Choosing an Adolescent Residential Treatment Center for your Teen

We are getting ready to send our 15 year old granddaughter to Copper Canyon Academy for girls. If any of you have info about this school we would greatly appreciate your input.
Thankyou

Hi Sally:

Logan River Academy is recommended for the right child that fits who they are, what they offer, how they engage, and so forth. Your child needs to fit them more than they need to fit your child. This has to be a match both ways or you and your child are the ones who lose out on the emotional and financial investment. There is no one size fits all.

Dore E. Frances, Ph.D.
Horizon Family Solutions

Logan River Academy was highly recommended to me for my 16 year old son. I do not see any comments on the facility. Does anyone have any information to share?

Thank you all, for your comments and to Dore for your sensible and neutral position. I could not agree more, every child is unique and will respond individually to treatment. Our goal was to find a good people match for our daughter and our family, for we to need help with change. We have spent countless hours on this selection, spoken with many people, visited and done our due diligence…I believe I know my child and what will serve her well.
Thank you again and my prayers go out to all the parents who struggle with children who are hurting and not coping safely… If only our love was enough, but we can detach with love and give them the chance to soar.

To kids rtc

Thank you

After several IEPs and all the resources you can imagine, I decided to send my son to Heritage Schools, Provo, Utah. He has ADHD, ODD, anxiety disorder, etc. He was failing 5 out of 6 classes, cutting school, smoking cigarettes, running away, not letting me know where he was, extremely disrespectful, danger to self and others, combative, etc. Prior to sending him there I was given a list of residential centers to look into. I then chose Heritage and they gave me several parents names to call to speak to about the program. My child was at Heritage for 1 year and 7 months. During the time that he was there I visited several times, he visited us several times, we attended parent conferences at Heritage, had weekly therapy calls with my son and his therapist, had private calls from him two times a week, we went to workshops sponsored by Heritage and also I was part of the parent google site, which is the greatest source of information and support for the family. By no means were we “cut off” from him. He excelled, was on the dean’s list the majority of the time, got a paying job in the on campus stables, learned responsibility and consequences, etc.

His discharge ceremony was THE proudest moments of his life. All of the friends he made and the staff he connected with were there on his behalf. They sent him home with a cd, and the majority of the pictures were of him doing recreation activities with his unit, going on outings, camping, etc. probably more recreation activity than we could have ever offered here at home. The first thing he did when he came home was put his certificate of completion up and watch the cd over and over again. He still maintains friendships with the kids that he befriended there. There is a bond that nobody can understand but them, and it is strong.

He has been home now for 3 months. Yes, he is still the same child that we sent there with many of the same issues. The difference is that he now has the tools necessary to deal with life. And the support that we received was helpful as well. It is the whole family that needs to change, not just the child. It was really hard work. He has matured a lot, de-escalates much faster, is gone to school from 7 am to 5 pm., goes to school every day, maintains a C average or better, is on the school baseball team, cleans his room 1x week, is respectful most of the time, accepts consequences, even being on restriction, I know where he is at all times, is not involved with drugs, has started up healthier friendships, going to church, etc. We worked on a discharge plan before he discharged, and as a family we meet once a month to revise it.

The quality of personnel at Heritage is fantastic, from the recreational directors, to the unit staff, to the teachers, etc. I have met all of the staff and teachers associated with my son, and many of them cared about him as if he was their own. And the director of the boys units does see my son very often, she is like a mother to all the boys and they love her like a mom. He plans to go there during summer break to visit and possibly speak to the kids that are still there.

I am not saying that every residential treatment center is like Heritage and that every troubled teen should be sent to a residential treatment center of wilderness camp. I just want to share with you that if your child needs a residential treatment center, then you would owe it to yourself and your child to at least check out Heritage

I need to say that I am very concerned about this thread of conversation. Having a child in any program for 18 months, then wilderness, then another program is absolutely screaming at me that something is not working. That is the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. No child need ever be away from their family this long nor be raised in a residential setting. This adds a whole other level of difficulty to their lives. Also, for everyone, please remember, do not choose a “program”, choose the person who is going to make the difference for your child.

Be it an academic person, counselor, whomever, the people who are with your children day in and day out make the difference.

The admissions directors, executive directors, marketing directors are there to sell the program. They do not spend time with your child.

