Comparing Troubled Youth Programs
Whether they are struggling with substance abuse, disrespectful behavior, lack of motivation,
dishonesty, etc., many teens need some extra help getting their lives on a positive track.
And parents have a lot of program options available to them.
But which option will work for your child and your family and your budget?
Below is an overview of typical out-of-home treatment programs for troubled teens. Most out-of-home programs are very
expensive and can have a harsh impact on your teen and your family. Few parents realize there are
now more affordable and more effective
teen treatment options available.
Out-of-Home Programs for Troubled Teens
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Boot Camps
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Boot camps typically offer a number of rehabilitation-type programs such as education, counseling,
vocational training or special programs to address the needs of drug offenders. More and more and
with the same behavioral modification methods, boot camps also offer programs as "quick-fix solutions"
for kids of parents who hope to regain lost control of their teens or who desire behavior modification.
(Prices range from $5,000 to $10,000 per month)
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Wilderness Programs
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Wilderness therapy is a form of adventure therapy that relies on the natural aspects of a primitive
outdoor sojourn or wilderness expedition. Wilderness therapy is often used as the first step in a
multi-step process in treating teens. Many wilderness therapy programs avoid what they view as
manipulations, contrived activities, psychological games, and contrived consequences. As in any type
of treatment program, rare abusive situations have been reported in some of these programs. Compared
with similar outdoor adventure activities, injury or death is extremely rare. (Prices range from
$300-$495/day).
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Residential Treatment Centers / Therapeutic Boarding Schools
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A residential treatment center (RTC) is a live-in therapy/behavior modification/educational facility
for adolescents who present a variety of conditions, ranging from drug abuse to violence to sexual
behavioral problems as well as mental illnesses. Different RTCs work with different grades of problems,
and so the structure and methods of RTCs varies. Some RTCs are lock-down facilities; that is, the
residents are locked inside the premises; however, other RTCs don't lock the residents in.
(Prices range from $4,000-12,000/month)
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Christian Boarding Schools
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Christian Schools are similar to Therapeutic Boarding Schools but employ Christian-based teachings and
programs to help troubled teens. (Prices range from $4,000-12,000/month)
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Working Ranches
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Working Ranches are similar to Residential Treatment Centers with an experiential component similar to
wilderness therapy programs. Teens live in facilities and are given therapeutic opportunities as
they work with animals and agriculture in a ranch-setting. (Prices range from $4,000-12,000/month)
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Military Prep Schools
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Traditional military schools are educational institutions which prepare candidates for college and
possibly service in the officer corps of the military. These schools are appropriate for children
without significant behavioral or emotional issues. They often follow a typical school schedule
including a Summer break. (Prices range from $3,000 to $5,000 per month plus additional
equipment costs)
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College Prep Boarding Schools
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These schools focus on preparing children for college. These programs are not for children with
significant emotional or behavioral issues. Children may be sent to boarding schools to give more
opportunities than their family can provide. However, that involves spending significant parts of
one's early life in what may be seen as an institution and possibly experiencing social detachment
from his/her family. (Prices range from $2,000 to $6,000 per month)
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Some summaries from Wikipedia.org
Affordable Effective Alternatives
At Family Front we believe that parents are naturally the most powerful agents of change and should be
the fundamental anchors in a child’s life. With the right knowledge, skills and support, the vast
majority of parents can strengthen and maintain their families. Family Front is recognized across the
therapeutic industry as the pioneers of clinically proven, in-home care for troubled teens.
Family Front offers a full-range of treatment options. Our services can be tailored to your teen's needs
and your family's resources. We encourage parents to begin at the level of care that makes sense to them
and then adjust as needed. You may find that our free
Parent Learning Center is all you need to help your
teen and restore peace to your family.
On the other hand, you may discover that additional support from a Family Front professional is necessary.
To match your family’s needs with the best possible treatment call 1-888-703-7668 for a free
consultation with a Family Front counselor. Or leave us a message
and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.
A great first step is to sign up for the free Parent Learning Center
which is full of articles, lessons, forums, training videos and other resources for parents who wish to learn parenting techniques that can
help their troubled child and bring peace back into their home.
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Our counselors are standing by to answer your questions or offer any advice you may need.
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