Treatment methods for a troubled teen

There are many different types of programs available for troubled teens to help get them on the right path.  With teens enduring more and more problems such as drug abuse, failing grades, depression, pregnancy, eating disorders, and defiance towards authority, a troubled teen program is sometimes the last step a parent can make to ensure the well being of their troubled teen.  There are numerous types of programs to help including outpatient, residential setting, behavior modification, and wilderness camps.  It is up to the parent and counselor to determine what the best alternative is since each of them is tailored for different teens with different problems. 

For parents who think boot camp may be too rough for their troubled teen, a wilderness program provides a wonderful alternative.  Some of the things stressed in a wilderness program are learning through natural consequence and working on peer relationships to achieve goals.  The forested, mountain setting eliminates urban distractions and simplifies options to help teens achieve insight into their core values and accept responsibility for their choices. The reasons some people champion the wilderness camps is the individualized treatment plans, flexible lengths of stay, master's and doctorate level counselors, and a powerful family involvement component.

If your troubled teen is suffering from substance abuse, then a rehabilitation program is the best option.  The staff at these centers are more specially trained to deal with addicts and the process of getting them drug free.  These programs help the teen to become drug free through a medical program supervised by medical persons. Teens are usually not permitted to leave these premises until they are drug free.

For troubled teens who exhibit social and emotional behavior problems, a behavior modification program is the choice you would want to make.  They are also good starting points for parents who want their kids close by and want to avoid placing their troubled teen into a setting that may create even more resentment and anger. The programs are designed to reinforce and reward appropriate behaviors, and to confront and redirect inappropriate behaviors.

Outpatient therapy programs are a viable option for those who are already committed to recovery. They offer several treatment options such as individual and group counseling, family counseling, and substance abuse programs. Outpatient programs are relatively short termed and can be very beneficial. One drawback is that they are not designed for children with severe emotional or psychiatric problems.

Day treatment programs are available for teenagers who were unsuccessful in outpatient settings. They usually deal with teens who have emotional and psychological issues. These programs are designed for teens who need intensive therapeutic support, but who do not yet need a residential environment.

If you have a troubled teen, it is important that you select the right treatment program for them.  This is a crucial time in your child's life and the wrong treatment could hurt them more than help them.