about our program or a consultation with one of our qualified staff, contact us at 866-678-2425.