Are you wondering what to do with your out-of-control teenager? Don’t give up on them just yet. There are specialized troubled teen treatment programs that address the underlying causes of adolescents’ negative behavior, helping them return to the right path. In this article, Key Healthcare intends to help parents know different teen intervention programs, guide you on locating, choosing, evaluating, and financing them, and provide information on supporting your teen during and after the program. Let’s get started!
Admissions
If your teen has been struggling with substance abuse or mental health disorders you may be overwhelmed handling it on your own. Admitting your teen into our treatment center could be the first step towards healing and restoring balance in their life. Understanding how the teen treatment admissions process works can give you the piece of mind to move forward. Our admissions process is both thorough and efficient to get your teen the support they need as quickly as possible.
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Schedule a CallRecognizing the Signs of a Troubled Teenager
When we say a teen is “out of control,” it typically means that the teenager’s behavior is erratic, unpredictable, and challenging for the parents to manage. This phrase suggests that the teen is engaging in actions or displaying attitudes that are perceived as excessive, rebellious, or beyond the norms of acceptable behavior.
It’s important to understand that when teenagers are already in their adolescence phase, they experience many changes in their behavior and bodies. As parents, it’s crucial to recognize the difference between normal teenage behavior and behavior that is truly out of control. The reasons behind out-of-control behavior can be complicated, like hormones, the influence of friends, mental health problems, or unresolved issues within the family.
The following behavioral, physical, and emotional signs indicate a troubled teen:
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- A significant decline in academic performance
- Frequent mood swings
- Persistent sadness
- Excessive crying
- Increased irritability
- Appetite changes
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Engagement in risky behaviors
- Sudden weight loss/ gain
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation
- Self-harm
- Increased secrecy, defiance/ disobedience
- Preoccupation with death and persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Understanding the Benefits of Addressing Troubled Behavior Early On
Early intervention benefits troubled teens by:
- Preventing their behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse issues from escalating and causing more pronounced harm or damage
- Allowing them to promptly access the right resources, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery
- Promoting healthier coping mechanisms and improving their overall well-being.
- Helping them avoid the potential long-term consequences of untreated/ unmanaged behavioral issues such as academic difficulties, mental health disorders, and strained relationships.
Programs for Troubled Teens
A good percentage of troubled teens benefit from residential treatment centers, wilderness therapy programs, therapeutic boarding schools, outpatient counseling services, and alternative therapeutic approaches. However, let’s first look at the duration and costs involved in these programs.
Duration of Troubled Teen Programs
The duration of troubled teen programs differs from one program to the other. It also depends on the severity of the teenager’s condition and their response to treatment. For example, residential treatment takes 45-60 days; wilderness therapy programs 4-12 or more weeks; therapeutic boarding schools 9-12 or more months; outpatient treatment programs such as the intensive outpatient program take 4-12 weeks. You should obtain the expected treatment duration before settling on a troubled teen program.
Costs Associated with Troubled Teen Programs
Troubled teen programs have different costs owing to the intricacies involved. However, common costs include program fees, tuition, medication, therapy sessions, assessments and evaluations, academic support, transportation expenses, and additional interventions and services outlined by the treatment plan. You should inquire about all the potential costs upfront and liaise with the program officials and your insurance provider to understand your financial obligations.
Types of Troubled Teen Programs
Residential Treatment Centers
Residential treatment centers offer intensive therapeutic support for teenagers with substance abuse issues, delinquent behaviors and behavioral and teen mental health disorders. Key Healthcare teen residential treatment program provides a safe and structured environment with round-the-clock support and supervision to help adolescents aged 13-17 overcome challenges, reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives.
Adolescents who attend teen residential treatment centers are protected from outside influences and triggers, allowing them to focus fully on their recovery and acquire the necessary skills for healthier and balanced lives. During the program, clinical treatment professionals administer a range of therapeutic approaches and activities, such as teen individual therapy, teen group therapy, holistic therapies, recreational therapies, exercise, and nutrition, as well as family-centered treatment and academic support for better treatment outcomes.