Meet the people who spend time with your child. The back end people that you do not meet on “tours”. I find this so frustrating that parents get caught up in the sale of the program and do not look under the hood or kick the tires.

This is your child’s life and you will not be there with them.

Oy Vey is right!

Dr.Dore Frances

To dr parent looking

Oye
Is there a way we can talk or email directly? My d is going to Uinta from 2n. She spent 18 mos at DR. I would like to hear your thoughts as well.

Hello all, I am a parent looking to place my 17 yr old daughter in an RTC. We just flew out to UT and visited Discovery Ranch (DR) and Uinta. We found ourselves feeling both programs were capable, but liking the experiential learning style at DR. The people seemed real and caring…I was surprised to read the submission by one person, Nancy. It is clear you were unhappy at DR and felt the staff was mean. I am concerned about my experience and want to make sure I am selecting a capable and safe environment for my daughter…she has been through enough. Can you, or anyone else, please respond and educate me on your experiences at DR. I hope to hear quickly, for we have plans to move her next week from 2N to DR. Thank you!

Hello all, red cliff is owned by the same people as discovery ranch. My daughter was at dr for 16 mos. While some pol there are very caring, there is a defenit financial incentive for the owners. They charge for every thing extra and the program in general is mean. I did not realize the extent until I sent my son to a program and it was a world apart.

Now both children are at second nature. I have visited dozen programs in all, interviewed multiple consultants. Here is the important part of my lesson. Both Programs and consultants vary in how good they are. A great recommendation for either is not sufficient.

I was burned by first consultant who was highly recommended. And 5000 dollars later, Wary to hire another I spent several hundred for an hour of time to learn that I do not want to use that consultant. After two more interviews for free, I found someone excellent. But that was after I first found programs on my own. One excellent for my son and one not good enough for my daughter. I have so much info I could share at this pt. Ask and I will answer. I am happy to help others.

Definitely use a consultant. You really do not know the inside scoop, or the program otherwise.

What does a parent do if your 15 year old son weeps and begs you not to send him – to “give him a second chance”. He has behavioral issues and has stolen to buy pot. He is often violent and aggressive with me and my husband and I have a terrible marriage. He tells me to just get rid of dad…

I am so torn, I want to try to help him. Believe that this behavior will stop because he has been “scared” by the thought of RTC.

Please let me know if you have had this experience and if we parents can help our children as much as an RTC.

To cmancuso,

I can’t help you with a south New Jersey location but if it’s at all possible to send him further I highly recommend Waterfall Canyon in Ogden, Utah. I just returned from Family Weekend there and can’t believe how much progress they’ve made with my grandson in less than 4 months. He looks fabulous, is really starting to use the skills they taught him, is coming out of his shell, much more outgoing. So thrilled.

Dear Mitchell,

I would STRONGLY urge you to consider looking further into Gateway Academy and being sure to stay in constant contact with your son. I personally have had nothing but bad experiences with Gateway after sending my son there in January. I’m not saying you’ll have the same experiences- just please be careful.

Sending my son to a treatment center is the most difficult decision I have ever made. After hearing from other ex-Gateway parents that I made the right decision when I pulled him out to put him in a different program was comforting.

Just be VERY careful with them. And do NOT let them not talk to your son as they did to me.

After a little over two months I realized I sent him to the wrong program and I found a program that I can feel safe with my son at and I know he can grow to be the son I couldn’t help him be myself.

I wish you the best of luck!

I have enjoyed reading all your comments. We have a 17 daughter who was adopted at 17 mos old. She came from a very neglected couple, abuse and massive malnurishment from birth as well as invetro. Her diagnosis is RAD, LD due to brain not fully developing in rt front lobe, ADHD leaning toward bi-polar. At any rate, we want to find a RTC that can accomidate her emotional, and nurilogical needs. She does not have huge behavior issues, so we are a bit stumped as to wihich way to go here. Any suggestions could really help.
I have already looked at Sorensen’s Ranch, Meriidell Academy, Youth Center, Copper Canyon Academy.

I am in SLC, and am supposed to drop my son off at Gateway today. I was very put off by the admit forms–written by a lawyer to get maximum financial/legal leverage over parents and to minimize Gateway’s responsibility. Reading your post makes me very concerned that I might be making a mistake.

