Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers in Larkspur, CA

Photo of Bonnie Kaufman - Marin Counseling Collaborative, Treatment Center, MSEd, MHC, LPCC
Marin Counseling Collaborative
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marin Counseling Collaborative we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challenges that life can bring. The Marin Counseling Collaborative is a community counseling center and training program operated by Bay Area Community Resources, a non-profit organization providing services to Marin residents since 1975. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families. All of our therapists have specialties in working with children and adolescents.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marin Counseling Collaborative we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challenges that life can bring. The Marin Counseling Collaborative is a community counseling center and training program operated by Bay Area Community Resources, a non-profit organization providing services to Marin residents since 1975. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families. All of our therapists have specialties in working with children and adolescents.
(415) 300-2286 View (415) 300-2286
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Anxiety Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
Teen Anxiety Treatment Center at Evolve
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our team delivers personalized, compassionate care to empower teens to overcome anxiety and embrace hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
Our team delivers personalized, compassionate care to empower teens to overcome anxiety and embrace hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
(925) 526-4705 View (925) 526-4705

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Joseph Penn - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or child, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Bend, Oregon provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teens ages 10-17 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities, and academics.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or child, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Bend, Oregon provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teens ages 10-17 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities, and academics.
(458) 310-3941 View (458) 310-3941
Photo of Samantha Finnie - Mission Prep Teen Treatment, Treatment Center
Mission Prep Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Mission Prep California supports teens aged 13-17 navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and technology dependence. Our residential program provides a safe, structured environment where teens can begin their healing journey while building tools for long-term resilience.
Mission Prep California supports teens aged 13-17 navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and technology dependence. Our residential program provides a safe, structured environment where teens can begin their healing journey while building tools for long-term resilience.
(424) 484-5056 View (424) 484-5056
Photo of Paul Abramson - My Doctor Medical Group, Treatment Center, MD
My Doctor Medical Group
Treatment Center
San Francisco, CA 94108
At My Doctor Medical Group in San Francisco we offer a comprehensive and team-based intensive outpatient addiction treatment program that can include a combination of medical care, diagnostic testing and medications; psychotherapy; integrative medicine; group support; medical nutrition therapy; and Traditional Chinese Medicine; self tracking technologies; psychotherapy, art therapy, and case management. We mobilize any needed resources based on an individual's unique needs after our comprehensive initial evaluation, and are expert at keeping people independent and "outpatient" who are otherwise facing going to a facility, inpatient rehab or other institutional setting. My Doctor Medical Group is also a top concierge medical practice so our embedded treatment program is safe, discrete and private, aimed at high-functioning professionals.
At My Doctor Medical Group in San Francisco we offer a comprehensive and team-based intensive outpatient addiction treatment program that can include a combination of medical care, diagnostic testing and medications; psychotherapy; integrative medicine; group support; medical nutrition therapy; and Traditional Chinese Medicine; self tracking technologies; psychotherapy, art therapy, and case management. We mobilize any needed resources based on an individual's unique needs after our comprehensive initial evaluation, and are expert at keeping people independent and "outpatient" who are otherwise facing going to a facility, inpatient rehab or other institutional setting. My Doctor Medical Group is also a top concierge medical practice so our embedded treatment program is safe, discrete and private, aimed at high-functioning professionals.
(628) 265-4661 View (628) 265-4661
Photo of Helene Creasy - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center, LMFT, LPC, CADC-l
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or teen, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Springville, Utah provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescent and teen girls ages 12-17. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities and emotional support to your teen as they move forward toward lasting mental wellness. Our residential treatment centers are here to help your family and are designed to give your teen the structure and support they need to build a healthier life.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or teen, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Springville, Utah provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescent and teen girls ages 12-17. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities and emotional support to your teen as they move forward toward lasting mental wellness. Our residential treatment centers are here to help your family and are designed to give your teen the structure and support they need to build a healthier life.
(801) 346-2119 View (801) 346-2119
Photo of Brooke Hailey - New Directions Eating Disorders Center, Treatment Center, LMFT, PhD
New Directions Eating Disorders Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
New Directions is now offering a group treatment telehealth program. We can now provide treatment for clients who live anywhere within the State of California. Telehealth is an innovative way to participate in our group treatment program and allows clients to connect with the therapist and one another in real time. It is easy to use and requires a computer with webcam , speakers and internet access. All communications are confidential and comply with privacy standards. We offer: Intimate group settings with a limit of 8 in a group 15 weeks intensive outpatient treatment, groups meet 3 times a week Group therapy facilitation by a licensed therapist Consultation with a nutritionist and/or registered dietitian Coordination with your primary care provider and/or therapist Individualized food plans prepared by our nutritionist. We offer groups for adults as well as an adolescent group. Our program integrates mental health, physical health, and we focus on depression, anxiety and eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
New Directions is now offering a group treatment telehealth program. We can now provide treatment for clients who live anywhere within the State of California. Telehealth is an innovative way to participate in our group treatment program and allows clients to connect with the therapist and one another in real time. It is easy to use and requires a computer with webcam , speakers and internet access. All communications are confidential and comply with privacy standards. We offer: Intimate group settings with a limit of 8 in a group 15 weeks intensive outpatient treatment, groups meet 3 times a week Group therapy facilitation by a licensed therapist Consultation with a nutritionist and/or registered dietitian Coordination with your primary care provider and/or therapist Individualized food plans prepared by our nutritionist. We offer groups for adults as well as an adolescent group. Our program integrates mental health, physical health, and we focus on depression, anxiety and eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
(747) 239-4813 View (747) 239-4813
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Mental Health Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
(925) 592-1275 View (925) 592-1275
Photo of Newport Cares - Newport Academy | Teen Anxiety Program, Treatment Center
Newport Academy | Teen Anxiety Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children and teens (ages 7-18), with a clinical model that’s proven to create long-term healing in residential and outpatient treatment settings. We address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that catalyze mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and eating disorders. Our integrated, evidence-based approach guides young people and their families to achieve long-term, sustainable healing.
