Introduction to Troubled Teen Programs

More than ever, teens today are facing an uncertain future.

With political instability across the globe and unrest in local

communities, it’s no wonder that our teens are confused and

scared about their place in the world. Just as they are trying

to find their own adult identity, the teenage body is hit with

an influx of hormones and unsettling emotions that they don’t

know how to control. Because of this, teenagers are

particularly susceptible to conditions such as depression,

oppositional defiant disorder (rebelliousness) and numerous

personality disorders. Adolescent frustration can easily lead

to behavioral problems, if the teen doesn’t receive appropriate

counseling. Troubled teen programs exist to provide such

counseling, and intervene before troubled teens can damage

their future irrevocably.

Who Can Benefit from Troubled Teen Programs

Many teenagers can benefit from the variety of troubled teen

programs that are available. Whether you’re teen is overtly

rebellious, experimenting with drug use or promiscuous

behavior, or has had trouble with the law, troubled teen

programs can provide the tools to set your teenager on the

right path. Troubled teen programs can reach your troubled

teenager by teaching them to respect themselves and others,

offering relatable testimonials and providing an objective

outlook on how your teen functions. Whatever problems your teen

may be facing, such as alcoholism, insecurity, or apathy,

troubled teen programs can renew a positive outlook on life.

These programs will help your teen, and your entire family, by

bringing you all together.

Types of Troubled Teen Programs

There are many diverse troubled teen programs to address the

many problems facing teens. Finding the program that best suits

your teenager’s needs is key to helping them out of their

problems. Some typical troubled teen programs include:

• Residential programs – Similar to boarding schools,

residential teen programs require the teen to live at the

program facility. Residential troubled teen programs are

especially helpful for teens that have been expelled from

public schools or need a great deal of supervision. Residential

programs can be general or cater to specific problems such as

drug abuse.

• Wilderness programs – Wilderness troubled teen programs take

the problem teenager out of the confusing modern world and

bring them back to the basics. Removing the teenager from the

influences of bad company, computers, cell phones and modern

conveniences, allows wilderness programs to access the root

cause of the teen’s issues.

• Boot Camp/Military School

(http://www.militaryschoolsboys.org/) – There are a number of

troubled teen programs that utilize the military approach to

treating problem teens. Focusing on discipline and respect,

boot camp style programs can build the character of a troubled

teen while allowing him to gain much-needed self respect.

Where to Look for Help in Finding Troubled Teen Programs

Because each program is unique, it’s important to carefully

investigate your options before deciding on the program that is

right for your troubled teen. Many programs can be investigated

via the internet. Once you locate a program or programs that

may be right for your teen, contact each organization to

discuss your specific issues.