The decision to send your troubled teen to a therapeutic boarding school is one that causes many parents sleepless nights filled with worry and anxiety. 

It’s understandable. This is your child, and the idea of sending them away from your care is enough to cause anyone concern. 

However, the value of boarding schools for troubled teens cannot be understated. For countless families, this out-of-home treatment option gave them new hope.

On the other hand, the troubled teen walked away with the tools and knowledge to overcome their challenges and contribute more positively to society. 

This post will look at more benefits of boarding schools for troubled teens. We will also delve into the success stories of families who have seen the advantages of residential treatment centers. 

How Can a Therapeutic Boarding School Help My Troubled Teen?

There are numerous positive reasons to consider a boarding school for your challenging adolescent. The wide range of schools available, such as wilderness camps, military programs, and Christian boarding schools, make it easier to select the best fit for your child and family. 

Let’s look at some of the benefits of residential treatment centers. 

Individualized treatment plans

Therapeutic boarding schools are not just a home away from home for troubled teens. They offer much more than just lodgings and education. 

The teens who walk into these types of centers need help, and not just with their grades. Many of them are facing mental health challenges, behavioral issues, and even substance abuse and drug addiction. 

The treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s challenges, considering which therapy options work best for them. 

A wide variety of therapy options

Therapeutic schools have more diverse therapy options, allowing them to personalize treatment further. 

For troubled teens, traditional talk therapy may not be as effective as, say, equine-assisted therapy or art therapy. More options give parents and teens a greater sense of control in the healing space. 

Academic focus

While residential treatment centers are focused on healing the child emotionally, mentally, and psychologically, there is also an emphasis on academic development. 

Failing grades are one of the first red flags that your teenager needs help with. Therapeutic schools address this concern through remedial support and tailored academic offerings.  

For one parent whose child attended the Liahona Treatment Center in Utah she saw firsthand how an individualized academic program can help someone. 

Her son graduated from the center with flying colors and even managed to improve his English grades so much that he became a tutor to other struggling learners. 

In addition to academic classes, therapeutic boarding schools also offer a number of extracurricular activities that aim to teach teamwork and problem-solving skills to troubled teens. 

Routine and structure

To provide a healthy environment for growth, boarding schools are governed by strict routines and structure. 

For a troubled teen, this is vitally important. It helps them to understand expectations, manage their time, and fulfill their responsibilities. 

It also prepares them for their future, like C. experienced during his time at a therapeutic boarding school. He had been struggling with negative behavior patterns and was due to attend the Citadel in Charleston, a military-based college in South Carolina. 

After learning the importance and value of following a solid structure and meaningful routine, he was able to adjust to the strict college life seamlessly.   

Supportive community

One of the main advantages of a treatment center for troubled teens is that adolescents and family members enjoy the care and support from those around them. 

Through group therapy, often offered at therapeutic schools,  teens can realize that they are not alone in their struggles. It’s the same for their relatives, who may be able to partake in family therapy at the institution. 

It takes a village to help a troubled teen, and families have experienced this supportive network at therapeutic boarding centers. 

Family connection

A common misconception is that teens are not allowed to see their families once they enroll in a therapeutic boarding school. 

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Building and maintaining familial bonds is vital to a troubled teen’s healing. And constant communication between you and your child, as well as you and the school, is encouraged.  

Regular visits are also allowed, like P and L experienced while their son was at Liahona Treatment Center. They often spent time with him and even made plans to spend Christmas together. 

This helps the troubled teen know they were not just dropped off and forgotten. Instead, they feel their parents and family are with them on their healing journey. 

Final Thoughts

When you have tried all other avenues to help your troubled teen, and they haven’t worked, it may be time to consider a therapeutic boarding school. 

Your teen will enjoy the benefits of individualized treatment plans, tailored academic offerings, and a loving, caring, supportive environment. Just like other troubled teens have in the past. 

To help you find the best boarding school for your troubled teen, Help Your Teen Now is standing by.