Hi Belinda:

I have had kids at YBGR, although younger in age and they have done extremely well. Check with your insurance company as they are on the higher end financially. YBGR will evaluate your son thoroughly and will need to see his testing and speak with his current treatment team.

Not knowing his challenges, I can only day I have had good results at this program with younger children who fit their treatment. I also suggest you find that extra amount of help you need in understanding what is going on with your son so it is not just the programs telling you what your son needs. Educating yourself will benefit him and benefit you. ALso, your son needs to be educated about his health. As he approaches 18, he needs to know what his life long medical care may be, and start being involved in self care as well.

Be well,

Dore E. Frances, M.A>

Dear Chris,
Please call me at 415 388 3878 re: Waterfall Canyon. My 16 year old is there and I am thrilled and see so much change. Since I have my doctorate in Adolescent Edu. I was very thorough in terms of choosing and realize how important it is for you to feel you are getting the real input from someone “who’s been there.
Please call me over the wknd.
Joyce

Hi! What a good thing you are doing for your grandson! I highly recommend Family Life Center in Petaluma, California. They claim that their program is relationship-based, and they are right! It really works! My daughter just graduated from FLC two weeks ago, and she has transformed from a person, in her own words, who didn’t think she would be alive in her senior year, to a person who is starting college, and beginning her first job, today!

I could go on about why I think this is a superior program for most teens, but suffice it to say that my daughter wasn’t just “contained” for a year and a half, but started “thriving” at FLC. It has made a difference for our whole family, as well.

The therapy the teen receives, and the support our family received was wonderful.y daughter received an hour of individual therapy per week, an hour of family therapy, per week, and about two hours of group therapy per day, Monday through Friday. Every activity is designed to help your teen work through their trauma, grief,
The Family Life Center approach is based on the teen felling safe, and building trust in healthy relationships, and ultimately, the ability to trust oneself. My daughter has learned healthy social skills, how to discern between supportive and unsupportive peer relationships, and the ability to identify what her needs are to be successful, and how to go about getting those needs met in positive ways.

I always felt that my daughter was safe and well-cared for there. Because they create a real healthy family environment, my daughter learned how to be positive in a family structure.

Hi to all the parents out there who have had experience with various RTC’s. I’m looking for a placement for my 15 year old grandson. He particularly needs help with PTSD and social skills. Needs a warm, safe, nurturing environment with lots of therapy and a place which will keep him safe, physically and emotionally. The assessment center he’s coming from mentioned Heritage and Waterfall Canyon. I’d love to hear from parents who have children at these facilities or whose children have “graduated”. Making this decision is so hard – the financial part is awful but not the worst of it. the hardest part is worrying about making the right decision and not ending up doing more damage. HELP!

Knowing where to send your child once you’ve made that huge decision is so difficult. Word of mouth is going to be one of the best referrals. Internet sites will paint you the pretty picture you want to see. We have had experience with Outback Therapeutic Expeditions and felt they were great at keeping parents connected which helped us to know our son was safe. You can check with local outpatient drug treatment centers in your area for referrals. They usually know which RTC’s are well thought of. I discuss this subject and many others in my website Save-My-Child.com

As the father of a2nd Nature/ willowcreek success story in 2007 and she is still clean and sober I cant stress enough the need for parents to make intelligent decisions and stop walking on egg shells around their kids! BUT the whole process can be compeletely overwhelming and like something out of a bad B movie! Remember 2 things, you will get thru it AND although you might or might not have played a part with their issues YOUR not the reaons they chose to take drugs NOR you werent their to force them to take the drugs or alcohol! AGAIN you will make it through and all of us who’ve lived through it and are either success’s or still struggling are here for you! Chris Zeller czeller92831@gmail.com or 714 943 1925

As a parent, you know that choosing the right school or program for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. The right choices are not always obvious and yet wrong choices can be crippling.

Yes, Consultants are professionals who charge families for their services. They do not receive any compensation from schools or programs. So their is no bis to any recommendation. Parents who work with experienced and qualified educational consultants thus reduce the possibility of losing money and time as a result of an inappropriate placement. Please fell free to contact me, look at my site for real references (first and last names and cities, states) and ask for additional references to be sent. No child need to ever feel unwanted in any program no matter how difficult they are. That is truly sad.