In decades past, parents would send their sons to military school when they acted up or experienced problematic behavior. The schools were strict and heavily dependent on physical activity, forcing the boys to submit to authority rather than cure their issues. Today, parents who want long-lasting help for their troubled teen boys should look at therapeutic boarding schools as the effective, supportive and successful way to help.

As a parent, you are probably wondering, “What treatment will my son get at a therapeutic boarding school?” If you have images from the movies in your head, get rid of those right now. Today’s therapeutic boarding schools are supportive, structured facilities staffed by experts in their fields. The goal is to effect lasting change in struggling boys to help them overcome their emotional, mental or physical challenges and stay caught up in school.

The treatment your son will get in a therapeutic boarding school will be respectful, firm and helpful. Whether your teen son is being disrespectful, manipulative, rebellious or violent, the staff at the therapeutic boarding school will work with him on modifying his behavior through a system of rewards and incentives. Dedicated, trained staffers will help your teen boy focus on changing his negative behaviors, understanding how his actions have consequences, and equipping him with ways to deal with future challenges.

Teen boys struggle with a lot of issues, like anger, lying, low self-esteem, abuse, aggression, substance abuse, depression, promiscuity, poor schoolwork, anxiety, manipulative behavior and more. Licensed specialists will want to talk to him in individual and group therapy sessions to help him identify the root of the problem, and come up with a solution that will last for the long term. Because therapy is a key part of the healing process, the facilities are called therapeutic boarding schools.

As a parent of a troubled teen boy, it’s completely normal to have confusion and worry about getting them professional help and even sending them away to a therapeutic boarding school for boys. It’s important to do your research and get all the information you can about the different facilities in your area and across the country that will work best for you and your teen son.

It’s true that therapeutic boarding schools will treat your son and teach him how to master areas of self-discipline, setting and achieving goals, and keeping up with school. He will also learn how to build healthy relationships, work with others, enjoy time with peers and lead others. Yo want your son know you want your son to have all the success in the world, so take that first step in getting him the help he needs at a therapeutic boarding school.