You have tried everything in your power to help your teen. They have been in therapy, support groups, on medication, involved in community service, in trouble with the school and even the law. Nothing seems to be working and you are at the end of your tether. Something has to change so it is time for extreme measures.

Therapeutic boarding schools might seem like the last resort but they are actually the perfect solution for teenagers who are having trouble adjusting to the trials and tribulations in their lives.

What Is a Therapeutic Boarding School?

This is an institution that has two primary focuses. The first is to act as a residential treatment center. They offer round the clock care from trained medical personnel who know how to manage the symptoms of the various mental conditions that your teen could be facing, from personality disorders to depression. They attend therapy, monitor medication and more.

The second aim is to improve academic performance. On staff are teachers, tutors, administrators, school and career counselors and extracurricular coaches. Teenagers who attend these schools can catch up with peers and come out of it with better grades and more prepared for their life after high school.

Life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and more are also taught.

How Long Will My Teen Be There?

This depends on your teen and what is best for them. In some cases, a teenager will only stay for a couple of months and then integrate back into their regular school. Most teens who attend a therapeutic boarding school will do so for 12 – 18 months.

Longer stays are preferable, as they give a stable and consistent environment for the teen to feel comfortable and learn in.

How Can I Prepare My Teenager For a Stay?

You are your teen’s most important support and ally. When preparing your teen for their stay, it is important to be open and honest with them. Many teenagers feel abandoned or as though they are being sent away. You can ease their fears by having a frank discussion about the decision to enroll them in a therapeutic boarding school.

Show them brochures and the website to give them an idea of where they are going. Take a tour of the grounds before completing the admission process so they can see what the place is like. Get them excited about the chance to go there.

Find out more at Help Your Teen Now.