Wilderness Therapy Programs
Wilderness therapy programs combine nature and therapy to promote personal growth and healing in teenagers with mental health, teen substance abuse, or behavioral challenges. They use structured outdoor activities to provide a wilderness experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature and encouraging the development of interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and resilience. At the same time, the teen group therapy sessions promote understanding and resolution of underlying issues. Common outdoor activities used in these programs include hiking, camping, and wilderness skills development. Many wilderness programs have shut down in 2023, due to ongoing issues, which has pushed more parents towards residential treatment centers for teens, instead of wilderness therapy.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools offer academic and therapeutic support year-round during the school year by providing a structured and therapeutic environment for teenagers to address their emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. They combine therapeutic interventions and traditional academic curricula to address the needs of troubled teenagers.
Teens reside within the schools and receive tailored therapies, counseling sessions, and behavior management programs in a structured and supervised environment to address underlying issues, foster emotional growth, enhance self-esteem, improve social interactions, and promote coping skills development.
Outpatient Counseling Services
Outpatient teen counseling services, known as teen intensive outpatient programs, or Teen IOP, offer flexible therapy options for troubled teens. At Key Healthcare, we have a teen intensive outpatient program that runs for 4-12 weeks, nine hours a week. It offers a safe and supportive environment for teens with behavioral issues and mental issues to build a strong recovery foundation and learn how to manage their emotions, solve problems, cope with stress, and build healthy relationships. Teenagers receive individual therapy, academic support, group therapy, and aftercare planning during the program. Families can also participate in their teen’s treatment through family counseling sessions and family education programs.
We also offer an adolescent partial hospitalization program, which is more rigorous than the intensive outpatient program. You are required to make living arrangements for your teenager for roughly 3-4 weeks as they attend the program. The structured treatment environment advances practical coping skills, promotes healing, and incites lasting and meaningful change. Services offered include group therapy, family participation, individual therapy, and education assistance.
Alternative Therapeutic Approaches
Non-traditional therapeutic approaches, such as teen music therapy, acupuncture, teen art therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy, complement or alternate with conventional therapies. They provide innovative ways for self-discovery, self-expression, and healthy coping skills development to address behavioral, emotional, and psychological challenges. They also help teens explore their emotions, improve their self-confidence, develop interpersonal skills, and identify new ways of communicating and processing their experiences for overall growth and well-being.
Specialized Programs for Specific Issues: Co-occurring Disorders
A teen’s troubles may emanate from simultaneously occurring emotional/ behavioral and substance abuse disorders, giving rise to what is commonly termed a dual diagnosis. At Key Healthcare, we use integrated treatment plans in our residential treatment centers to address dual-diagnosis in troubled teens. This often brings our mental health and substance abuse specialists together for collaborative treatment planning, and medication management.
Co-occurring disorders are treated simultaneously or concurrently depending on their severity. Let’s discuss substance abuse and mental health treatment for troubled teens with co-occurring disorders.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Troubled Teen Programs
Here is what happens when treating co-occurring disorders in troubled teen programs:
- Treatment teams conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to identify the co-occurring disorders. They then determine the severity of both disorders and the teen’s specific needs for tailored treatment planning.
- The program sets up a multidisciplinary team of professionals comprising psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and educators to develop an integrated treatment plan that addresses both conditions.
- Instead of treating the disorders independently, they are addressed concurrently as an improvement in one area positively impacts the other.
- Evidence-based treatment interventions are administered during treatment for enhanced motivation and improved outcomes. These include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, acceptance and commitment, and motivational enhancement therapies.
- Treatment professionals, including psychiatrists, may develop and carefully monitor a personalized medication management plan to address the co-occurring mental health disorder. This can help lessen symptom severity, enhance stability, and promote treatment engagement.
- The program collaborates with educators for ongoing teen academic support. This may involve developing a personalized education plan and implementing necessary accommodations.
