Residential Treatment Centers
The primary focus of these programs is to provide a therapeutic environment that contributes to continued stabilization of symptoms, best practices treatment for specific diagnoses or types of problems, as well as school, social, and health and wellness activities. Focus on substance abuse, sequelae of LD, or issues such as adoption, trauma or eating disorders may be program specialties. Utilization of various treatment modalities, including individual, group and family therapy as well as psychopharmacology is largely included. Skill building activities differ program to program (such as highlighting arts, equine, or outdoor), as does gender served and size of program. Behavioral approaches are emphasized in some programs whereas others rely more on a relational approach to treatment. Matching program style with a student's needs is very important to successful placement. Level systems are common, and as students progress through the program, they become eligible for more frequent visits with family. Length of stay may range from 6-9 months to one year or more, depending on program model and progress of each student. Following completion of a residential treatment center program, students generally step down to either therapeutic or mainstream schools.