Alternative School For Troubled Teens

When a troubled teenager is rejecting the good advice of parents, teachers, and other authority figures on how to slow down or stop self-destructing behavior, it can get very frustrating for those who only want to help. Traditional schools are not well equipped to deal with teen boys and girls who are lying, skipping classes, using drugs and alcohol, defying authority, and so many more. Often, these bad behaviors are a result of mental health issues or emotional challenges that require more professional help over a longer time period. Parents who want to stop the destructive behavior of their children should consider alternative school for troubled teens.

What Is An Alternative School?

Alternative schools are those facilities that blend a therapeutic component with academics. Often called therapeutic boarding schools or residential treatment centers, alternative schools are the answer when traditional schools cannot make a difference in the troubled teen's behavior and attitude. Alternative schools are specially structured to help troubled teens and are staffed with licensed and experienced teachers and administrators that know how to work with emotionally and behaviorally difficult kids. Alternative schools may be located near the troubled teen's home or they may find one that is in a different city or state that works better or has specific experience in treating that teenager's unique challenges. Many alternative schools have college prep classes or vocational classes to help teens transition to adulthood.

Who Can Attend Alternative Schools?

There are a number of reasons why a doctor, school counselor or psychiatrist may recommend that a troubled teen attend an alternative school. Generally, bad behavior is a result of some deeper issues that need intensive and consistent counseling. Teens who are failing at traditional schools, need a clean break from their current negative atmosphere and require structured and specific therapy time would benefit from attending alternative schools. Here are just a few diagnosed conditions that teens may suffer that make them excellent candidates for alternative school:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar
• Abuse trauma
• ADD/ADHD
• ODD
• Adoption or abandonment trauma
• Substance abuse
• Low self-esteem

Such conditions often drive teens to act out and behave badly at home, work and school. They continue to make one poor choice after another and drift further away from a successful future. Alternative schools can help the teen regain focus, get professional help in therapy and academically, and find a way forward again. There are so many stories of success and healing from those students who have attended alternative schools that there is no doubt that these facilities can really make an impact. When troubled teens are unable to progress or improve their lives without professional help, parents should consider providing them with a fresh start in a safe and structured alternative school.