Foundations of Boarding Schools

When your teen is in crisis, you must select the right help for them. Treatment options vary for troubled teens, with therapeutic boarding schools being one of the options that can provide a comprehensive solution for a struggling teen. If you’re considering a boarding school for your teen, you must take the time to do some research. Not only are boarding schools not created equally, but they can offer different types of environments and programs to meet the different needs of teens. There are also considerations about whether the schools meet or exceed state regulations.

What is a Therapeutic Boarding School?

Boarding schools are residential schools that allow students to live and learn on the same campus. They offer similar curriculums as public schools but may also have students' academic, sports, STEM, and musical focus. Therapeutic boarding schools are similar in design, but they focus on their students' mental health and wellness. These facilities will allow students to heal, grow, and thrive under the supervision of medical professionals. Within a therapeutic boarding school structure, teens will be able to work through their mental health issues, get back on track with their academics, and learn life and leadership skills that they may have otherwise never had the opportunity to focus on. The therapies offered can vary based on the type of therapeutic boarding school and the needs of the students. Some of the therapies provided could include the following.

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Equine therapy
• Outdoor adventure therapy

The therapies offered to each teen will be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that meets the needs of the individual.

Regulations that need to be met by Therapeutic Boarding Schools

All educational facilities need to meet strict state and federal regulations; this includes therapeutic boarding schools. It’s important to note that each state has its own rules and regulations for private schools.  As well as needing to meet these regulations, therapeutic boarding schools are often held to a higher standard, as they include mental health treatments and therapies.  Some of the areas that facilities need to provide clear documentation and information about include the following.

• Certification of teachers and other educators.
• Qualifications of nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals.
• Licensing and accreditation (varies by state.)
• Curriculum, length of the school day, and year.
• Professional development and ongoing training and education.
• Technology and other tools used

If we take the State of Utah as an example, we can see that the state guidelines are broken down clearly. This map provided by the U.S. Department of Education can give you quick access to the regulations for the state that you are interested in. Before you decide where to send your troubled teen, be sure that you’ve carefully reviewed the regulations for each state you are researching. When you speak with admissions counselors at each facility, you will understand the guidelines and rules they need to adhere to. This information should be something that most therapeutic boarding schools are more than happy to share with parents.

Liahona Academy’s Approach to Therapeutic Boarding School

At Liahona Academy, we offer treatment plans that address the needs of the individual. There is no such thing as a one-size solution for your teen's mental and behavioral health in crisis. Our holistic approach will help your teen focus on healing, recovering, and refocus on a healthy and happy life.