It is only natural for parents of troubled teens to feel helpless. Parenting teens with behavior and emotional problems can be very challenging. Unfortunately, some families have no idea how to deal with such difficulties. Thankfully, there are numerous programs for teens with behavior problems to help these families. These programs aim to help teenagers resolve their problems and improve their life.
Parents can sign their teenagers for local and affordable opportunities found in counseling or mental health facilities. Other programs that offer intensive therapy may include boarding schools and treatment facilities with therapeutic programs created to meet the needs of the troubled youth. If you are thinking of getting professional help for your child, you can consider some of these programs.
Wilderness Therapy Programs
This is a short-term program which lasts around 4-8 weeks. The teens will be participating in outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and other team activities. The teens will also participate in team-building activities which will help teens develop their skills and character. This is a very appropriate choice if your child has behavioral or emotional problems. The benefits of this program may include: improved self-esteem and sense of responsibility; less hostility and defiance towards authority.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
There are some parents who believe that this program for troubled teens is best for their child. This program is a long-term treatment that lasts all year. This type of school specifically allows troubled teens since this school offers behavior modification and character building programs. In addition to academic activities, there are also therapeutic on-site therapy, workshops, and healing programs. This treatment is best for the youth who are suffering from alcohol and substance abuse, academic problems, those with ADD/ADHD, weight problems, and so on.
Residential Treatment Centers
This type of program offers therapy for teens who are having problems with alcohol and drug abuse, depression, those who have attempted suicide, and other psychological disorders. This therapy involves educational activities and therapeutic sessions inside a safe facility. Residential treatment facilities also offer individualized therapy tailored specifically for your teen’s problems. This facility has licensed doctors and staff. One advantage of this program is that it is very cost-effective as compared to other treatment programs.
Boot Camps
If you are looking into a more intensive treatment program for your child, you can consider signing your teen to a boot camp. This type of program involves high intensity, military-style discipline. There are some boot camps that are operated by the state while there are also private boot camps. This treatment usually lasts for 2-6 weeks and is advisable for teens with severe issues and problems, such as hostility and delinquency.