Wilderness Programs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all the parents posting about your positive experiences. I’ve been watching this thread all day. I’ve started so many responses but I just can’t seem to put into words how it feels to have no options. Even though DCUM is anon the judgement from people that cannot fathom the experiences that parents who turn to WT are going through angers me. So if you were able to post and be respectful, I appreciate it. Because I couldn’t do it.

you have options, though. there’s nothing forcing you to send your child to an abusive program.

Really? Please share the options. Of course you are aware that a parent doesn’t select WT as a first resort. So the options I’ve been through include community based therapist, inpatient therapy, PHP, IOP, wrap around in home service, and therapeutic boarding school. Please share what other options are available?

It's nonsensical to claim that your only option is an abusive option. If what you're saying is that you just need respite and wilderness is the only way you can get that where you can pay to have your child detained - that's at least honest. Given that these programs last 3 months it's absurd to claim that they are going to cure such severe mental health issues anyway. What I'm sure DOES happen is that these programs market themselves as the only option to desperate parents, though.

DP. I'm still waiting for you to list the options - please include the age/gender of your kid whose behavior was a danger to themselves and others and how the place/therapists you are recommending were able to help your kid. TIA

That is a nonsequitur. Something is not better than nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Don’t quote a source that only supports negative experiences. Since you’re saying it’s not a good place, please post your direct experience with this specific program. Why was it not good for your child? What other programs did you consider? What other treatments did you consider before placing your child there? Since you are saying it is not good, I assume you have direct first hand knowledge.

Plus, the examples in the article posted are all from 10+ years ago. I don’t doubt that 20 years ago, these programs looked different, but much has changed with these programs since then. My son said a couple times whole he was there, someone from the state health department came out and interviewed all the kids about how they were treated. Surprise! No abuse reported.

No, there are many examples from very recently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

And I am not “the” PP. There is an avalanche of accounts out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

Are you saying your brother went from no therapy at all while in the home directly to WT? Your parents made this decision without the guidance of any medical professional?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Don’t quote a source that only supports negative experiences. Since you’re saying it’s not a good place, please post your direct experience with this specific program. Why was it not good for your child? What other programs did you consider? What other treatments did you consider before placing your child there? Since you are saying it is not good, I assume you have direct first hand knowledge.

Plus, the examples in the article posted are all from 10+ years ago. I don’t doubt that 20 years ago, these programs looked different, but much has changed with these programs since then. My son said a couple times whole he was there, someone from the state health department came out and interviewed all the kids about how they were treated. Surprise! No abuse reported.

No, there are many examples from very recently.

The most recent story mentioned in the article is from 2016, and it was kid who got shot by police in a car chase after he had escaped a program. Had nothing to do with a program being abusive. These articles are written in such a slanted way. A girl’s first activity was a “grueling 3-mile hike.” Really?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Don’t quote a source that only supports negative experiences. Since you’re saying it’s not a good place, please post your direct experience with this specific program. Why was it not good for your child? What other programs did you consider? What other treatments did you consider before placing your child there? Since you are saying it is not good, I assume you have direct first hand knowledge.

Plus, the examples in the article posted are all from 10+ years ago. I don’t doubt that 20 years ago, these programs looked different, but much has changed with these programs since then. My son said a couple times whole he was there, someone from the state health department came out and interviewed all the kids about how they were treated. Surprise! No abuse reported.

No, there are many examples from very recently.

The most recent story mentioned in the article is from 2016, and it was kid who got shot by police in a car chase after he had escaped a program. Had nothing to do with a program being abusive. These articles are written in such a slanted way. A girl’s first activity was a “grueling 3-mile hike.” Really?

You’re going to cherry pick one single article? Ok. Truly persuasive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

Are you saying your brother went from no therapy at all while in the home directly to WT? Your parents made this decision without the guidance of any medical professional?

That is correct. Are you under the impression that there are some kind of actual standards for admission? Ha ha ha.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

Are you saying your brother went from no therapy at all while in the home directly to WT? Your parents made this decision without the guidance of any medical professional?

That is correct. Are you under the impression that there are some kind of actual standards for admission? Ha ha ha.

From my admission experience 2 years ago—yes, there are standards. Programs want successful outcomes. A cohort is both the therapist AND also the kids currently in the program. That’s why educational consultants are so important. Today, admissions is a thoughtful process about fit—fit for modality, fit with the therapist, and fit with the existing group. A child with ASD who functions 3 yrs below their chronological age will not do well in a group with kids who self medicate.

Today, a recommendation package has to be put together. If the treating therapist/psych is not submitting a recommendation, the child isn’t getting in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Don’t quote a source that only supports negative experiences. Since you’re saying it’s not a good place, please post your direct experience with this specific program. Why was it not good for your child? What other programs did you consider? What other treatments did you consider before placing your child there? Since you are saying it is not good, I assume you have direct first hand knowledge.

