If you are struggling with your teen at home you might be considering placement at a Troubled Teen Facility sometimes called Wilderness Therapy. These facilities do not provide evidenced based treatment, they frequently abuse participants verbally, physically and sexually. Often these programs utilize state parks and require participants to hike several miles daily in harsh conditions. Survivors of these facilities condemn them and advocate for their closure.

Photo of tall trees with a cloudy sky

Best practices for treatment for high risk teens include utilizing local and instate mental health services and programs. Weekly therapy, group therapy, family therapy, wraparound services, behavioral coaches, hospital diversion programs, residential programs, day treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, and inpatient programs are evidence based approaches to supporting struggling teens.