As parents, we work hard to keep our children safe and help them thrive. But what happens when a teenager’s behavior becomes so risky that it threatens their personal wellbeing? This is a challenge many families face, and it can be frightening and overwhelming for parents to manage.
Risky teen behaviors can take many forms. Some teens consistently miss curfew, putting themselves in dangerous situations late at night. Others may experiment with drugs or alcohol, potentially leading to addiction or risky behavior such as driving while intoxicated (or being a passenger in a car with an intoxicated driver).
Self-harming behaviors like cutting are alarmingly common, as are physical altercations or fighting. Many teens also engage in deliberately risky thrill-seeking behaviors that could result in serious injury or death. Perhaps most concerning are suicidal thoughts or actions.
When these behaviors persist despite a parent’s best efforts, it may be time to consider more intensive interventions. One option that has proven effective for many families is a therapeutic boarding school.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools and Student Safety
Therapeutic boarding schools offer a unique combination of round-the-clock supervision, mental health support, behavioral modification, and academic instruction. These specialized facilities are designed to create a safe, structured environment where troubled teens can work through their issues while continuing their education.
The 24/7 monitoring at therapeutic boarding schools helps ensure that students are not engaging in dangerous behaviors. Staff members are trained to recognize warning signs and intervene quickly if a student appears to be struggling or contemplating harmful actions. This continuous monitoring creates a safer environment than is possible in the home, where parents simply cannot be available around the clock.
How Therapeutic Boarding Schools Address Teen Mental Health
Mental health care is a cornerstone of the therapeutic boarding school model. Licensed therapists and counselors work closely with each student to address underlying issues that may be causing risky behaviors. This can include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and family therapy to improve communication and relationships. Many schools also offer specialized treatment for specific concerns like substance use disorder.
Behavioral modification techniques are employed to help students develop healthier coping mechanisms and decision-making skills. This might involve a system of rewards and consequences, along with coaching on impulse control and emotional regulation. Over time, students learn to replace dangerous behaviors with more positive alternatives.
Importantly, therapeutic boarding schools also maintain a focus on academics. Students attend regular classes and work towards their high school diplomas, ensuring they don’t fall behind in their studies while addressing behavioral and mental health concerns. Because of smaller class sizes, students receive individualized attention and greater support, which is a significant help for students who have struggled academically in the past.
A Safe Space to Address Risky Behavior in Teens
The structured environment of a therapeutic boarding school can be particularly beneficial for teens who have difficulty with self-regulation. Clear schedules, rules, and expectations provide a sense of stability that may have been lacking in their lives. This structure, combined with positive peer influences and adult mentorship, can help teens develop the self-discipline and life skills they need to succeed.
Choosing a therapeutic boarding school for your child can be a lifesaving choice for teens engaged in highly risky behaviors. These schools offer a level of intensive, specialized care that cannot be replicated in a home or outpatient setting. They provide a safe space for teens to work through their issues apart from the triggers or temptations that may have fueled their dangerous behaviors in the past.
Finding Help: Choosing a Therapeutic Boarding School
For parents considering a therapeutic boarding school, it’s important to research schools thoroughly and choose one that can meet your child’s specific needs. Look for schools with proper accreditation, experienced staff, and a track record of success. Many schools offer tours or informational sessions to help families make informed decisions.
At Telos, we encourage parents and families to get involved in the selection process. Involving your child in the decision can also go a long way to helping them take ownership of their issues and responsibility for a successful outcome.
While sending a child away to a therapeutic boarding school can be emotionally difficult for parents, it’s important to remember that this decision comes from a place of love and a desire to protect your child. By providing a safe, supportive environment where teens can address their issues head-on, these schools often succeed in turning lives around where other interventions have failed.
Ultimately, the safety and wellbeing of your child must be the top priority. If your teen’s behavior has reached a point where you fear for their safety or future, a therapeutic boarding school may provide the intensive support and structure needed to help them get back on track.
Telos Academy Boarding School
Telos Academy offers hope to parents and their teens, providing the structure and support needed to address risky teen behavior. Our program addresses underlying issues while simultaneously working to help teens learn appropriate behavior.
Telos Academy is a safe, secure therapeutic boarding school for teenage boys. If you are considering a therapeutic boarding school for your child, contact us today. We can answer your questions, provide more information on our program, and directly address any specific concerns you have about your child’s needs.
Take the next step for your child by contacting Telos Academy today.