Helping Suicidal Teens At A Residential Treatment Center

As our society works to destigmatize mental health, discussions about suicide are still hard to have with our loved ones, especially when it comes to talking about it with an already depressed teen, as many parents are afraid that talking about it will put the idea in their heads. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death among our youth from ages 10-24, and many other teens struggle with suicidal thoughts. These facts make it clear that parents need to be proactive in helping their suicidal teens. Commonly, outpatient therapy with a trained mental health professional combined with family support can help a struggling teen overcome their suicidal feelings and thoughts. However, for some troubled teens, this course is not enough, and they need the immersive, therapeutic environment a residential treatment center can provide.

Why Choose A Residential Treatment Center For A Suicidal Teen

Residential treatment centers are often recommended for various reasons, from helping deviant teens to assisting ones struggling with ADD/ADHD. They are also equipped to help suicidal teens as treatment centers have these key things available:

• Licensed therapists - Therapeutic immersion is a key aspect of any residential treatment center, as it is impossible to help troubled teens truly change without reaching the root of their struggles. By choosing to send your teen to a residential treatment center, you can feel confident in knowing they will be under the care and guidance of certified mental health specialists who have specialized in working with troubled teens.
• Medical and other professional staffers - Along with the strong therapeutic aspect, there are a number of other professionals at a residential treatment center to help round out your suicidal teen’s care team. From the medical staff to provide medications and other assistance, there are also licensed teachers, program directors, clinical directors, and direct care staff to help your teen find their way back to the right path.
• Supportive and safe environment - While your home may be a supportive and safe environment, there are other factors which may be contributing to your teen’s depression and suicidal thoughts such as bullying at school or drama among their friend group. While your teen attends residential treatment, they will be surrounded with supportive staffers to help monitor them and continually encouraged to make positive choices.

Ways Residential Treatment Helps Suicidal Teens

Along with providing a suicidal teen with many of the tools to overcome their struggles, residential treatment centers offer a structured program. The ways this program helps suicidal teens are: Multiple types of therapy - Traditional therapy, also known as talk therapy, is just one of the types of therapy which residential treatment centers can provide for struggling teens. Other kinds of therapy available are:

• Weekly family therapy sessions which are overseen by the teen’s therapist to help families heal together.
• Individual therapy sessions, usually about 90-minutes a week, though it can be adjusted for a teen in crisis.
• Daily group therapy sessions, allowing the teens to receive support from their peers and learn how to develop healthy friendships.
• Experiential therapy, which focuses on therapeutic experiences such as wilderness hikes and other sensory-centered experiences.

Strong academic program - Depressed and suicidal teens often fall behind in their schooling. An accredited academic program should be available at any good residential treatment center. That way, your teen can redo classes where they performed poorly and catch back up with their peers academically. Spirituality-focused development - Total healing requires a balance between the body, mind, and soul, so most residential treatment centers have some spirituality-centered development built into their programs. Some are religion-specific, but many others are non-denominational and will encourage whatever religious teaching the parents recommend for their teen. Enrichment activities - Along with the serious work of healing, there are enriching activities for teens at residential treatment. From holiday celebrations to community service, teens will be able to experience a variety of new things and some old ones done in a new way.

Liahona Treatment Center Helps Troubled Teens Change

Here at Liahona Treatment Center, we have helped a countless number of troubled teenage boys struggling with a variety of problems. We offer excellent, top-rated services to help your son recover from his struggle with suicidal thoughts, with a clinical staff that has mental health professionals and a medical doctor as well as registered nurses and other great staff members. With our commitment to helping every boy who enters our program become the best young man possible, we have a track record of success which is reflected in our testimonials. If you would like to discuss your teenage son’s difficulties with one of our program advisors, contact us. We can help you determine if Liahona is the right place for your son’s healing.