How Residential Treatment Has Improved Teen Behavioral Issues

teen behavioral issues

There are times when teenagers need more intensive care than a weekly counseling session at school. Residential treatment centers have a proven track record of improving teen behavioral issues and preventing relapses when it comes to substance abuse. 

This is because residential centers provide teenagers with evidence-based therapies that have been tried and tested on groups with a wide variety of mental disorders. In this post, we discuss more about how these rehabilitation centers have been helping teens all across America. 

Removing Teens From Their Current Situation

In the 30s teenagers who exhibited violent or destructive behaviors were labeled as delinquents and were quickly placed in a custodial training school. However, in the 40s residential treatment centers were a new experiment in an attempt to help these children. 

Today, residential facilities help teenagers by removing them from environments that aren’t conducive to their recovery. At these facilities, teens are surrounded by mental health professionals who coach and guide them to overcome their problems. They’re also treated with evidence-based therapies.  

Teenagers who have substance abuse disorder are removed from environments that could tempt them to take drugs. Patients who have suicidal thoughts are placed in a facility where they can be monitored and removed from objects they can use to harm themselves. 

Helping Teens With Their Academic Performance 

Some residential treatment facilities also have boarding schools where students can learn while recovering. Staff ensure that teenagers complete their school work, study for exams, and always attend classes to improve their academic performance. 

The advantage is that mental health professionals can evaluate teenagers to determine if they have any learning disabilities. They will then work with students to find the best solutions to improve their grades. Therapeutic programs can also improve a student’s school performance. 

Individualized Treatment Plans 

When it comes to residential treatment programs it’s not a “one size fits all” approach. All patients at residential centers have different problems that require personalized treatment plans to assist them. 

Teenagers who have severe mental health disorders can benefit from individualized treatment plans. These programs prioritize the patient’s unique needs and offer a more person-centric approach to the recovery process. 

A Wide Variety of Behavioral Therapies

At residential treatment centers, mental health professionals can provide a wide variety of behavioral therapies that have proven to work for troubled teens. The most common treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy which has a successful remission rate. 

According to research disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety had the highest remission rate of 53% and 51% when treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

Almost all residential treatment programs have some form of 12-step program that’s ideal for teens who have become drug addicts and alcoholics. Other facilities will offer more relaxing treatments such as equine therapy. Studies show that 94% of teens are more likely to seek out mental health treatment if they’re offered treatment while interacting with animals. 

Supportive Community Environment 

Another way residential treatment centers have helped teens is by providing them with a strong supportive community. Teenagers are surrounded by others who are experiencing the same behavioral and mental issues they are. Therefore, they’re less likely to feel judged. 

Residential centers provide group therapy sessions where patients can share their stories and interact with like-minded people. It also gives teenagers more perspective on the effects substance abuse and mental health disorders have had on other people. 

Reduced Relapse Rates

Drug addiction is one of the most difficult situations to recover from. 85% of drug addicts relapse within a year of treatment. This could be due to a variety of factors like being exposed to stressful situations or being tempted when hanging out with certain groups. 

However, with the help of residential treatment programs, individuals can learn how to manage their emotions and use techniques to prevent them from relapsing. 12-step programs can offer teens ongoing support even after they’ve left the treatment center. With the right treatments, patients can experience reduced relapse rates. 

Improved Family Dynamics 

Troubled teens can have rocky relationships with their families. Parents may not understand why their teen is acting out and teenagers may feel like they’re not being heard. Family therapy is one of the options that can help improve a family’s bond. 

Therapists provide sessions where families can discuss their feelings in a safe environment. Everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard which can help parents and teens get their point across without being interrupted. 

24/7 Monitoring and Medical Assistance 

Troubled teens who have severe mental health issues such as eating disorders, irrational fears, or obsessive-compulsive disorder will need round-the-clock monitoring and assistance. Providing the proper care and support for these teens can improve their mental well-being and give them a sense of purpose. 

Final Thoughts – The Best Approach to Helping Your Teen

HelpYourTeenNow offers teenagers a variety of residential treatment programs that have been proven to work. We have boot camps, military schools, and a therapeutic boarding school to assist teenagers with severe behavioral problems.

Contact HelpYourTeenNow to find out about the therapeutic programs we offer and how we can rehabilitate your child the right way. Book a visit with our school so you can get a tour and first-hand experience of our daily routine. We will provide the best treatment options that are personalized to your teen’s specific needs. 

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Written by Natalie

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15 Jul, 2024

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