6 People to Lean on When Finding a Therapeutic Boarding School for Your Troubled Teen

Finding the best therapeutic boarding school for your troubled teen can be an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider and many schools to choose from. Different therapeutic boarding schools specialize in treating different kinds of mental, emotional, and behavioral problems, and have different therapy techniques, program objectives, educational curriculum's and enrichment activities. How can you sort through all the options and find the right placement for your teen?

Parents Need Both Expert Assistance and Moral Support

Parents do not need to face this crisis and make these decisions alone. There are resources available and people in your life who are willing to help.

1. School Placement Advisors

School placement advisors are knowledgeable and experienced in helping parents find the right therapeutic boarding school for their troubled teens. These experts know the factors that parents need to consider such as, therapy techniques, program goals, medical care, laws and licensing, living arrangements, educational programs, and enrichment or recreational activities. HelpYourTeenNow has over 20 years’ experience helping parents in their search for the best treatment facility for their teens, and their service is free. They also offer advice about insurance coverage and financing options.

2. Therapists

Your teen’s therapist can identify what issues need to be addressed and what type of therapy and treatment would be appropriate. They can help you evaluate each school’s educational programs, extracurricular activities, and overall treatment approach to decide if the school is the right fit for your teen.

3. Spouse or Co-Parent

Whether married or co-parenting, parents of troubled teens need to work together in the best interest of their child. It is painful for both parents to watch their child struggling with emotional, mental, or behavioral issues. This is not the time to get caught up in discussing how things got to be this way, or who is to blame. The past can’t be changed. What’s important is helping your teen with the difficulties he or she faces right now. Take advantage of family counseling, and meet with your teen’s therapist so that you can learn strategies for helping your teen and find common ground for how to approach the situation. Support each other as you cope with the stress and difficulties of parenting a troubled teen, and as you explore options for treatment facilities.

4. Family and Friends

As parents struggle to help their troubled teen, they may find that other family members are either supportive or judgmental. For those who want to place blame or give unhelpful advice, kindly and firmly inform them that you are working with qualified experts, and what you need most from your family is their love and emotional support. A close family member or a trusted friend may not know much about helping troubled teens, but they know you, and they care about you. A good friend understands that you really just need to talk about your family troubles to someone who will listen and sympathize, without judging or even offering their advice. Sometimes we just need someone to say, “Yes. This is a terrible situation. I know you’re doing your best to help your child. I don’t have any answers for you. But I am willing to listen when you want to talk.” The other way that a good friend or loving family member can help is to offer you a temporary distraction. Once in a while it’s okay to forget your problems for a bit and just have some fun. Join your friend in an activity that you both like. Enjoy a movie or a meal together. Go for a walk. Talk about other things. Give yourself a break from the constant worry and stress of parenting a troubled teen.

5. Support Groups

A support group for parents of troubled teens connects you with other parents who truly understand what you are going through. Sometimes it’s a relief to realize you are not the only one with this kind of family crisis.You will be reassured that you are not a failure as a parent. Many other parents face similar problems. Parents in the group share their experiences, share their thoughts, fears and insights, and most importantly, share support for each other. These groups can provide useful resources, such as recommendations for therapists or treatment programs, or helpful books and websites. You can ask advice and listen to different perspectives. You can share your own story with people who will not judge you.

6. Religious Leader

If you are strong in faith, you may find comfort in meeting with a counselor in your religion or a spiritual or religious leader. Faith and prayer can help in the most difficult of times. Even when they can’t change the situation, they can help you to find the strength to endure and the inner peace to handle the stress and challenges you face.

We All Need Somebody to Lean On

We all face times in our lives when we need somebody to lean on. It’s okay to share our burdens with our loving and caring family and friends, and to accept their moral support. It’s wise to consult with professionals who are experienced in helping families in crisis. As you accept help for the challenges you face and decisions you make, you serve as a role model for your teen. When your teen goes to a therapeutic boarding school, you will want him or her to accept help from the professionals who work there and to accept your moral support as well.