Has a behavior school been suggested to you for your troubled teen? You may have many questions and a few concerns about these schools known for their ability to address behavioral problems in teens. In years past, these behavior schools may have had a strong reputation, which can understandably make a parent hesitate to send their teen to one.

The truth is that some of these behavioral-focused boarding schools often referred to as therapeutic boarding schools, may have taken a hard line to address teen behavior. A therapeutic boarding school, however, is something entirely different. Learning more about what happens at a therapeutic boarding school can help you better understand how these facilities can best meet the needs of your struggling teens.

What is a Behavior School?

Whether across town or a state away, a behavior school offers your struggling teen the opportunity to get a fresh start in all possible ways. It’s understandable to be reluctant to send your teen away from home for any period of time. But in truth, there are so many benefits for your teen to experience at a therapeutic boarding school.

• Teens will learn responsibility and accountability. Teens will be offered therapy that will address their individual needs.
• Teens will benefit from family and group therapy sessions that help them develop their communication skills.
•  A focus on healing and growth will help troubled teens learn how to address better the stressors that life is sure to send their way when they return home.
• The ability to focus on their education. Teens can catch up and even shoot past their academic goals.

It’s also important to keep in mind that parents and other siblings in the home will be able to also benefit from the troubled teen being away at boarding school. This is the opportunity to reconnect with one another and learn how to work together as a united front when your teen returns home needing additional support.

How Does a Therapeutic Boarding School Differ?

You may think a behavior school is more like a prison, with dark, gloomy cells and strict rules. A therapeutic boarding school is quite different. There will be rules and restrictions for your teen. He will live in a home-like setting that is warm, nurturing, cozy and fosters growth.

Your teen will be surrounded by caring professionals who will help him every step. There are plenty of opportunities for your teen to read a book, write in his journal, or take a walk. There are also opportunities for your teen to get outside for fresh air. Whether playing basketball or going on a hike, your teen will enjoy stretching his legs and spending time with the other teens.

Whether your teen needs medication, therapy, a fresh start, or something else entirely, his mental wellness and physical needs will be taken care of by the professional staff tasked with his care. Unlike past schools, your teen’s nutritional needs will be met with fresh and healthy food.

You already know that your teen will be able to focus on his academics. Many teens in therapeutic boarding schools find that the smaller class sizes allow them to catch up and see more success than they could achieve in the standard educational setting. This can also often give teens hope for furthering their education and setting their sights on a career.

Therapeutic boarding schools, despite your teen living away from you, will help improve your relationship with your teen. Through counseling and other programs, your teen will learn to better communicate with you. You will also get a new insight into your teen’s personality and understand how he grows and learns.

What Can Be Addressed at a Behavioral School?

Behavioral schools are designed to help teens learn to manage and cope with their behaviors.  If your teen is struggling with depression and anxiety and has been bullied, it may not seem like he can get the same benefits as a teen struggling with drug and alcohol use and abuse.

In truth, these teens will need different programs that do address their unique mental wellness and behavioral needs. However, this can be offered in a therapeutic boarding school’s structured and nurturing environment. 

How? Every teen will get a thorough assessment that will determine what their underlying concerns may be. With an understanding of your teen’s needs, a therapeutic plan forward can be made. 

Behavioral schools are designed to help teens who struggle with a variety of issues, including;

• Anxiety, depression, and trauma responses.
• Anger issues, including concerns with violence.
• ADHD and ADD.
• Academic challenges.
• Communication challenges.
• Issues with drug and alcohol use or abuse.

Teens who struggle to form healthy friendships and relationships will also be allowed to learn just how they can do this. Whether through peer learning experiences or going on a hike, or taking part in other group activities. Therapeutic boarding schools excel at pushing teens at just the right level to feel safe stepping outside of their comfort zone.

Your teen will return home a changed person. He will have the confidence he may have lost somewhere along the way, and he will be in a better mentally healthy position to tackle the challenges he will face at home and from society.

Not all therapeutic boarding schools are designed to be equal. Some will offer more of a focus on academics and individual therapy. Others may add in more outdoor activities that can help your teen find the strength and confidence he needs. Find out everything there is to know about the offered programs at the schools you consider. Your teen will thrive in the structured and nurturing environment provided by the right therapeutic boarding school.