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Enrolling your teen in a residential treatment facility can be a difficult decision, but it is sometimes necessary to support their health and safety. Finding the right treatment can be challenging, especially if you are unsure what to look for. It’s important for parents to feel confident that the residential treatment facility they choose meets the unique needs of their teen and family. There are a few factors to look for that can help make the decision process easier. Read on to understand what to expect when your teen enters a residential center and what to look for in a treatment program to help you make an informed decision.
What Is A Teen Residential Program?
A residential treatment program is a live-in treatment facility (residential facility) where teens receive around-the-clock care, intensive daily therapies, medication management, and support services for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. These include an integrated approach to treatment. They blend evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT, group therapy, and family counseling with psychiatric care and recreational activities supervised by a multi-disciplinary team. Residential programs are considered the highest level of care, not a first-line mental health treatment. Teens with mild to moderate mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders often do not require residential treatment unless they are self-harming or experiencing thoughts of suicide. Teens who are recommended for residential are involved in behaviors that are dangerous to themselves or others. Some residential treatment centers are designed strictly to treat mental health problems such as suicidal ideation, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and eating disorders. Others are for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders (also referred to as inpatient rehab) [1].Types of Youth Residential Facilities
There are several kinds of residential treatment facilities designed for different recovery needs of teens. These include:- Mental health Residential Treatment is designed for teens with severe mental health disorders who have already been through other levels of care without success. Or teens who are in a mental health crisis and are a danger to themselves or others.
- Substance Abuse Residential Treatment, also known as inpatient rehab, focuses on treating teens recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Some residential centers also offer detox, although not all do.
- Co-occurring Residential Treatment provides treatment for both substance abuse and mental health disorders through a blended care approach.
- Specialized Residential Treatment facilities are less common but focus on specific challenges, such as eating disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Residential Treatment Facility for Youth
Choosing a residential facility for your teen is important but not easy. Making the right choice for treatment can impact their long-term recovery and overall quality of life. Below are several factors to consider when deciding the best treatment for your teen [1].Conditions They Treat
Not all residential facilities treat the same conditions. Some only specialize in substance abuse, while others only treat mental health. And some programs may specialize in certain disorders, such as trauma or eating disorders. Make sure the facility specializes in whatever your teen needs to be treated. This information is usually available on the center’s website, or you can ask the admissions team for more details.Treatment Approaches
Residential facilities usually offer a range of services and a blend of therapies such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapies. Most facilities offer group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric services, and recreational activities as well. If you feel a certain treatment would benefit your teen, consider asking the admissions team about their clinical services or checking their website.Licenses
Make sure the treatment facility has a state license and is accredited for substance abuse and/or mental health treatment. This information is usually available on the treatment center’s website, or you can directly ask their admissions team when inquiring for information. Some licenses and accreditations to look for include:- The Joint Commission
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Specialized Focus
Some residential centers offer specialized programs for teens from specific backgrounds or who struggle with unique challenges. Examples of these could include:- Faith-based residential treatment centers
- Specialized treatment for LGBTQ youth
- Trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and Complex PTSD
- Spanish treatment services for non-English speaking youth
Insurance
Many parents find it challenging to cover the cost of residential treatment. However, most residential facilities for youth have admission teams available 24/7 to help them verify insurance and enroll their teens in treatment. If your insurance plan is not covered, many centers will work with the provider or create a payment plan based on the family’s financial situation.Family Involvement
Involving family and loved ones in recovery can improve treatment outcomes for developing youth. A key part of residential treatment is building skills and a support system for when your teen leaves treatment. A good residential facility will regularly communicate with parents, provide family therapy, and host events that invite the family to the treatment facility.Academic Support
Many residential programs last anywhere from several weeks to several months. During this time, it’s easy for teens to fall behind in school since they are not physically in the classroom. Growing research shows that teens placed in out-of-home care are more likely to fall behind in school and fail to graduate [2]. To ensure teens don’t fall behind, some residential programs provide academic support to teens in treatment by:- Communicating with the school
- Distributing reading materials
- Providing access to computers
- Implementing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Residential Treatment Facility for Teens in Texas
Clearfork Academy residential facility is a licensed, 24/7 supervised, and structured treatment program helping teens recover from substance abuse and mental health disorders. We provide around-the-clock care and support to teens on their journey toward sobriety. We strive to provide parents with mental health education and offer evidence-based treatments such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your family.Sources
[1] Residential Treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness. [2] Supporting academic achievement of children in out-of-home care through effective interventions: results of a systematic review and meta-analyses. 2024. Children and Youth Services Review.
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
