What Happens in an Intensive Residential Treatment Center?

A lot happens in an intensive residential treatment center. That's why they are so successful
and so appropriate for seriously troubled teens. One of the biggest problems facing the parents
of a troubled teen is getting appropriate treatment immediately with the key word here being
'immediately'. If drugs are involved or there is some other serious emotional issue, the patient
needs help there and then. That's why these treatment centers are so valuable.

First they have the appropriate staff and second the staff work in teams meaning help is
available immediately and constantly. This is so important. A young person feeling the pressure
of their troubled life needs immediate help. This they will find in an intensive residential
treatment center.

The atmosphere of the place is so important. It's one of support, of community and of being
positive. The center is dealing with young people facing all sorts of problems. A major change in
attitude, living skills, residential treatment centers and self-esteem is needed. Just the
atmosphere alone gives a vibe of friendliness and help. Then when the experiences and
qualifications of the members of staff are added, all residents are surrounded and supported by
caring and knowledgeable people. All staff members share this community spirit not just the
therapists.
These intensive residential treatment centers operate as does a clinic. Regular check ups on the
health of each resident is a primary activity. What they eat and when, how well they sleep, their
weight and general health, their blood pressure, body temperature and more are all carefully
monitored. Each resident is observed and their information carefully recorded. Staff members
discuss each resident and any changes in their behavior on an on-going basis. The venue is in
some ways a mini hospital with patient care the top priority.

One obvious factor about these centers is the cost. You can't have several highly skilled and
qualified therapists working around the clock without facing a hefty operating cost. This is
reflected in the charges made to attend such centers. But parents with a teen who might
benefit from a stay in one of these centers should not despair. There are finance packages at
some centers and many insurance companies do offer a policy which includes some or all of the
cost of sending your teen in as a resident.

While every resident is an individual and treated as such, the aim is to build a community. This
is important to troubled teens. They get a sense of belonging. They become a part of the
treatment center, programs for troubled teens and as well as their therapy, they can
participate in community activities. They get to be one with both staff members and their
fellow residents. It's all a part of the healing process.

Intensive residential treatment centers are proud of their achievements. They welcome
inquiries from interested parents. What better way to help your teen than by investigating all
that these centers have to offer? You can call or email them and even pay a personal visit.
Nothing is too important for your troubled teen. It may be the chance of a lifetime to have your
child spends time at one of these recovery centers.
Pros and Cons of Intensive Residential Treatment Programs For Teens
When your teen is in trouble, serious trouble, seeking help is essential. There are many types of
assistance but intensive therapy is commonly used. You can make a choice between outpatient
treatment where your teen goes home after their therapy or residential treatment where they
live in the facility and undertake everything on site. They go to school there, they eat and
asleep there and, of course, they receive specific treatment there for their problems.

But know this well. Your teen must make a complete recovery. If they take their problem into
adulthood, it could mean problems for life. So should you send your teen to a residential
intensive testament center? What are the pros and cons of such a choice?

One of the great advantages of the residential treatment program is the teen is removed from
their old haunts and habits. If your teen is influenced by other teens, being able to see them
and do things with them cannot be good for your child. Placing them in a safe and secure
environment removes the temptations, residential treatment centers for depression and
dangers of their previous lifestyle. Of course it will be hard to 'lose' your precious teen for
several weeks or months but there really is little choice. If your teen is in serious trouble then
complete removal from their old habitat is the only choice to make.

The very nature of intensive testament involves significant costs. If your teen is being cared for
24/7 and being treated by highly-qualified and experienced therapists and often on a one-to-
one basis, that type of service does not come cheap. So yes there is a downside to residential
intensive treatment especially if you do not have a high income. But don't despair. Some
insurance companies offer cover for this treatment, there are endowment programs in this field
and you could inquire about part-payment or even a relevant loan. It's costly but there are ways
to help and the health of your child is of vital importance.

The setting and atmosphere of an intensive residential center is good or bad depending on the
resident. Some teens will welcome the chance to make new friends. These young people will
enjoy working through their problem knowing there is someone else like them. They can share
their problems and triumph in successful treatment as friends. But if your teen is a bit of a loner
and doesn't mix well with others, putting that in group therapy, residential treatment centers
for teens and urging them to make friends may backfire. Many facilities do allow for both types
of personality and if so then there is no problem. But do consider the type of child your teen is
when choosing the facility.

The best way to choose wisely is to consider wisely. Contact the centers you believe offer the
best type of intensive therapy. Explain the situation your teen is in. Ask questions and give full
details. It may be that the center has a video conference facility enabling you to speak and see
your child on a regular basis even though they are far from home.