Extreme behavioral issues in your teen can be one of the most exhausting and difficult things a parent can go through. You may feel as though you have tried everything you can think of and it is disappointing when you still don’t see reasonable results. In such cases, when teens fail to respond to other methods of treatment, a residential treatment program can be an effective way to get your child back on track. While many parents feel that an extreme environment, such as a boot camp or military style therapeutic boarding school are needed in order to correct their child’s behavior, these may not be the best options. “Boot Camps” and extreme wilderness programs often use a combination of intimidation, physical punishment and manipulation in order to break kids down and scare them into good behavior. These tactics are short term solutions at best. Therapeutic boarding schools are an ideal option in some cases, but while they offer a form of therapy, it is secondary to education and may not address the root of the issue with your son.
Residential treatment programs are designed to provide full time therapeutic care and coaching for teens needing behavior modification. Through a combination of therapy, academics and healthy recreational activities, teens are able to identify their issues in order to focus on effective long term changes. Because each teen attends a residential treatment program with different needs, they are thoroughly assessed by a therapist as soon as they arrive. The results of this assessment allow the experienced staff to create an individualized plan of care that will help him target the skills he needs to acquire in order to reverse bad behavior and become a healthier individual.
A fairly common method of behavior modification for teens involves offering phases or levels they can work through in order to improve and change. This hands-on approach for rewards and consequences allows each boy to self-correct as he improves. Other methods include individual and group therapy in order to address personal concerns and offer a way to practice better communication among peers. Residential treatment programs are generally small group settings, which are intended to mimic a family environment. This helps troubled teen practice cohesion in a family dynamic and makes the transition home a little more familiar in order to stay on track. Although the idea of sending your son away may seem difficult and intimidating, the consistent and immersive therapeutic environment can be life changing. As you research facilities, make sure that you are comfortable with the program they offer as well as their safety rules and regulations. Remember that location is less important than choosing the option that is the best fit for your teen’s needs
Liahona Academy is located in southern Utah and has been helping teen boys turn their lives around for 15 years. If you have questions about our program, or would like a free consultation, please call us at 1-855-587-1416.
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