What Parents Should Look for in a Teen Treatment Program

Questions to Ask

• Is the program licensed and is the facility’s license in good standing in the state in which they are located?
• 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 insurance? Parents should be specific about this as many programs claim that “insurance is accepted”, but in reality, the program is “out-of-network” which can often result in significant out-of-pocket costs.
• Does the program’s website provide detailed information about the program including individual staff bios with the staff licensing and experience, and a detailed summary of the clinical program?
• How many beds are at the facility and what is the staff-to-patient ratio?
• Is the treatment team made up of licensed professionals, and are these professionals in good standing with their licensing organization (this can be confirmed on the issuing state government site such as the Board of Behavioral Science)?
• Is the program gender-separate, or do they have both boys and girls on campus together? Having a gender-separate program is essential, especially in adolescent care.
• Does the program have an Addiction Psychiatrist on staff and are the physicians board-certified?
• Is there a Learning Center that is a recognized California supplemental education program for grades 7 to 12. Muir Wood is one of the only residential treatment centers with an academic program that is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
• What is the average age of the clients in treatment?
• What is the average caseload of each of the therapists and how often do the therapists see each client for individual therapy?
• What are the specific therapies offered and what does the day-to-day programming look like?
• What is the average size of the groups?
• How does the program address co-occurring issues (substance abuse and mental health diagnosis)?
• Are the clinicians trained in treating co-occurring issues?
• What is the level of family involvement? Does the program offer a comprehensive family program, such as a full-day weekend family program and individual family therapy during the week?
• Are there current photos of the programs physical setting online? How many residents sleep per room and has the program ever been cited by their licensing body?
• Does the program offer a continuum of care such as outpatient programming for clients once residential treatment is completed?
• Does the program track treatment outcomes? Both while clients are in treatment and following treatment? Does the program use standardized, accepted outcome measurements?
• Does the program offer alumni parent numbers to contact to discuss their experience with the program?
• Does the program offer an alumni program and remain in contact with alumni after discharge?

These questions are all important. That said, when at all possible, parents should at minimum call alumni parents or ask as many professionals in the community about the program.