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children and teens (ages 7-18), with a clinical model that’s proven to create long-term healing in residential and outpatient treatment settings. We address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that catalyze mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and eating disorders. Our integrated, evidence-based approach guides young people and their families to achieve long-term, sustainable healing.
(510) 544-8037 View (510) 544-8037
Photo of Dr. Lori Rappaport Phd Director - The ADHD Center for Success, Treatment Center
The ADHD Center for Success
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The ADHD Center for Success is committed to providing children, adolescents and adults the most current and effective evaluation and treatment programs, with detailed information to help patients achieve their goals in all aspects of life. We offer highly specialized, affordable evaluations for Adults who have struggled with attention and focus since childhood. Most have often wondered if they had ADHD but have never been formally assessed or diagnosed. Many of these adolescents and adults are bright and hard working and have experienced their attention difficulties being missed due to their high academic achievements.
The ADHD Center for Success is committed to providing children, adolescents and adults the most current and effective evaluation and treatment programs, with detailed information to help patients achieve their goals in all aspects of life. We offer highly specialized, affordable evaluations for Adults who have struggled with attention and focus since childhood. Most have often wondered if they had ADHD but have never been formally assessed or diagnosed. Many of these adolescents and adults are bright and hard working and have experienced their attention difficulties being missed due to their high academic achievements.
(858) 923-5834 View (858) 923-5834
Photo of Liberation Inst - The Liberation Institute, Treatment Center
The Liberation Institute
Treatment Center
Online Only
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($30 - $130).
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($30 - $130).
(628) 209-5264 View (628) 209-5264
Photo of Danny DuRee - Guide Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Guide Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Guide Behavioral Health provides structured, evidence-based outpatient care for teens ages 12–17 facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, school avoidance, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. Our IOP and PHP combine proven therapies, small-group support, and close family collaboration—so teens learn coping skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in school and life. With quick admissions and flexible after-school and daytime schedules, we make treatment doable, while parents stay in the loop and schools stay coordinated. Located in Menlo Park, we serve Palo Alto, San Mateo County, and nearby communities.
Guide Behavioral Health provides structured, evidence-based outpatient care for teens ages 12–17 facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, school avoidance, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. Our IOP and PHP combine proven therapies, small-group support, and close family collaboration—so teens learn coping skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in school and life. With quick admissions and flexible after-school and daytime schedules, we make treatment doable, while parents stay in the loop and schools stay coordinated. Located in Menlo Park, we serve Palo Alto, San Mateo County, and nearby communities.
(650) 507-3888 View (650) 507-3888
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Anxiety & Depression Treatment at Evolve, Treatment Center
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving. Our immersive residential program offers an exclusive 6-bed retreat to step away from triggers and focus on deep healing. At Evolve, we provide 24/7 supervision and compassionate, evidence-based therapies tailored to complex mood disorders. Our continuum of care includes short-term residential treatment as well as structured outpatient support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help your teen regain control.
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving. Our immersive residential program offers an exclusive 6-bed retreat to step away from triggers and focus on deep healing. At Evolve, we provide 24/7 supervision and compassionate, evidence-based therapies tailored to complex mood disorders. Our continuum of care includes short-term residential treatment as well as structured outpatient support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help your teen regain control.
(925) 397-4697 View (925) 397-4697
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Mental Health Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
(925) 962-5504 View (925) 962-5504
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
(408) 528-2199 View (408) 528-2199
Photo of Jennifer Bradley-Weiss - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center, LCSW
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Campbell, California are designed to support teens and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Campbell, California are designed to support teens and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(669) 587-2842 View (669) 587-2842
Photo of Quinn Dentler - Golden Gate Recovery, Treatment Center
Golden Gate Recovery
Treatment Center
Novato, CA 94945
Golden Gate Recovery is a grass roots organization created by men in long term recovery with a simple mission: to continue strengthening our therapeutic and peer led community toward the goal of long term recovery for each client. Every aspect of our program was developed to ensure a smooth transition out of a 30-day inpatient program into our structured living environment. We collaborate with clinical teams all over the country to ensure a warm hand off and a clinically appropriate continuum of care.
Golden Gate Recovery is a grass roots organization created by men in long term recovery with a simple mission: to continue strengthening our therapeutic and peer led community toward the goal of long term recovery for each client. Every aspect of our program was developed to ensure a smooth transition out of a 30-day inpatient program into our structured living environment. We collaborate with clinical teams all over the country to ensure a warm hand off and a clinically appropriate continuum of care.
(415) 226-4570 View (415) 226-4570
Photo of Paradigm San Rafael - Paradigm Treatment - Young Adult RTC, Treatment Center
At Paradigm Treatment we recognize the unique challenges faced by young adults (18-26) during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and are committed to creating a safe environment catering to those needs. This pivotal time involves tremendous transformation as teens leave behind the security and dependency of their younger selves to embrace the greater responsibilities and freedoms of adulthood in an ever-chaotic world. The Paradigm Young Adult program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower young adults to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
At Paradigm Treatment we recognize the unique challenges faced by young adults (18-26) during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and are committed to creating a safe environment catering to those needs. This pivotal time involves tremendous transformation as teens leave behind the security and dependency of their younger selves to embrace the greater responsibilities and freedoms of adulthood in an ever-chaotic world. The Paradigm Young Adult program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower young adults to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
(415) 687-5325 View (415) 687-5325
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Sacramento Teen Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Evolve Sacramento Teen Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
(855) 534-3979 View (855) 534-3979
Photo of Children's Health Council - Children's Health Council (CHC), Treatment Center
Children's Health Council (CHC)
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Children’s Health Council (CHC) provides life-changing education and mental health services for children, teens and young adults up to age 25 in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve been a trusted community resource for over 70 years, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and depression and autism. Our mission is to help children, teens and young adults become resilient, happy and successful at home, at school and in life. We offer services in English and Spanish, proudly accept Santa Clara Medi-Cal, and offer financial assistance.
Children’s Health Council (CHC) provides life-changing education and mental health services for children, teens and young adults up to age 25 in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve been a trusted community resource for over 70 years, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and depression and autism. Our mission is to help children, teens and young adults become resilient, happy and successful at home, at school and in life. We offer services in English and Spanish, proudly accept Santa Clara Medi-Cal, and offer financial assistance.
(650) 681-2772 View (650) 681-2772

