What Kinds of Treatments Work?

Families and communities, working together, can help children and adolescents with mental disorders. A broad range of services is available and special programs are often necessary to meet the needs of these young people and their families.  Residential programs at special schools are an option for distraught parents.  The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs lists hundreds of therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs and home-based residential programs for adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The market for this industry appears to be expanding as there seems to be less of a stigma about seeking therapy today.

There is also a growing industry in providing “emotional growth education” at special boarding schools.  Emotional growth education is based on the principle that immaturity is the reason for behavior problems in teens.  The curriculum offers a tightly structured environment where consequences for behavior are immediate and appropriate, and is integrated with an academic and arts program.  Children develop self-esteem and greater skills in communication, self-awareness and a work ethic.  The holistic education principle however is ineffective for students with serious disorders such as deep-seated trauma, bipolar, anorexia etc.  Teenagers with these conditions require clinical treatments and medications.

Sometimes parents of troubled teens send their wards to military schools or privately-run boot camps. Youth boot camps are like a military setup with a strict discipline regime, instilling fear of authority and respect for commands and orders. Boot camps typically last for 4 to 6 weeks and while change may be noticeable after the experience, behavior cannot be permanently changed in such a short time without follow up.

Teenagers need emotional support, kindness and co-operation from their parents and guardians, rather than the strict discipline and punishment of these youth boot camps.  Long-term behavioral change can only come about if teens learn to be accountable for their behavior.  To learn from their mistakes and to cope with problems, they need authority figures who offer consistency and trust in a loving environment.   Punishment is not the best option

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