Parenting a troubled teen can be exhausting and discouraging and you may often feel as though nothing you do seems to be helping. If your teen has been consistently struggling withnegative behavioral issues such as depression, defiance, anger, anxiety, substance abuse or mental disorder and has failed to respond to outpatient treatment, it may be time to consider a full time option. Facilities such as residential treatment centers and therapeutic boarding schools are available for parents who need help improving their teen’s behavior. Through therapeutic methods, such as behavior modification, teens are immersed in an environment dedicated to eliminating the regular distractions and triggers of everyday life. They have the opportunity to turn their lives around in a controlled environment until they are ready to return home.
What is Behavior Modification?
Behavior modification therapy refers to a system of techniques that help troubled teens exchange bad behavior for positive behavior through a series of agreed upon rewards and consequences. Finding a full time facility that will provide behavior modification is not difficult, as it is a popular therapeutic method, however, you want to select a program that fits the overall needs of your teen. There are a variety of factors you should consider as you research behavior modification program options.- Safety – Safety should be a high priority concern. Because each state has different rules and regulations regarding safety, health and accreditation, you should familiarize yourself with the laws in the state you are considering. Make sure that background checks for the staff as well as professional licenses for therapy and academic programs are required. Although it may seem ideal to choose a program that keeps your son close to home, location is less important than making sure that your teen’s destination is safe and experienced.
- Individualized Treatment – Effective programs recognize that there is no “one size fits all” option for healing. You should consider a facility that sees your son as an individual with unique needs and offers regular one-on-one time with counselors and therapists in order to craft a specialized plan of care. This consistent attention allows the staff to accurately assess your teen’s emotional, behavioral and medical needs from the start in order to make the necessary changes as he progresses through the program.
- Parental Involvement - Your input as a parent is important to your son’s healing process since no one knows him and his history like you do. Although each facility generally requires some initial distance between parent and child in order to let him get adjusted, your participation should be encouraged and guided by the staff. Many effective facilities offer an aftercare program to help your family ease the transition home and help your teen maintain the positive changes he has made.
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