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3 Types of Programs For Troubled Teens in Arizona

Group of professionals discussing strategies, representing structured and supportive programs designed to assist troubled teens in Arizona with behavioral and emotional challenges.

Parenting troubled teenagers is not easy for any parent or caregiver. It can be overwhelming dealing with seemingly new behaviors such as rebellion, mental health disorders, violence, or drug abuse. Many parents lie awake at night trying to understand why their teens behave like they do. It can be heartbreaking wondering where your teen is and what they are up to. As parents of moody, violent, and often reckless teens, it is your responsibility to get them the help they need.

This article aims to help parents of troubled teens in Arizona find effective programs to help. The article will highlight the different types of programs offered to help troubled teens, their benefits, and what parents should expect from each program. If you are looking for immediate help, call our team at Nexus Teen Academy today, and we can help set your teen up at our mental health treatment center.

Types of Programs for Troubled Teens in Arizona

If your teen is struggling, you may be wondering what type of treatment program best suits your troubled teen. Many parents ask themselves this question when they think about enrolling their teen in a treatment program. Don’t worry, this section of the article provides a comprehensive guide to different programs offered in Arizona. 

Popular programs for troubled teens include the following: 

  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 
  • Wilderness therapy programs
  • Residential treatment centers

Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens

Outpatient treatment is a type of program that allows troubled teens to remain at home during their treatment. IOP programs are a more intensive form of care designed for teens with mild to moderate mental health conditions, conduct, or substance abuse issues. If your teen is enrolled in an outpatient program, they can continue their daily routine, including school. It is non-disruptive and requires teens to come in a couple of times a week. 

Typical outpatient programs are conducted early in the morning or at night so as not to disrupt your teen’s normal daily life. It offers flexibility as it does not require your teen to leave school or their job. 

Some benefits of outpatient treatment include the following: 

  • Your teen can continue working and attending school
  • It is more affordable compared to other programs
  • It gives your teen access to social support
  • It is designed to help teens in the long term as it reinforces accountability

Wilderness Therapy Programs

Wilderness treatment programs combine various therapeutic approaches with nature’s healing power. By conquering nature, teens with maladaptive behavior learn better coping mechanisms. Teens who engage in wilderness therapy have the benefit of changing their environment to focus on healing and recovery. Many parents understand that a change in scenery and engaging in outdoor activities can do wonders for their teen’s mental health. This is why wilderness therapy has become popular.

Benefits of wilderness therapy include: 

  • Teens develop independence and self-identity. 
  • Equips teens with healthy coping mechanisms.
  • A change in environment helps teens focus on recovery and treatment. 
  • Outdoor activities improve your teen’s physical and mental health. 
  • Shared experiences build strong and meaningful bonds. 
  • Fosters a sense of community

Residential Treatment Centers

As a parent of a troubled teen, you may need additional support to help your teen overcome their substance abuse and mental health challenges. Residential treatment centers are built to help teens receive long-term care in a residential center. Such facilities offer 24/7 care and support for teens with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. 

Residential treatment is also useful for teens who do not respond to other forms of therapy. Residential treatment offers teens structure and safety as they focus on treatment. 

Benefits of residential treatment include the following: 

  • RTCs offer round-the-clock care and support for teens. 
  • A change of environment helps teens focus on recovery.
  • Peer support fosters social skills and a sense of community. 
  • Every teen receives a tailored treatment regimen to suit their specific needs. 
  • Intensive treatment program due to its length.
  • RTCs offer educational support to help your teen keep up with their academic responsibilities.

How to Choose the Right Program for Your Teen

Before you enroll your teen in any program, there are several considerations you need to make. These include the following: 

  • Understand your teen’s needs: To ensure effective treatment, you need to understand your teen’s needs. Ask your teen what type of program would be most beneficial for them. You can also understand your teen’s needs by observing their behavior and drawing conclusions. Once you know what they need, you can choose a treatment program.
  • Safety: Your child’s safety should be your top priority. Ensure you choose a safe and supportive program. As a parent or guardian, do enough research before settling on a facility. Look for treatment programs that have received a Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, which indicates that the program goes above and beyond to ensure client safety.
  • Time commitment: Before enrolling your teen in a treatment program, you need to understand the program length and timetable. If the program’s timetable is unsuitable for your teen, it may not be right for them. Depending on your teen’s needs, choose a flexible but effective program. 
  • Costs and insurance: The cost of the program should also help you make a decision. Inquire about the cost and whether your insurance covers treatment. Mental health treatment can be quite expensive and would require out-of-pocket payments if treatment is not covered by insurance. 
  • Treatment history: Consider how your teen has reacted to previous treatment programs. This will help you decide what to do next. Knowing what works for your teen and what does not will help you make an informed decision. 
  • Reviews and ratings: Before settling on a program, check out the facility’s ratings and reviews. Other people’s experiences can help you make an informed decision. 
  • Treatment philosophy: Choose a facility whose treatment philosophy aligns with your values. It would be counterproductive to take your teen to a facility whose philosophy clashes with your own. 
  • Location: The location of the facility is important. Choose a facility that will allow you to participate actively in your teen’s treatment. 
  • Expertise: Look at the staff qualifications before choosing a program. Ensure the staff has experience working with teens, as teens require a different level of care.

Why Arizona Parents Choose Nexus Teen Academy

Tucked away in Cave Creek, Arizona, Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen residential treatment facility. Our facility is staffed by highly qualified mental health practitioners who aim to give your teen high-quality treatment. Our facility is duly accredited to provide mental health treatment and only employs qualified mental health practitioners. You can rest assured that your teen is in safe hands at Nexus. 

Our treatment approach is vision-driven. Nexus’ vision is to provide teens with mental health challenges with a sustainable path to recovery and help teens restore their joy in life. Through holistic and individualized treatment approaches, Nexus will equip your teen with vital emotional regulation techniques and skills that help them navigate their healing journey.

At our facility, we offer different treatment approaches to teens. We use evidence-based treatment modalities like teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to ensure your teen recovers fully. We also use holistic approaches like yoga and equine therapy to equip your teen with healthy coping mechanisms. 

CBT treatment helps teens understand the role emotions play in their behavior. It teaches teens that feelings and behaviors are connected and that changing negative emotions to positive ones will change their behavior. Through journaling, guided discovery, and cognitive restructuring, teens are taught how to regulate their emotions. 

DBT helps teens stop denying their mental health issues and work to change their outlook. DBT teaches teens to accept their situation and work to change the eventual outcome of the treatment. It utilizes techniques like mindfulness and distress tolerance to help teens learn emotional regulation. DBT also teaches teens interpersonal effectiveness to help them communicate their emotions effectively. 

These are just a few of the treatment options offered at Nexus. We also utilize group therapy and a comprehensive family component in our treatment. There are many other reasons why you should entrust Nexus Teen Academy with your teen’s mental health treatment. Contact us today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Residential treatment offers a more comprehensive and in-depth treatment regimen than outpatient programs. They also offer 24/7 care and supervision, while outpatient programs only require teens to be at the center for short periods. 

All teens struggling with varying degrees of mental health and substance abuse issues require professional help. Professionals are better equipped to handle treatment as they can utilize different treatment modalities. Professional help is crucial since your teen can receive comprehensive treatment.

Treatment programs for troubled teens accept teens with mental health conditions, substance abuse issues, conduct issues, emotional regulation problems, eating disorders, and learning disabilities.

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