Teen wants to go a residential treatment program?

[Anonymous]

Could it be that she just needs a break from her environment? Does she have an Aunt that she could stay with for the summer in a different town? Maybe get a summer job?

I went to live on my Aunt and Uncles farm in South Dakota for the summer when I fourteen (without my parents or siblings), and it was the best thing for me. Gave me a new perspective, lots of hard work and chores to keep my mind off things, and it really helped being in a completely new environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. My issue and concern with these programs is that DD isn’t really a behavioral issue. She doesn’t skip school, no drugs/alcohol, bright, articulate, the stereotypical “a pleasure to have in class.” But she is so profoundly sad and depressed. I just feel like the types of people she might meet and such would make it a ooor fit. But I also want to take her seriously.

Did you stop to consider that this is part of the issue in itself? She’s so busy being perfect for everyone else that she never gets to fall apart and address her needs? This is very common in certain psychiatric disorders, like eating disorders.

What “type of people” are you concerned for her to meet? People who have mental illness, just like she does? There is no “type of people” with mental illness.. if affects all demographics.

Your response might provide a few clues about why she’s eager to go away from her environment to heal. Listen to her carefully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have experience with Newport Academy?

I did not have the ability to pay for this program, but I applied for my son twice. I was impressed by what they had to offer. It's worth looking at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. My issue and concern with these programs is that DD isn’t really a behavioral issue. She doesn’t skip school, no drugs/alcohol, bright, articulate, the stereotypical “a pleasure to have in class.” But she is so profoundly sad and depressed. I just feel like the types of people she might meet and such would make it a ooor fit. But I also want to take her seriously.

Did you stop to consider that this is part of the issue in itself? She’s so busy being perfect for everyone else that she never gets to fall apart and address her needs? This is very common in certain psychiatric disorders, like eating disorders.

What “type of people” are you concerned for her to meet? People who have mental illness, just like she does? There is no “type of people” with mental illness.. if affects all demographics.

Your response might provide a few clues about why she’s eager to go away from her environment to heal. Listen to her carefully.

Not op but you’re off base. It is widely and openly acknowledged in the mental health treatment community that adolescents without substance abuse are not well served in settings where that is commonly the chief complaint. No one is casting aspersions on the teens with substance abuse-but their needs are different AND it’s absolutely possible for patients not down the substance use path or on the periphery to start or escalate use when they are spending all their time with kids with addiction. It’s not a criticism of the kids with addiction issues, it’s human nature!

[Anonymous]

Friend of DD's is at a "therapeutic boarding school", which might be a better fit for your DD. I don't know much about it (I'm not close to the child's parents), but your DD's therapist might have some insights for you. Sounds like it combines pretty intensive therapy with school, so she doesn't fall behind academically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. My issue and concern with these programs is that DD isn’t really a behavioral issue. She doesn’t skip school, no drugs/alcohol, bright, articulate, the stereotypical “a pleasure to have in class.” But she is so profoundly sad and depressed. I just feel like the types of people she might meet and such would make it a ooor fit. But I also want to take her seriously.

Did you stop to consider that this is part of the issue in itself? She’s so busy being perfect for everyone else that she never gets to fall apart and address her needs? This is very common in certain psychiatric disorders, like eating disorders.

What “type of people” are you concerned for her to meet? People who have mental illness, just like she does? There is no “type of people” with mental illness.. if affects all demographics.

Your response might provide a few clues about why she’s eager to go away from her environment to heal. Listen to her carefully.

Not op but you’re off base. It is widely and openly acknowledged in the mental health treatment community that adolescents without substance abuse are not well served in settings where that is commonly the chief complaint. No one is casting aspersions on the teens with substance abuse-but their needs are different AND it’s absolutely possible for patients not down the substance use path or on the periphery to start or escalate use when they are spending all their time with kids with addiction. It’s not a criticism of the kids with addiction issues, it’s human nature!

If you’re in the business, you’d know that there are residential programs that don’t deal with substance abuse, right? Many programs do not want to deal with substance abuse, as it’s a very different kettle of fish, especially in the early stages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Need advice. My daughter has had depression and anxiety for years. She tells me that her weekly therapy sessions and medication aren’t really helping. “I think I want to go to one of those programs where you stay for a few months and they help you.”

Consider exploring with the therapist and your DD what she thinks not being depressed and being anxious looks like to her. Because teens only have childhood to look back on, their idea of what will constitute happy and not depressed can equal in their mind the state of happiness and carefree that came with being a younger child. No therapist or program can bring that kind of bliss but teens don't know that and keep that as their goal.

Growing up and changing responsibilities bring about emotional changes. Physically moving to a different location might give a teen the breakthrough they need to let go of searching for the past euphoria and move on. In addition to residential treatment programs, consider if a boarding school might offer an opportunity that would be more suited to her needs vs. treatment with those with compounding issues such as addiction.

[Anonymous]

If you have issues like this it helps to be rich. Poor people just have to deal.

Who wouldn't like a nice break away from things to get right with one's self and the world?!?!?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have issues like this it helps to be rich. Poor people just have to deal.

Who wouldn't like a nice break away from things to get right with one's self and the world?!?!?!

You are right. But, whether you are rich or poor, you still care about your child and want to do everything you can for them. OP has a profoundly depressed child. We could definitely start a discussion on the issue of payment for mental health services so that we can vent and help each other find resources. But, it really is really hurtful to derail OPs thread in this manner.

[Anonymous]

Substance use? Not heard good things about Newport

[Anonymous]

FYI these programs can cost upwards of 8K/month...so not an easy solution. I'd do more therapy sessions a week instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the perfect time. Get on waitlists now. By the time your daughter is admitted, it will be summer.

Good for her for asking for the help she needs. That takes a lot of insight and courage.

Ditto!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FYI these programs can cost upwards of 8K/month...so not an easy solution. I'd do more therapy sessions a week instead.

You are really off. Cheapest run around $400 a day for residential.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have issues like this it helps to be rich. Poor people just have to deal.

Whom wouldn't like a nice break away from things to get right with one's self and the world?!?!?!

You are right. But, whether you are rich or poor, you still care about your child and want to do everything you can for them. OP has a profoundly depressed child. We could definitely start a discussion on the issue of payment for mental health services so that we can vent and help each other find resources. But, it really is really hurtful to derail OPs thread in this manner.

Thanks to PP for redirecting!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. My issue and concern with these programs is that DD isn’t really a behavioral issue. She doesn’t skip school, no drugs/alcohol, bright, articulate, the stereotypical “a pleasure to have in class.” But she is so profoundly sad and depressed. I just feel like the types of people she might meet and such would make it a ooor fit. But I also want to take her seriously.

Did you stop to consider that this is part of the issue in itself? She’s so busy being perfect for everyone else that she never gets to fall apart and address her needs? This is very common in certain psychiatric disorders, like eating disorders.

What “type of people” are you concerned for her to meet? People who have mental illness, just like she does? There is no “type of people” with mental illness.. if affects all demographics.

Your response might provide a few clues about why she’s eager to go away from her environment to heal. Listen to her carefully.

Child doesn't have an eating disorder and has depression.