A generation ago, a parent’s answer to getting a troubled teen to behave was to ship them off to military school. The idea back then was that the structure and discipline at a military school would scare the teen straight and teach them some respect. Fortunately, today we know so much more about adolescent psychology and mental and behavioral disorders and have much better facilities to accommodate struggling teens.

Today’s military schools are boarding schools that use a military structure and style to teach academics and extracurricular activities. They are not designed to deal with troubled teens. Therapeutic boarding schools, on the other hand, are specifically designed to help teens who struggle with mental illness or behavioral issues get on the road to recovery. Instead of looking for a military school, look to therapeutic boarding schools as the solution to your family’s dilemma. Wouldn’t you rather have your child working with licensed professionals who specialize in healing troubled teens?

What seems appealing to most parents about military schools is the emphasis on discipline, physical activity, respect and the strong influence of faculty and staff. The good news is that a therapeutic boarding school can also provide those attractive features for your teen. Military schools are often only interested in getting everyone to conform and follow the same path, while therapeutic boarding schools create individualized plans for school, therapy and more to help kids heal. Wouldn’t you prefer your child receive personal attention based on their needs and adjusts as they make progress?

Therapeutic boarding schools may not incorporate all the military jargon and insignias you might find in an authentic military academy, but that doesn’t mean your child will not get a high-end program. Therapeutic boarding schools use behavior modification treatments quite effectively to encourage change. When student exhibit proper and positive behavior, they are rewarded for good behavior. The receive consequences for poor behavior, like loss of privileges or restrictions from fun activities. You really can get the structure and discipline you want out of a military school and find it in a therapeutic boarding school. Don’t you want your teen at a facility that can actually help them heal and recover?

If you are in a situation where your once happy teenager is suddenly acting out, demonstrating problematic behavior and losing interest in school, remember that military school is not the answer. Instead, choose to get professional help by enrolling your child in a therapeutic boarding school that has structured activities, plenty of physical activity and that excels academically. In no time at all, you’ll start to see your teen make positive changes in their behavior.

For guidance on choosing the right therapeutic boarding school for your family, please contact us at Help Your Teen Now.