Do short term programs help troubled teens? What are the pros and cons of short-term programs for teen help?
There are short-term programs that are designed to give families a good foundation of what they are facing with their teen’s behavior. But will they give you long-lasting behavioral changes?
-Defiant, disrespectful, rude?
-Vaping, doing drugs, drinking?
–ADHD, ODD, RAD, Bipolar
-Addicted to their smartphone, video-gaming?
-Refusing to go to school, skipping classes?
-Smart, but failing in school?
–Entitled, privileged teenager? Nasty?
–Withdrawing from favorite interests?
-Struggling with depression or anxiety?
If you’ve been struggling with a few of these behaviors for a length of time, it’s unlikely a short-term program can give you long-lasting results.
Why use a short-term program?
It can offer immediate support and typically continues with a Psychiatric Evaluation with medication recommendations (if needed); an Educational Plan with specific goals and course recommendations (residents will have the option to recover essential credits, prepare for the SAT’s, gain organizational skills, as well); and a wellness plan, with goals for health and fitness, in addition to nutritional recommendations.
Some parents feel more comfortable experiencing a short term program before making the bigger commitment of 6-9-12 months. A short-term program can help parents realize that their teen is in need of residential treatment – or maybe it’s not the path for them.
We frequently caution parents that believe their teen will get the shock value of a wilderness program, and will come home a new person. After spending nearly $30K-50K for a trek in the wilderness, it’s very likely that once your teen is home, within a month’s time, they will be back to their old habits.
Isn’t it better to take that money and invest it into a therapeutic program that will have long-lasting behavioral results? This is why investing in a more of a clinical setting of a short term program that offers education, clinical and enrichment programs – you will be able to have all the benefits of a therapeutic setting.
Why are short-term programs rarely the answer but can be helpful?
Since 2001 we have been helping and educating families from all over the country. We have yet to hear from a family where a summer program or any short-term has been successful for long-lasting results in behavioral changes.
However in some situations, a solid 60-90-day program has been exactly what a student needed to get them back on the right path or at least give the family a sense of direction.
What happens in short-term programs for troubled teens?
Short-term programs for troubled teens usually last 30 to 90 days. They are designed to stabilize a teen, find out what is driving the behavior and build a plan for what comes next. A good program uses a holistic approach that looks at mental health issues, school, family and peers together.
Most quality programs include:
- A clinical assessment by mental health professionals in the first week
- An individualized treatment approach based on that assessment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and group behavioral therapy
- Life skills and coping skills practice
- Substance abuse treatment when needed
- Family sessions and a discharge plan
A short program is a good fit for a teen who is making poor decisions but is not in danger. If the assessment shows deeper problems, a longer residential treatment program or residential treatment center may be recommended. Ask every program what happens on day 46.
Also read:
The Success Rate of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.
5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.
Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective.
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Contact us for a free consultation to help you find the right therapeutic boarding school for your troubled teen and family.
