An international program provides not only a new environment but an entirely different culture. In a boarding environment, teens are removed from everything familiar and all negative influences. In totally new surroundings, teens must depend on school staff for all support and clues for living.
Some programs offer your teenager the opportunity for international travel in other countries
If outpatient treatments have failed, a teenager may require inpatient hospitalization. These teens may have received a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and may exhibit various behaviors that threaten to harm themselves or others.
At inpatient facilities, an interdisciplinary treatment plan is carried out by professionals such as physicians, nurses, teachers, licensed therapists and mental health associates. Programs may incorporate an accredited private school as well.
If your teenager is especially vigorous and energetic, a rigorous program with heavy physical demands may be suitable. A teen who is less physically strong may benefit from a gentler program.
Health insurance will reimburse only for programs offered by organizations that are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Military- or Boot Camp-style schools may benefit troubled teens who are particularly resistant to authority. We only refer into programs with proven success rates and whose staff use appropriate methods of discipline.
In programs of vigorous physical training and military-style discipline, teens may realize they can take control of their lives. They can see the benefits of complying with strict rules in order to earn the desired result of returning home. The no-frills atmosphere of a military-type school can help teens better appreciate their homes and families.
Wilderness programs vary in duration, focus and rigor. The opportunity to experience life outdoors, to cook over an open fire, set up a tent, tie knots that hold, and learn other survival skills has transformative power for many teenagers.
In general, wilderness programs seek to teach troubled teens respect for authority, self-discipline, cooperation, responsibility, self-respect and self-esteem. Some programs include a staff therapist for group and individual therapy sessions.
If your teenager is especially vigorous and energetic, a rigorous program with heavy physical demands may be suitable. A teen who is less physically strong may benefit from a gentler program.
Residential treatment may be necessary if a teenager refuses to cooperate with efforts to intervene in his or her home community. In a structured residential program, a teen will receive supervision, intervention and/or various therapies 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
These programs may serve girls alone, boys alone, or co-ed populations. A residential program may help teens cope with earlier sexual abuse, low self-esteem, bi-polar disorder, learning disorder, truancy, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, ADHD, and destructive behavior.
Sometimes the troubled or anti-social behaviors are responses to local situations. Removing the teen from the inappropriate environment allows recovery to begin.
Some troubled teens do not thrive in the public school setting. They may need different associates, additional services, more attention, clearer guidance, and tougher rules and regulations.
Teens often refuse to listen to family members and are more open to learning and guidance from strangers. Parents may find needed relief when teens are placed outside their community.
Private or independent schools offer a wide variety of programs and environments appropriate for teenagers.