- Family members are involved in treatment through family therapy and support groups. Treatment professionals educate them on their teen’s conditions for empathy and informed support and help them address issues in the family dynamics.
For enhanced treatment and recovery outcomes, troubled teen programs also include recreational and expressive therapies, life skills training, coping strategies development, peer support, and aftercare planning during dual diagnosis treatment.
Steps Involved in Program Admission and Evaluations
Admissions Process and Requirements for Troubled Teens
You are required to contact a teen rehab facility or program for troubled teens, provide relevant information about your teen’s background and challenges, and schedule a comprehensive assessment of their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Our Key Healthcare residential treatment facilities only admit teens aged 13-17. We verify insurance coverage (which you can do online, confidentially for free) and allow parents to visit our locations to see what we are all about before admission. Parents and teens must also be willing to actively participate in the treatment process before we make an admission.
Initial Assessments and Evaluations for Troubled Teens
An initial assessment is conducted through questionnaires, interviews, or standardized assessments to learn more about the teenager’s drug use, behavioral challenges, mental health history, social relationships, family dynamics, previous treatment experiences, and academic performance. Treatment centers also conduct biopsychological evaluations to assess the teenager’s emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, and underlying mental health conditions to formulate an individualized treatment plan.
Customized Treatment Plans and Individualized Care
Customized treatment plans- developed in collaboration with teenagers and their family members- address teenagers’ unique needs, goals, and challenges. They outline specific therapeutic goals, interventions, and strategies for addressing emotional, psychological, or behavioral needs and are regularly adjusted and evaluated to stay relevant and effective. These plans follow the individualized treatment approach, premised on the belief that every patient is unique; tailoring treatment to their specific conditions and circumstances enhances chances of long-term growth and successful outcomes.
Ongoing Progress Evaluations and Family Involvement in the Program
Ongoing progress evaluation helps monitor teenagers’ development and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This is normally done by multidisciplinary team members trained to assess teens’ emotional, behavioral, and academic progress. Families can also participate in their teen’s treatment through therapy sessions, education programs, workshops, and regular communication with the treatment team.
How To Evaluate Troubled Teen’s Program Effectiveness
You should check the key indicators of success, evaluate long-term outcomes, and consider the provided relapse prevention strategies when evaluating the best program for your troubled teen.
Key Indicators of Program Success
A program for troubled teens is more likely to succeed if the following are present:
- A well-structured and comprehensive treatment approach tailored to the conditions and specific needs of teenagers
- Research-supported interventions and evidence-based practices
- Qualified, experienced staff trained in relevant therapeutic approaches
- A solid teen aftercare plan
- Positive feedback/ testimonials from former participants or their families
- An emphasis on family involvement and support
- Relevant accreditations and licenses
You should also settle on a program that guarantees ongoing assessment and progress monitoring, commitment to safe and ethical practices, and transparent/ collaborative communication with parents and guardians.
Evaluating Long-term Outcomes for Troubled Teens
Your teen treatment program should guarantee the following outcomes:
✔️Sustained positive behavioral changes
✔️Improved mental and emotional well-being
✔️Healthier interpersonal relationships
✔️Enhanced coping skills
✔️Decreased involvement in risky behaviors
✔️Academic/ vocational success
✔️Increased self-confidence
✔️A sense of purpose and direction
✔️And the reduced likelihood of recurrence of problematic issues.
Therefore, Key Healthcare frequently assesses the program’s follow-up and aftercare support, and looks for evidence of sustained positive changes from participants and their family members (e.g., long-term success stories and testimonials). The program’s accreditations, reputation, and adherence to evidence-based practices can also help you gauge whether your teen will enjoy the above outcomes.
