Therapeutic Boarding Schools for Boys

Every parent worries about their teenage boy. Sometimes, however, those worries escalate to serious concerns about your son’s safety, health, and mental state. More often than not, good parenting and outside professional help, when necessary, can provide troubled teens with the help they need. But when your son’s troubles exceed your ability to provide the necessary treatment, it might be time to look into a therapeutic boarding school.

What Are Therapeutic Boarding Schools?

Therapeutic boarding schools are primarily educational institutions where students are housed at the facility full-time. However, they are called therapeutic for a reason. Students who are struggling in traditional schools for any number of reasons may be enrolled in a therapeutic boarding school to receive intensive and individualized therapy to help them overcome their challenges while they get a quality education.

Parents may choose to enroll their troubled teenage son in such a school for help with a variety of issues. Fortunately, these facilities usually offer qualified therapists who are well-equipped to help your son in just about any area of need. Reasons some parents choose a therapeutic boarding school might include:

• Substance abuse
• Other addictions, such as pornography
• Excessive truancy and delinquency
• Behavioral problems such as violence or abuse
• Disorders such as ADHD or severe depression
• Mental illness
• Severe emotional or family challenges

Is There a Therapeutic Boarding School Near Me?

There are many therapeutic boarding schools for boys in the United States. There could even be several choices in your own state. Whether you choose one close to you or further away will depend on your situation, and how comfortable you are with sending your son to a faraway location. Here are just a few examples, in no particular order:

• Kiva Adventure Ranch in Utah
• Cherokee Creek Boys School in South Carolina
• Newport Academy in California
• Liahona Academy in Utah
• Little Keswick School in Virginia

Should I Really Consider a Therapeutic Boarding School?

Troubled teen boys who suffer from certain issues might need professional help. These schools and many more could be just what your son needs. Even if their choices are not conscious decisions, their behavior can harm themselves or have a destructive effect on families. Whatever the issues might be, it’s important that boys be given the tools they need to progress in a constructive way. If your son’s behavior concerns you and other methods have not yielded the needed results, it may be time for you to consider a therapeutic boarding school.

Locating and identifying the right therapeutic boarding school for your son’s specific needs is a huge task. If you are considering such a facility, there are plenty of online resources you can look to for guidance. By going online, you can look at what educational and therapeutic options each school provides, what extracurricular activities are offered, tuition rates, and more. When you’re looking to ensure a positive future for your son, a therapeutic boarding school for boys might offer a life-changing experience for him and the rest of your family.

Parents of troubled teen boys should spend plenty of time researching, helping them identify the very best therapeutic boarding schools for their situation. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help in making the tough decision to send your son to a therapeutic boarding school. Seek guidance from those who can understand the amount of stress, anxiety and concern that goes into such a decision. The right help can make the research and decision-making process smoother and less stressful.

What Should I Expect From A Therapeutic Boarding School?

First and foremost, these schools should remove troubled teen boys from their current negative environment, which may be supplied by their traditional school, the wrong friends, and frustrated teachers who aren’t trained to deal with your son’s challenges. A therapeutic boarding school places him in very structured and supervised surroundings.

These schools can also provide behavior modification programs that give boys positive incentives for good behavior, as well as programs that are filled with interesting and progressive recreation. At his new school, your son will enjoy social and entertainment opportunities that can boost self-esteem while they help him build relationships and achieve goals. At a therapeutic school, you can be assured that the faculty will be trained to help your son improve his behavior, his mental state, and his future. He will gain the life and coping skills to become a successful and productive adult.

Students may receive individual and group therapy sessions with licensed therapists, in an environment where academic achievement is emphasized, helping him gain an appreciation for its importance in his transition into the adult world.

Can’t I Just Wait and See?

As a parent, how you deal with your son’s behavioral, mental, or educational challenges is entirely up to you. However, many studies have documented the need for early intervention in troubled children and teens. Many parents are tempted to wait it out and see if their teen’s behavior is just a phase, but it’s vital that the warning signs be taken seriously. If the other steps you have taken haven’t done enough to turn things around, giving up should never be an option. Teens who don’t get the help they need can enter a downward spiral that is much harder to break away from.

• Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts
• Increased combative or aggressive behavior
• Violent outbursts that harm himself or others
• Juvenile delinquency
• Increased addiction leading to health risks and criminal behavior
• Dropping out of school altogether

Take Action — There is Help

Sending your son to a therapeutic boarding school might seem like a drastic step, but sometimes, it’s a necessary one. The earlier you step in to get him the help he needs, the better chance he will have to turn his life around and become a well-adjusted adult.

Fortunately, there are organizations that provide provide free consultations for parents like you who are seeking information on therapeutic boarding schools. They employ people who are ready to guide you as you make this tough decision. It’s the first step in a long, difficult road, but in the end, your teen son will get the guidance, therapy and education he needs to have the best chance of success.