Why Residential Treatment Centers Are a Lifeline for Troubled Teens

A Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is a safe and secure facility where people with mental health and drug addictions go for rehabilitation. Parents who have troubled teenagers with behavioral concerns can also book them into an RTC.  Residential programs are designed to help troubled youths and are the reason they're important in specific communities. For example, areas that have high crime and drug rates should have several RTCs to keep troubled youths off the streets.  In this post, we explain how RTCs can help your teenager and how they prevent further traumatizing children who are booked in. We've also provided the benefits of RTCs and how you can book your child into a facility if they're experiencing problems in their lives. 

What Does a Residential Treatment Center Specialize In? 

Rehabilitation centers specialize in inpatient care for people who need 24-hour supervision. Residential treatment programs may include therapy sessions, medical care, and ways to focus on their healing and recovery.  Teenagers who have the following problems can benefit from living in an RTC: 

• Drug addiction
• Self-mutilation 
• Eating disorders 
• Alcohol abuse 
• Trauma 
• Emotional distress 
• Mental illnesses like Bipolar, depression and anxiety 
• Teens who have been sexually abused 

Doctors and mental health professionals are on duty to ensure teenagers get the help and care they need.

How Do RTCs Prevent Teenagers From Becoming Traumatized? 

The goal of a residential program is to help troubled teenagers heal from trauma and identify why they've developed behavioral issues. Mental health professionals ensure that there are no triggers around the patient that could cause them harm.  These facilities may offer a variety of treatment options that teens with different problems can benefit from and ensure they feel safe and secure in their environment. Staff are licensed healthcare professionals who have many years of experience so they can assist with all forms of trauma.  To ensure children are safe, bedrooms are secure, and areas where residents socialize are clean and have staff available to assist anyone living on the premises. 

When It's Time To Book Your Teen into an RTC

Many parents feel like they're abandoning their children if they send them to a residential treatment center. However, you need to allow trained doctors and therapists to assist your child if they've got one or more of the following issues. 

Drug Problems 

In recent years there has been a surge in teenagers experimenting with illegal drugs. On the other hand, many teenagers become addicted to heavy drugs which can lead them down a dark spiral of mental and physical health problems.  Teenagers who have drug addictions can overdose. The only way to help them is if they become part of a residential program to rehabilitate them. 

Mental Health Concerns 

Adolescents can develop depression and anxiety because of peer pressure, or experiencing an identity crisis. However, some mental problems such as Bipolar and ADHD can be serious. Children with these conditions need to be placed in a controlled environment where they can manage their mental health with therapy and medication. 

Trauma 

Children who've experienced extreme trauma can begin to show signs of mental decline. They may develop issues like phobias or Post Traumatic Stress Syndrom. Therapy at a residential facility can help these teenagers with practical solutions to manage and possibly heal their trauma. 

Behavioral Issues 

Some teenagers may start to develop extreme behavioral issues that can make it difficult for parents to speak or bond with them. Violent outbursts, bullying other children, and vandalizing property are some examples of behavioral issues. A third party such as a therapist can provide specialized programs for troubled teens to build their empathy and help them realize their wrongdoings. 

The Benefits RTCs Can Provide Troubled Teenagers

As a parent, you may not be able to control a teenager who's on drugs or has severe anger issues. Here's how your troubled child can benefit from RTCs and their programs. 

A Structured Environment 24/7 Medical and Mental Health Support 

You can't always monitor where your child goes and what they do. Typically a teenager who has a substance abuse problem will stay at an RTC for 30 to 60 days. During this time they'll receive round-the-clock treatment.  For instance, teenagers who have mental health problems will be given the correct medication and will be monitored 24/7 to ensure their safety. The same will apply to teenagers who need to be weaned off drugs. 

Distancing Teenagers from Negative Influences 

Since teenagers are kept at the facility for a month or two they will be away from people who trigger their negative responses. RTCs ensure teens are off the streets where they can easily get drugs or alcohol. The center also monitors who visits patients and ensures no one can affect their healing process. 

A Safe Environment to Express Emotions 

At times troubled teens may bottle up their emotions because they feel unheard or misunderstood. At an RTC there are regular group sessions where they can express how they feel and tell their story to others. These centers also offer family therapy where parents and their children can have open and honest discussions about their addiction or mental health. Trained professionals provide a safe space for teens to express how they feel and what caused their problems. 

Final Thoughts

Do you need the help and support from a residential treatment center to rehabilitate your teen? Whether your teen has behavioral issues, abuses substances, or experiences mental disorders Liahona Academy has the expertise and facilities needed to help your child. Browse through our website or give us a call to book a consultation. We provide quality treatments and residential programs for a wide variety of teen problems. Our trained professionals are here to assist you and make the booking process easy for you and your child.