For severe cases of defiance, drug use, or behavior disorders we recommend gathering resources and meeting with your local therapist. Gather as much information as possible using the web, friends, family, or church groups. We've never heard that any one was too prepared.

Through the process of gathering information please keep in mind that there is no such thing as a quick fix to these problems. Your teen's behavior didn't happen overnight and it won't be fixed overnight. Some residential treatment centers or teen help boarding schools have average stay lengths of up to 12 or more months. This ensures a lasting change in the troubled teen behavior.

Some things to keep in mind if you are considering teen help schools or treatment centers:

Will the school or program provide my teen the proper therapy, if needed?

Is the teen help treatment center licensed (specialty boarding schools are typically not required to hold licensing as they don't provide therapy)?

Does the treatment program or specialty school have an aftercare / follow up program? If so, for how long after successful completion?

Is the staff properly licensed / trained?

It is always recommended to walk through the teen help facility before placement. If you can't do it - try to send someone in your place.

Always ask for references from other parents who have made the same decision.

Does the teen help school or treatment center have verified statistics showing that they are experienced in helping troubled teens?

We are here to help you make an educated decision.

Get Teen Help!