Residential treatment centers are a wonderful option for those parents looking for assistance with their son or daughter. Different from regular boarding schools, residential treatment centers allow your child to interact and engage with other students, teachers, and medical professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurses (if necessary).
It might seem like an odd transition time while your teen moves into a residential treatment center - for both of you! You might be anxious and expectant, while your child might be reluctant and nervous; both of these scenarios are perfectly normal. Oftentimes, though, this transition is needed in order for your teen to improve their future outlook.
If you are on the path to enrolling your son or daughter in a residential treatment center, it can be overwhelming to decide all the ins and outs. Let’s look at some tips that you can keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition to a residential treatment center for your teen!
Tips for Treatment Center Attendance
- Research the facility: Look for a reputable and accredited residential treatment center with a history of success. Check reviews and ratings from former patients and families, and ask for referrals from healthcare professionals or trusted community members.
- Keep your expectations in check: Remember that no treatment center will provide instant relief for behavioral issues or anything else your teen might be dealing with. Progress will take time, and the right treatment center will walk with your child step by step along the way.
- Evaluate the program: Make sure the program offers evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities tailored to your teen's needs. Ensure the program offers a balance of academic, therapeutic, and recreational activities to support your teen's overall well-being.
- Check the staff qualifications: Make sure the staff at the facility are trained and licensed mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and nurses. Ask about staff-to-patient ratios and how they ensure 24/7 supervision and support.
- Ask questions: Maybe you want to be a part of group therapy sessions that your teen is involved in; maybe the residential treatment center offers different types of support for parents and other family members to better help the troubled teens. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff questions about how you can be involved both in therapy and out!
- Understand the cost: Residential treatment centers can be expensive, so make sure you understand the costs and what is covered by insurance or out-of-pocket. Consider the value of the program compared to the cost, and look for financial assistance options if needed.
- Visit the facility: Before making a decision, schedule a visit to the facility and meet with staff and patients. Ask questions about the program and treatment approach, and observe the facility's living conditions and amenities.
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