Parents holding hands discussion teen treatment

Muir Wood Parent Resources

We understand how hard it can be when your child is dealing with mental health or substance use disorders. Choosing a treatment program for your teen can seem like an overwhelming challenge, but Muir Wood is here to support parents every step of the way.

You don’t have to go at this alone. Our team of specialists is here to help your teen regain their best life while supporting you through every step in their healing process.

We’ve compiled the following resources to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of our treatment programs for your teen.

Please continue reading to learn more about our connection with parents before, during, and after their teens seek treatment with us.

The First Step in Getting Help is Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Teen

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between “normal” teenage issues and potentially harmful behaviors.

Behavioral changes like boundary testing, increased independence, and moodiness are to be expected to a certain extent. However, behavioral shifts that include red flags like persistent anger, hostility, substance use, violence directed toward others, or self-harm should be taken very seriously and addressed swiftly.

If you think your teen has crossed the line into problematic, potentially dangerous behavior, our psychiatrists and psychologists can help assess your child and develop a plan of action based on the results. Learn more about behavioral red flags.

The Benefits of Teen Treatment

A comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment program can help your teen heal from issues that are creating obstacles to their ability to live a life of balance, peace, and productivity by providing the following:

  • Diagnosis of co-occurring behavioral issues, mental health disorders, learning disabilities, and interpersonal issues to identify underlying problems.
  • Treatment for mental health and substance use disorders to ensure steady progress on all fronts
  • Extensive holistic care through outdoor activities and other experiential therapies that improve physical health while building confidence and autonomy
  • Intensive family therapy to improve communication skills and rebuild the relationships that are primary to a teen’s ability to succeed in recovery.

Must-Ask Questions to Ask When Deciding on a Teen Treatment Center

You likely have many questions if you’re searching for a teen treatment center. We firmly believe every parent should be informed and empowered to make such an important decision. We have compiled the following criteria that can help you gauge the quality of a residential treatment program.

  • Is the program licensed, and is the facility’s license in good standing in the state in which it is 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 major insurance carriers? Parents should be specific about this as many programs claim that “insurance is accepted,” but the program is “out-of-network,” which can often result in parents shouldering out-of-pocket costs.
  • Does the program have a full-time 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 fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
  • What are the specific therapies offered?
  • What does the day-to-day programming look like?
  • Are clinicians trained in treating co-occurring issues?
  • What is the level of family involvement?
  • Does the program track and measure treatment outcomes?
  • Does the program offer an alum program and remain in contact with alums after discharge?

These questions are all important. That said, at minimum, parents should call alum parents or ask as many professionals as possible in the community about the program. Muir Wood is happy to provide contact information so that parents considering Muir Wood can speak with parents who have walked in their shoes.

Selecting the Teen Treatment Center, That’s Right for Your Child

Looking into treatment options for your child can be an extremely emotional experience. With so much information and many options available, it can be challenging to discern what qualities genuinely make a teen treatment program effective.

At Muir Wood, we hold ourselves to stringent ethical standards that meet or exceed the strict guidelines The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSP) set forth. 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 on selecting, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of factors for parents to consider when making this critical and life-changing determination. Read on to learn about how to choose a teen treatment center.

Measuring the Results of an Adolescent Treatment Program

We firmly believe that teen treatment programs should be designed to deliver results and that those results should be measurable.

We hold our team to rigorous standards set forth by The Joint Commission, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of patient care.

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, a third-party, independent analytics firm, measure essential factors like depression, symptom reduction, and overall life satisfaction. Learn more about how we measure success.

Discover the Power of Extended Residential Treatment for Teens at Muir Wood

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.

Our extended stays, lasting 30 to 90 days or more, provide teens with the time and support needed to delve into the root causes of their challenges, develop essential life skills, and cultivate meaningful connections within our supportive community. With a focus on relapse prevention and sustainable recovery, our programs empower teens to overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, and embrace a brighter future.

Experience the transformative potential of long-term residential treatment at Muir Wood. 

Learn more about these studies now.

Our Teen Treatment Program Reviews

Muir Wood has a rich history of helping teens get back on the right path, but you don’t have to take our word for it.

We are truly fortunate to have received glowing testimonials from the parents of our young clients. As a parent or guardian, we fully understand that you won’t trust your child with just anyone. Nor should you.

You can read some of our families’ words or watch video interviews on our YouTube channel. Additionally, we have parents in our alumni network who would be happy to speak with you one-on-one about their Muir Wood experience.

How We Support Our Parents

At Muir Wood, we recognize that as much as our teen patients need help, their parents need support too. Being a caregiver for a teen with substance abuse or mental health disorders can be emotionally draining, and we’re here to support you.

Parents who are seeking treatment for their children are often suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues of their own. Muir Wood facilitates extensive resources for our parents to stay connected and receive support in person and via Zoom.

The assistance doesn’t stop when your teen leaves our facility. You can rest assured that you will have a community of peers ready to support you. Learn more about parent support resources at Muir Wood.