Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) provide intensive therapy and a controlled environment to troubled teens in a comprehensive treatment facility. These programs are designed to help teens with serious behavioral or emotional problems and are the highest level of care offered, with the exception of psychiatric hospitalization.
Residential Treatment Centers Explained
The goal of Residential Treatment Centers is to provide a therapeutic environment in which troubled teens can safely explore the factors contributing to their problems and learn new ways of thinking and behaving. RTC provide long- term treatment, several months or more, to teens exhibiting dangerous or out of control behaviors who need specialized assistance in dealing with problems and making positive changes.
A teen living in a RTC participates in a highly structured daily program to include therapy and education under the supervision of professionally trained staff. The program includes individual and group therapy, school, structured activities, participation in expressive therapies and opportunities to learn and try out new coping skills and behaviors.
What Residential Treatment Centers Provide
Residential treatment centers use many of the same methods as group homes but are better equipped to treat more serious problems that require constant supervision and medical intervention.
Specific services include:
- Intensive, long-term individual and group therapy
- Medication evaluation by on-site psychiatrists
- Nursing staff to monitor psychiatric medication and other medical issues
- Comprehensive psychological testing and assessment
- A detailed and comprehensive phase system
- On-site academic programs with specialized staff
- Trained staff that can provide one-to-one supervision and physical restraint
- Large, comprehensive facilities
- Ongoing family involvement to include family therapy and structured home passes
Most RTC’s are not locked facilities although it’s difficult for teens to leave with constant staff supervision. Some states, such as Utah, do allow locked RTC facilities.
Teen Problems Most Likely to Benefit From From Residential Treatment Centers
Treatment at this high level of care is intended to help troubled teens with serious issues such as eating disorders, severe depression, suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, sexual acting out or extreme defiance. RTC is recommended for teens who aren’t making progress at a lower level of care or whose behavior is so dangerous or out of control that they can’t be treated in a less restrictive environment. Not all RTC provide specialized treatment for drug issues, if this is your teens’ primary problem a better choice may be residential drug treatment.
Although the decision to put a troubled teen into a residential treatment center can be a difficult one most parents feel a sense of relief knowing their teen is safe and starting the process of healing and making positive changes.
Quick Links: Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens