Sometimes parents of troubled teens run out of local options. In these situations a residential therapeutic environment may provide an excellent alternative to improving social/emotional growth. There are literally thousands of programs as well as a variety of different types of programs. Utilizing an educational consultant to navigate through the process and determine the best fit is the best way to ensure success. Would the student benefit from a wilderness therapy experience, small “home like” environment, or a therapeutic school? The choices often feel endless. If you would like more information about when to use residential treatment; view the article on my website at http://ed-psy.com/articles-resources/.

I vist programs on a regular basis, and summer is always a heavy travel time for me. This summer I have already spent time in the Carolinas and in Utah. On these visits, I checked out a variety of programs as well as visited with my clients who are attending therepeutic boarding schools or participating in residential treatment. Whenever I visit, I am always impressed with the clinical expertise of these programs as well as the quality of the physical structures and the surrounding natural beauty. Below are some pictures of schools and local scenery.

Many therapeutic programs have a traditional boarding school look and feel.

A small residential environment may be the perfect fit for a student that needs a small, nurturing home like environment.

Wow! Horse ring to the left, soccer field to the right, and beautiful scenery behind.