​What Research Has To Say About Residential Treatment Centers For Teens

Your teenager is depressed. Or they have been diagnosed with a mood disorder. Perhaps they have been struggling with ADD, ADHD or ODD. Which has been a strain now only on them, but on your entire family as you struggle to cope with the symptoms and their resulting behavioral problems. This is not an uncommon issue. For the small percentage of families who are facing the worse, however, it can be utterly devastating. Not only that, but you may have tried absolutely everything to no avail...nothing seems to make a difference. They are just getting more out of control and handle to handle every day.

Why a Residential Treatment Center (RTC)?

Does the above sound familiar? Then it might be time for a residential treatment center (RTC). This is a facility that provides around the clock care for your teenager. This includes therapy, group sessions, recreation and individual therapy in a non-hospital setting.

Types of RTC’s

Short Stay - A short stay residential treatment center is one where the patient is only there for anywhere up to three months. Often the stays are within a week or two and used to stabilize the patient on medication and begin a treatment plan before sending them home. Long Stay - A long stay RTC is one where the patient may stay anywhere from six months to several years. It is used for high risk patients who are not able to go home, either due to circumstances beyond their control, or for the safety of themselves and others.

Who Are RTC’s Suited For?

People who suffer from the following are potentially ideal candidates for an RTC stay:

• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Self harm
• Anger triggers
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders
• ADD/ADHD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Addiction
• Eating disorders

The Optimal Stay Time In an RTC According to Research

Only so much research has been done into RTCs, though it has been found that they are helpful in overcoming long term conditions and teaching patients how to better cope with life outside the facility. It is also an ideal location for severe cases where there is a high risk of harm to themselves or others. Most research has been done into the ideal length of stay at RTCs. Most have found that there is no single time, but that longer stays are usually more beneficial. For short term stays, it has to be ensured that a solution following release is worked out with plenty of resources for follow-up. Find out more at Liahona Academy.