Considering Relapse Prevention Strategies in Program Design
Your program of choice should incorporate relapse prevention strategies to enhance long-term success. It should teach effective communication and problem-solving skills, provide comprehensive education and resources for identifying triggers and developing coping mechanisms, foster emotional regulation techniques and self-awareness, offer family therapy/ involvement to address underlying issues within the family dynamics, encourage participation in aftercare programs, and promote ongoing self-care and self-monitoring.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Teen
Despite the overwhelming number of troubled teen programs available, not all suit your teenager. Consider assessing your teen’s needs and researching the program’s success rate for better results. Let’s expound.
Assessing Individual Needs
Troubled teen programs often differ in the issues they address. It’s imperative that you find an option that targets your teen’s condition(s) and its severity. Here is how to end up with such a program:
- Pick a program that offers targeted interventions for your teen’s specific needs. Check for tailored and individualized treatment plans.
- Prioritize options that consider the broader aspect of teenagers’ lives, including their culture and family dynamics.
- Settle on programs that foster family involvement in teen treatment.
- Choose a program that respects the rights and dignity of every teenager instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach on them.
Researching Program Success Rates
Researching a program’s success rate can help determine whether it will work for your teen. Therefore, consider checking reviews, testimonials, and success stories before enrolling your teen into a treatment program. We also advise you to schedule a visit or meet the program’s staff and view its treatment facilities and interventions when determining whether it will work for your teen.
You can schedule a visit with us to learn more about our residential treatment program for troubled teens.
How To Locate Programs for Troubled Teens in the US
You can locate programs for troubled teens in the US by:
- Using online resources and locators
- Approaching local support organizations and mental health professionals
- Obtaining recommendations from friends, family members, and educational institutions. Make sure you find out more about the recommended programs and, if possible, obtain professional advice.
- Obtaining personalized recommendations from psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and psychologists.
Financing Options and Insurance Coverage for Teen Behavioral Problems Treatment
Private Insurance Coverage for Troubled Teens
Teen mental health issues treatment programs allow parents to pay their children’s treatment bills using private insurance coverage. Strive to find out the following information from your insurance provider beforehand:
- The extent of coverage, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses
- The limitations/ restrictions, e.g., duration of coverage and the number of therapy sessions covered
- The in-network facilities/ mental health providers covered by your insurance
Key Healthcare has partnered with several insurance providers, such as Humana One and Cigna, to give parents an easy time paying for their teenager’s treatment. You can learn more about your coverage by verifying your insurance here.
Medicaid and State-Funded Programs for Troubled Teens
Key Healthcare does not accept Medicaid.
Medicaid is a government-sponsored insurance program that allows low-income individuals and families to access healthcare services, including mental health treatment. On the other hand, state-funded programs vary from state to state and often include tailored mental health programs such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, therapy, and psychiatric care.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid Options for Troubled Teens
Grants, scholarships, and financial aid options aim to relieve the financial burden for families seeking mental health treatment for teens. While scholarships are merit-based, specific organizations and foundations offer grants based on financial need or program alignment. Financial aid often includes different forms of assistance that enhance treatment affordability, such as subsidies, sliding scale fees, and reduced-cost programs.
Payment Plans and Financing Options for Troubled Teen Programs
Some mental health institutions allow parents to spread payment over a given period or secure loans to cover treatment-related expenses. If you are not in a position to pay for your teen’s treatment all at once, collaborate with the treatment center to develop a payment plan and divide the total program cost into manageable installments. You can also settle for a financing option, securing a loan or line of credit to fund your teenager’s treatment and paying it back in affordable monthly installments.
Supporting Your Teen During The Teen Treatment Programs
Maintaining Open Communication with Your Troubled Teenager
To maintain open communication with troubled teenagers as the program progresses, create a safe and non-judgmental space, actively listen to their thoughts and feelings, validate their experiences, foster dialogue through regular check-ins, and refrain from trivializing their concerns.
Participating in Family Therapy and Support Sessions
Teen family therapy and support sessions offer a safe and supportive platform for family members to engage in honest and open conversations to address family dynamics, enhance understanding and improve relationships. They also provide more information about teenagers’ condition and equip family members with the right skills and strategies to support their emotional well-being.
