We understand how hard it can be when your child is struggling with moderate-to-severe mental health issues, with or without co-occuring substance use disorders. Choosing an adolescent residential treatment center can seem overwhelming, but Muir Wood is here to support parents every step of the way. We’ve compiled the following resources to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of our specialized teen treatment programs.
When to Seek Treatment for Your Teen
It can be difficult to distinguish between normal teenage issues and potentially harmful ones. Behavioral changes like boundary testing, increased independence, and moodiness are expected. However, behavioral shifts that include red flags like persistent anger, hostility, substance use, or self-harm should be taken seriously. Learn about teenager behavior issues that may require treatment, and read about Muir Wood’s substance use treatment approach.
Selecting the Right Teen Treatment Center for Your Child
Navigating mental health care for your child can be extremely difficult and emotional. With so many options available, discerning what makes a program effective can be challenging. At Muir Wood, we adhere to stringent ethical standards that meet or exceed the strict guidelines set forth by The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSP). Moreover, our treatment program has been accredited by The Joint Commission, considered the gold standard in healthcare program accreditation.
Along with our parent’s guide to selecting a facility, consider asking these questions before enrolling your teen in any program:
- Is the program licensed? Is the facility’s license in good standing with the state?
- Is the program accredited by a recognized, independent, nonprofit accreditation organization like the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?
- Is the program in-network with major insurance carriers?
- Is the program specifically designed and developed for teens?
- Does the program have full-time psychiatrists? Are the physicians board-certified?
- Is there an accredited academic program to keep teens abreast of their schoolwork back home?
- What are the specific therapies offered?
- What does the day-to-day programming look like?
- Are clinicians trained in treating co-occurring issues in teens?
- What is the level of family involvement?
- How are treatment outcomes measured?
- Does the program offer an aftercare program?
Measuring the Benefits and Results of an Adolescent Treatment Program
Research indicates that longer stays in residential treatment correlate with better outcomes for adolescents facing substance use challenges. At Muir Wood, we embrace this evidence, offering tailored programs designed for deep therapeutic engagement, comprehensive skill development, and sustainable change.
With a focus on relapse prevention and sustainable recovery, our programs empower teens to overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, and embrace a brighter future. Our length of stay, typically 30 to 90 days or more, provides teens with the time and support needed to:
- Delve into the root causes of their challenges with appropriate diagnoses
- Treat mental health and substance use disorders to ensure steady progress on all fronts
- Cultivate meaningful connections within our supportive community
- Improve communication skills and rebuild relationships through family therapy
- Build confidence and autonomy through physical well-being
We firmly believe that teen treatment programs should deliver measurable results. Muir Wood utilizes a series of sophisticated assessments and measurement tools that ensure a high level of satisfaction for patient outcomes. Our assessments—conducted by Trac 9, an independent third-party analytics firm—measure essential factors like depression, anxiety, stress reduction, and overall life satisfaction. Learn more about how we measure treatment outcomes and success.
How We Support Parents
At Muir Wood, we recognize that our patients’ parents need support, too. Being a caregiver for a teen with substance abuse and/or mental health disorders can be emotionally draining, and we’re here to support you with our parent coaching program.
Read our message to parents about how to approach teen treatment and get a comprehensive treatment center overview from our introduction presentation. Additionally, learn more about parent support resources at Muir Wood and hear what other families have to say about their experiences.
To enroll your teen in one of our teen treatment programs or to obtain more information, contact our admissions team. At Muir Wood, you have a community ready to support you.