Plus, the examples in the article posted are all from 10+ years ago. I don’t doubt that 20 years ago, these programs looked different, but much has changed with these programs since then. My son said a couple times whole he was there, someone from the state health department came out and interviewed all the kids about how they were treated. Surprise! No abuse reported.

No, there are many examples from very recently.

The most recent story mentioned in the article is from 2016, and it was kid who got shot by police in a car chase after he had escaped a program. Had nothing to do with a program being abusive. These articles are written in such a slanted way. A girl’s first activity was a “grueling 3-mile hike.” Really?

You’re going to cherry pick one single article? Ok. Truly persuasive.

This comment was in response to an article that someone else posted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all the parents posting about your positive experiences. I’ve been watching this thread all day. I’ve started so many responses but I just can’t seem to put into words how it feels to have no options. Even though DCUM is anon the judgement from people that cannot fathom the experiences that parents who turn to WT are going through angers me. So if you were able to post and be respectful, I appreciate it. Because I couldn’t do it.

you have options, though. there’s nothing forcing you to send your child to an abusive program.

Really? Please share the options. Of course you are aware that a parent doesn’t select WT as a first resort. So the options I’ve been through include community based therapist, inpatient therapy, PHP, IOP, wrap around in home service, and therapeutic boarding school. Please share what other options are available?

It's nonsensical to claim that your only option is an abusive option. If what you're saying is that you just need respite and wilderness is the only way you can get that where you can pay to have your child detained - that's at least honest. Given that these programs last 3 months it's absurd to claim that they are going to cure such severe mental health issues anyway. What I'm sure DOES happen is that these programs market themselves as the only option to desperate parents, though.

DP. I'm still waiting for you to list the options - please include the age/gender of your kid whose behavior was a danger to themselves and others and how the place/therapists you are recommending were able to help your kid. TIA

That is a nonsequitur. Something is not better than nothing.

In many cases it is. Where “nothing” could result in your family being killed, your child killing themselves or your child in jail, something is better than nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

The point is that just because one program was abusive does not mean an entire industry is bad.

And, if you are right that your brother just needed attention, then it might not have been the right placement for him. But I honestly can’t imagine a sibling actually understanding the reasons for such a complicated decision and you might be minimizing your brother’s situation and blaming your parents unfairly because you miss him. I am sure that my other kids don’t know the entirety of the circumstances and events that led to me placing my son. That would have been too big of a burden for them to carry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I'm really sorry. I've had struggles with my kid but know it could be much worse. Hugs.

I would love the pp who is anti-wilderness could share some of the great alternatives available to this family. Please, share.

In my brother’s case, he literally just needed a parent to pay attention to him. Possibly individual therapy. That’s it.

And you are being totally illogical here. Just because you feel there are no other alternatives does not make an abusive quasi-imprisonment ok.

Are you saying your brother went from no therapy at all while in the home directly to WT? Your parents made this decision without the guidance of any medical professional?

That is correct. Are you under the impression that there are some kind of actual standards for admission? Ha ha ha.

From my admission experience 2 years ago—yes, there are standards. Programs want successful outcomes. A cohort is both the therapist AND also the kids currently in the program. That’s why educational consultants are so important. Today, admissions is a thoughtful process about fit—fit for modality, fit with the therapist, and fit with the existing group. A child with ASD who functions 3 yrs below their chronological age will not do well in a group with kids who self medicate.

Today, a recommendation package has to be put together. If the treating therapist/psych is not submitting a recommendation, the child isn’t getting in.

Yeah I’m sure a place like Trails or Elements has a high rejection rate … these are for-profit programs, not selective schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all the parents posting about your positive experiences. I’ve been watching this thread all day. I’ve started so many responses but I just can’t seem to put into words how it feels to have no options. Even though DCUM is anon the judgement from people that cannot fathom the experiences that parents who turn to WT are going through angers me. So if you were able to post and be respectful, I appreciate it. Because I couldn’t do it.

you have options, though. there’s nothing forcing you to send your child to an abusive program.

Really? Please share the options. Of course you are aware that a parent doesn’t select WT as a first resort. So the options I’ve been through include community based therapist, inpatient therapy, PHP, IOP, wrap around in home service, and therapeutic boarding school. Please share what other options are available?

It's nonsensical to claim that your only option is an abusive option. If what you're saying is that you just need respite and wilderness is the only way you can get that where you can pay to have your child detained - that's at least honest. Given that these programs last 3 months it's absurd to claim that they are going to cure such severe mental health issues anyway. What I'm sure DOES happen is that these programs market themselves as the only option to desperate parents, though.

DP. I'm still waiting for you to list the options - please include the age/gender of your kid whose behavior was a danger to themselves and others and how the place/therapists you are recommending were able to help your kid. TIA

That is a nonsequitur. Something is not better than nothing.

In many cases it is. Where “nothing” could result in your family being killed, your child killing themselves or your child in jail, something is better than nothing.

I mean, if your motivation is literally that you need your kid to be in private detention for 3 months, at least that is honest. I hope you are informing these programs that your child is *homicidal.*