Communication Strategies with Program Staff
Here is how you can uphold effective communication during troubled teen treatment for enhanced outcomes:
- Be open and honest. Remember to ask questions, voice your concerns, and be as transparent as possible when sharing relevant information regarding your teenager.
- Actively listen to and show interest in what the treatment team has to say to build rapport and for better understanding.
- Clearly express your expectations regarding relevant aspects of your teen’s treatment to foster a shared understanding of the desired treatment outcomes.
- Regularly check in with the staff to stay informed about your teen’s challenges, progress, and achievements.
- Try as much as possible always to use a respectful and constructive tone, including during disagreements or when expressing concern.
- Do not take feedback personally. Instead, be willing to receive (and act on) advice regarding supporting your teen, parenting strategies, and necessary adjustments.
Ways To Be Involved
Here is how you can stay involved in your teen’s treatment:
- Regularly attend family therapy sessions. Regular attendance can help address family dynamics, improve communication, and enhance collaboration.
- Seek guidance from treatment professionals on how to best support your teenager during and after the program.
- Participate in treatment planning. At Key Healthcare, we involve parents during treatment planning for tailored and individualized treatment planning.
- Use communication platforms such as phone calls and video conferencing to stay connected to the treatment staff for effective progress monitoring.
The Transition Period: Preparing for Your Teenager’s Return Home
As your teenager’s treatment nears its end, you should collaborate with treatment professionals and other family members to ensure a successful teen transition after rehabilitation. Ensure that you:
- Collaborate with the treatment team to establish a comprehensive aftercare plan for ongoing support and follow-up services
- Create a structured and supportive home environment by establishing clear routines, expectations, and boundaries
- Make the home environment safe by eliminating triggers and negative influences
- Educate yourself on the possible challenges your teen may encounter upon return and prepare to address them effectively.
- Involve your teenager in the transition planning process to make them feel heard and promote a sense of ownership.
Long-Term Aftercare and Support
Aftercare Programs and Services for Troubled Teens
Aftercare programs and services guarantee ongoing support and assistance after the completion of teen intervention programs. They ensure a smooth transition to everyday life and promote relapse prevention, sustained recovery, and overall teen well-being. Common components of teen extended care include teen behavioral therapy, individual therapy, counseling sessions, group therapy, academic/ vocational support, and life skills training.
Continued Therapy and Counseling Options Post-Program
At Key Healthcare, we offer teen therapies and counseling options after teen treatment for sustained progress and well-being:
- Individual therapy: We allow teenagers to regularly participate in one-on-one discussions with therapists to explore and address underlying issues, develop healthy coping skills and obtain support and guidance.
- Group Therapy: This evidence-based practice allows teenagers to connect with peers sharing a similar experience, making them feel less alone. It also fosters a sense of belonging and understanding.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy allows teens and their family members to identify and address underlying issues within the family dynamics post-treatment. It promotes a supportive and nurturing home environment by helping family members learn new communication strategies and build better relationships.
The Importance of Counseling Troubled Teens
Therapy helps teens address emotional, physical, and cognitive changes or challenges. Troubled youth counseling is therefore recommended for the following reasons:
- It offers troubled youths a safe, confidential, and supportive space to express their feelings and obtain help from trained professionals.
- It allows teens to explore their values, strengths, and interests for a better understanding of themselves and a positive self-image.
- Trained counselors can help teens improve their communication skills for improved conflict resolution and better relationships with peers, adults, and figures in authority.
- It promotes early intervention and support for different mental health challenges and concerns.
- Participants learn how to navigate peer relationships, resist negative peer pressure, and make more healthy choices.
- It can help address teen academic challenges and concerns, leading to realistic goal-setting, better study habits, and an overall improvement in performance.
- Most teen counseling programs involve the entire family unit, leading to improved family communication and relationships.
- It can help prevent substance abuse by addressing underlying issues responsible for troubled teens’ behaviors.
- It can help troubled teens develop essential problem-solving, decision-making, and coping skills for better resilience and navigating challenges.
