Greg had always been somewhat restless, but when he turned 15 his behavior took a turn for the worse. What started as occasionally skipping classes and minor defiance at home quickly escalated into habitually missing school, shoplifting, and staying out all night without returning home.
Greg began hanging out with a new group of friends who introduced him to drugs and alcohol. He became increasingly aggressive, getting into fights at school (when he chose to attend) and lashing out at his parents with explosive anger whenever he was home. The family was in crisis, and Greg’s parents worried their son was spiraling out of control and might never find his way back.
Greg’s story – and similar stories – are familiar to parents with troubled teenagers. When a teenager’s behavior spirals out of control, it can be overwhelming and frightening for parents. If you find yourself saying, “My son is out of control—where can I send him?” you’re not alone.
Other parents and families have faced similar situations and found an appropriate solution to help their child and themselves. One potential solution is a therapeutic boarding school, where specialized care and a structured environment can help restore balance and order to your son’s life.
What Does Teen “Out of Control” Behavior Look Like?
Understanding what constitutes “out of control” behavior is the first step in recognizing when your son might need more help than you can provide at home. It’s common for teenagers to experience mood swings, rebellion, and even to exhibit occasional defiance in their exploration of the independence that comes with growing up. However, certain behaviors can indicate deeper issues that require professional intervention.
Some signs that your son’s behavior is out of control include:
- Aggression and Violence: Frequent outbursts of anger, physical fights, or destructive behavior can be indicators of deeper emotional turmoil. If your son is regularly lashing out, hitting walls, issuing threats or posing a danger to himself, others, or family property, it’s a clear sign that he needs help.
- Substance Abuse: Experimentation with drugs or alcohol is not uncommon among teens, but it can quickly escalate into regular use or addiction and a host of additional problems (stealing, lying, etc.) Substance abuse can exacerbate other behavioral problems and is often a symptom of underlying mental health issues.
- Chronic Defiance: While some level of defiance is normal during adolescence, chronic and severe defiance—such as refusing to attend school, ignoring curfews, or consistently breaking rules—can indicate a more significant problem and calls for a higher level of intervention.
- Risky and Impulsive Behavior: Engaging in risky activities, such as reckless driving, refusing to attend school, shoplifting, or running away from home, are red flags that your son may be struggling with impulse control or deeper emotional issues.
- Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: If your son is expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about self-harm, or engaging in self-injurious behaviors, it’s crucial to seek immediate professional help. These behaviors are cries for help and should never be ignored.
- Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missing school, or complete school refusal can be signs that your son is struggling with issues and needs help.
- Isolation and Withdrawal: If your son is withdrawing from family and friends, losing interest in activities he once enjoyed, or spending excessive time alone, it may be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.
Why Consider a Therapeutic Boarding School?
An unmanageable or out of control teenager places a severe strain on the family unit. Parents and siblings suffer from increased stress and worry. Families are rarely able to provide the monitoring and support an out of control teenager needs, which adds to the stress and worry.
When a teenager’s behavior becomes unmanageable at home and traditional interventions like therapy or school counseling are not enough, a therapeutic boarding school can be a lifeline for parents and their child. These specialized schools offer a safe, structured environment that meets the complex needs of troubled teens.
1. Intensive Therapeutic Support
Therapeutic boarding schools provide comprehensive mental health care available on-site. This includes regular therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. The therapy is often a mix of individual, group, and family sessions, ensuring that every aspect of the teen’s emotional and psychological health is addressed.
This intense therapeutic approach can make a significant difference in the mental health of an out of control teen. The structured environment of the school reduces the chaos that often contributes to their behavioral issues, allowing them to focus on improving their mental health and begin the process of healing. Many teens make rapid progress once placed in a therapeutic boarding school.
2. Structured Environment
One of the key benefits of a therapeutic boarding school is its structured daily routine. This structure provides stability and teaches self-discipline, which is often lacking in the lives of out-of-control teens. The school schedule is designed to provide ample time for therapy, academics, physical activity, and leisure for a well-rounded experience.
The environment at a therapeutic boarding school minimizes distractions and negative influences, creating a safe space where students can focus on their recovery. Trading a chaotic environment for a safe, stable environment at school is especially beneficial for students like Greg who were under the negative influence of peers.
3. Academic Continuity and Support
When a teen’s behavior spirals out-of-control, their school and learning progress is sure to suffer. Therapeutic boarding schools recognize this and offer specialized educational programs designed to help students who have fallen behind to catch up. The programs are also more informed on special needs such as ADHD, autism, or other emotional and behavioral challenges that can inhibit learning. With smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and accommodations for special needs, therapeutic boarding schools help students get back on track academically.
Education at a therapeutic boarding school is not just about grades; it’s about building confidence and self-worth. Addressing the underlying issues that have affected their academic performance allows students to achieve greater success in school, which in turn boosts their self-esteem and motivation.
4. Life Skills Development
Beyond therapy and academics, therapeutic boarding schools help students develop crucial life skills. Teens learn essential skills such as time management, communication, conflict resolution, and self-care. These skills prepare them for a successful transition back into their home environment.
School Placement for Out of Control Teens
If your son’s behavior is out of control and you feel powerless to help him, a therapeutic boarding school could be the best solution. These schools offer a unique combination of therapeutic intervention, academic support, and life skills development in a structured and nurturing environment. By addressing the root causes of your son’s behavior, therapeutic boarding schools can help him regain control of his life and prepare him for greater achievement once he returns to the home environment.
Taking the step to enroll your son in a therapeutic boarding school is not an easy decision, but it can be the turning point that brings peace and healing to your family. If you are considering a therapeutic boarding school for your child, contact Telos today for an admissions evaluation. Our admissions specialists can answer your questions, provide you with additional resources, and discuss next steps for your family.