Experts say they have seen success with some treatment centers.
Staffing and execution of the program are key.
Where these centers get a bad rap is an issue that occurs frequently.
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A lack of guidelines in the industry allows this key in of situation to occur.
Federal regulations dont exist, and there is no concrete set of rules implemented by each state.
This is a setup for eventual failure.
In addition, attendees point out that treatment is short-term and short-sighted.
This is a setup for eventualfailure, Dr. Loo adds.
Another concern is the day-to-day activities.
Each facility structures its own program, and its own measurements of success.
Sometimes a one-size-fits-all approach is put in place and doesnt meet the needs of each child.
I think thats one of the biggest problems with these schools, is theyre not specialized enough.
While in a treatment program, her behaviors were labeled as positive or negative, and assigned points.
Doing something positive, like agreeing to wash the dishes, garnered 250 points.
Refusing to do the task could subtract 1000 points.
These environments deteriorate social andpsychological developmentthrough isolation and an overuse of pharmaceutical medication or physical force to change behavior.
Muzquiz shuttled between facilities in North Carolina, Utah, and Texas.
She says she survived years ofabuseand is now advocating for change.
She dealt with sexual assault, mood disorders, and was hospitalized multiple times.
Once she reached the state maximum of hospitalizations, long-term care was recommended.
With no other choice, she went.
She spent three years at the facility.
I also experienced a lot of medical neglect, Oldenquist states.
Treatment Alternatives
Methods exist to help parents and children deal with difficult family dynamics.
Experts recommend allowing your child to choose atherapistwith whom they feel comfortable.
It gives a child the feeling that their voice matters.
Also, seek out family therapy.
The household dynamic can significantly contribute to your childs behavior.
you might also try an outpatient program that will allow your child to live at home.
As your teen receives help, the family can continue to work towards healing.
If the program promises to treat such a wide range of disorders or struggles, thats a red flag.
These programs should be really specialized in what your child is struggling with.
Muzquiz says that even while addressing behavioral issues, your child needs your support.
Ask your child to share their thoughts more often and give them control every now and then.
All in all, just be there for them, Muzquiz concludes.
Krebs, C.Five facts about the troubled teen industry.
Unsilenced.Troubled teen industry timeline.