Challenges Faced During Troubled Teen Programs
Although troubled teen programs are highly recommended for teens with severe behavioral and emotional issues, the treatment process may not be as smooth as envisioned. To give you a clear picture, here are a few potential challenges in troubled teen rehabilitation:
- The stigma surrounding mental health may affect teen treatment engagement, leading to poor outcomes.
- Balancing adolescent-centered treatment and family involvement may be challenging. Some family members may not also easily agree to be involved in treatment, especially where a troubled teen’s behavior has impaired relationships.
- Troubled teens from states that deny minors explicit outpatient treatment consent may have a difficult time collaborating with their parents or guardians during treatment.
- Teens may resist or fail to comply, making it difficult for program staff to administer interventions.
Besides the above setbacks, there are several challenges associated with troubled teen programs, including lack of regulation and standards, ethical issues, isolation, excessive control, limited family involvement, and ineffective treatment methods. We have taken great strides to limit these challenges at Key Healthcare for improved treatment outcomes.
For example, we involve parents and guardians during treatment planning and allow family involvement in troubled teen treatment. We also have highly-trained treatment professionals who understand and appreciate the role of confidentiality in teen treatment. Feel free to contact us for quality troubled teen treatment.
Support and Resources for Parents with Troubled Teens
Dealing with a troubled teen can be challenging, especially without the right support and resources. To simplify the process, you can turn to family members or explore certain effective coping strategies. Here is an in-depth discussion:
Leveraging Family Support
Your friends and family members can be a crucial source of support when dealing with a troubled teen. You can contact them or organize enjoyable family activities and exercises when overwhelmed. Additionally, remember to attend family therapy religiously to solve issues in your family’s dynamics and for enhanced support.
Coping Strategies for Parents with Troubled Teens
The following coping strategies can help you improve your well-being as you seek support for a troubled teen:
- Join a parental support group for troubled teens for insights, shared experiences, and emotional support.
- Educate yourself on your teen’s specific condition to clearly understand what they are going through. This fosters empathy and informed support.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy, relieve stress, and promote relaxation, such as hobbies.
- Seek professional help. You can attend therapy sessions to learn how to navigate the challenges of caring for a troubled teen.
- Collaborate with your teen for healthy coping mechanism development. Helpful coping mechanisms include mindfulness practices and stress-reduction techniques.
Legal Considerations and Parental Rights
You should explore the legal aspects of troubled teen treatment programs before enrolling your teen into one. Let’s discuss your legal options and rights in treatment decision-making.
Understanding Legal Options
You should understand your rights and responsibilities regarding your teen’s treatment. Here are a few legal options to consider:
- Informed Consent- The troubled teen program should share relevant details regarding the nature of your teen’s treatment for informed decision-making, including the potential risks and benefits and recommended alternatives.
- You should have the right to access information about your teen’s treatment and progress. Therefore, settle on a program with clear communication channels.
- You should collaboratively work with treatment professionals for effective treatment planning.
- You can review and discuss the treatment plan with program officials at any time, especially if concerned about certain interventions.
- You have the right to seek a second opinion from a different mental health professional on the effectiveness of the proposed interventions during your troubled teen program.
- You can seek legal counsel if you believe your parental rights are not being respected during your teen’s treatment.
Parental Rights in Decision-Making
As your child’s primary caregiver, you have a legal and ethical right to be adequately informed about their proposed treatment for informed decision-making. This information should cover the suggested treatment approach’s benefits, potential risks, and alternatives.
These decision-making rights mostly originate from your legal authority and decision-making power over your teen, which often extends to medical treatment. However, the extent of this authority is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which you reside. Additionally, it must be used to promote the best interest of your teen, which is a guiding principle when dealing with minors.
As you ensure your teen’s treatment program embraces parental collaboration and involvement, remember that they may be legally and ethically required to intervene without your explicit consent, where immediate intervention is required. However, you will be informed as soon as possible.
