Teen Female Residential Treatment
The adolescent years are a turbulent time for teens, with one-third of high school students in the United States experiencing depression before they graduate and one in six reporting suicidal thoughts.
Untreated mental health issues can lead to problems in school, relationships, and future careers. For the parents of troubled teens, finding the right residential treatment program can be an essential part of their child’s recovery.
When compared to teen males, female adolescents are more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. This is partly because girls are more likely to exhibit “internalizing” symptoms such as sadness, self-loathing, and guilt. At the same time, boys are more likely to show “externalizing” symptoms such as aggression, violence, and delinquency.
While this does not invalidate the mental illnesses experienced by the teen male population, it does mean that female-only treatment can be a suitable course of action, as these Teen Female Residential Treatment programs are specialized in addressing the unique needs of teen girls according to the mental health struggles they face.
Teen Female Residential Treatment
The adolescent years are a turbulent time for teens, with one-third of high school students in the United States experiencing depression before they graduate and one in six reporting suicidal thoughts.
Untreated mental health issues can lead to problems in school, relationships, and future careers. For the parents of troubled teens, finding the right residential treatment program can be an essential part of their child’s recovery.
When compared to teen males, female adolescents are more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. This is partly because girls are more likely to exhibit “internalizing” symptoms such as sadness, self-loathing, and guilt. At the same time, boys are more likely to show “externalizing” symptoms such as aggression, violence, and delinquency.
While this does not invalidate the mental illnesses experienced by the teen male population, it does mean that female-only treatment can be a suitable course of action, as these treatment programs are specialized in addressing the unique needs of teen girls according to the mental health struggles they face.
What is Teen Female Residential Treatment?
One of the most common forms of treatment for mental illnesses and disorders is therapy; however, therapy alone is not always sufficient for women struggling with severe or long-term illnesses. In some cases, a residential treatment center may be the best solution.
Residential treatment centers provide around-the-clock care and support in a therapeutic environment for young women dealing with mental health issues. They are led and staffed by mental health professionals who provide individualized care and treatment plans for each resident. Programs vary in terms of length of stay, but most centers require a minimum commitment of 30 to 90 days.
Rather than seeing a therapist for a one-hour session each week, the residential treatment allows young women to live in a therapeutic setting and work on their mental health issues around the clock. This can be an extremely beneficial environment for teens who are struggling with things like addiction, self-harm, eating disorders, or severe depression.
As a parent, residential treatment gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your daughter is being cared for by professionals 24/7.
What to Expect from Teen Female Residential Treatment
Most parents are unfamiliar with the concept of residential therapy, as it is a treatment program reserved for particularly severe cases. Teen female residential treatment centers provide a therapeutic living environment for girls who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, or psychological issues that counselors cannot adequately address in a traditional outpatient setting.
The average stay at a teen girl’s residential treatment center is six months to one year. During this time, the girls will live in a group home setting and participate in various therapeutic activities, such as individual counseling, group therapy, and recreational activities.
The primary focus of residential treatment is to provide the girls with the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively. Some of the telling issues that may lead a teen girl to require residential treatment include:
Parents should expect that their daughter will be extremely challenged during her time in residential treatment. Because of this, it is not uncommon for girls to rebel against the rules and expectations of the program. With patience and support, however, most girls will eventually come to see the value in the treatment they are receiving.
If you believe that your daughter would benefit from residential treatment, it is important to do your research and find a center that will be a good fit for her. There are many excellent programs available, and with the right care and support, your daughter can thriv
Residential Treatment Program Overview
Female residential treatment facilities vary in their program structures and methods. Still, they typically offer a comprehensive array of services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, educational programming, family counseling, and recreational activities.
Therapy
Your daughter will have access to individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling in residential treatment. While the therapy structure will vary depending on the program, it is typically goal-oriented and focused on helping your daughter address the issues that led her to treatment.
Educational Programming
Most programs offer a range of educational opportunities, from basic academic instruction to vocational training. Your daughter will be able to continue her education while in treatment; in fact, many programs offer credits that can be transferred to a traditional school setting.
Recreational Activities
Recreational activities are incorporated into many of these programs as part of their treatment plan. Such activities can help your daughter relax and have fun and provide opportunities for her to build relationships with other residents.
Psychiatric Care
All residential treatment programs offer psychiatric care, which involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. If your daughter struggles with a mental health disorder, she will receive the necessary care and support in residential treatment.
Family Counseling
Residential treatment provides a unique opportunity for you and your daughter to work on your relationship. Undertaking counseling with your child can help you understand her issues and how they affect your family and provide you with tools to support your daughter better.
Conclusion
It can be confronting to realize that your teenage daughter needs residential treatment, but remember: getting her the treatment she needs is the first step to her recovery. By choosing a good program, you can be sure that she will be in a safe and supportive environment while she works through her issues.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to the staff at Hillside Horizon. We are happy to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable with your decision to get help for your daughter.