See more therapy options for Larkspur

FAQ - Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers
What types of psychiatric treatment programs are available for teenagers?
Psychiatric treatment programs for teens generally fall into two broad categories: inpatient/residential programs and outpatient programs. In inpatient and residential programs, a teen lives at a treatment facility full-time. In outpatient programs, a teen lives at home and attends treatment on a scheduled, more part-time basis. Inpatient and residential programs are the most intensive level of care, while outpatient options are less intensive and include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Both PHPs and IOPs involve structured therapy sessions multiple times per week without requiring the teen to leave home overnight. The right level of care for a teen generally depends on the severity of their symptoms, how safe they are at home, and whether less intensive treatment options have already been tried.

What is the difference between inpatient and residential treatment for teenagers?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, inpatient and residential treatment are meaningfully different. Inpatient care is shorter-term and medically monitored, thus making it designed primarily for acute stabilization, such as when a teen is in crisis or at immediate risk of harm. Residential treatment, by contrast, is longer-term. It often takes place in more home-like setting, rather than a medical setting, and integrates individual mental health treatment, group therapy, and school in a single setting. Residential treatment is most appropriate for teens who need intensive support but do not require the level of medical oversight that inpatient hospitalization provides.

How does teen residential treatment work?
Upon admission to a residential treatment program, a teen typically undergoes an assessment that shapes their individualized treatment plan and determines what therapies are most appropriate for them. If needed, the teen may also undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine an appropriate diagnosis and/or provide guidance on medication.Days at residential treatment programs are very structured and typically include individual and group therapy, community activities, and academic support. Treatment typically draws on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps teens identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which builds skills in emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Some programs also incorporate experiential approaches like art therapy or mindfulness-based practices alongside other modalities.

What should I look for in a residential treatment center for my teen?
Program quality in teen residential treatment varies significantly, so it's important to do thorough research before committing to a program. A good first step is confirming that any program you consider is licensed by the relevant state agency and accredited by a recognized body, such as The Joint Commission. From there, ask each program specific questions, such as who the treating clinicians are and what credentials the hold, how an individualized treatment plan is developed, and what the aftercare and step-down plan looks like after discharge. Red flags to watch for include therapy delivered primarily by unlicensed staff, restricted contact between parents and their teen, a treatment approach that does not adapt to individual progress, and high-pressure recruitment tactics that discourage you from taking time to evaluate other program options.

How do you choose the right residential treatment center?
The Psychology Today Treatment Center directory is a useful starting point for identifying treatment facilities by allowing you to filter providers by location, age group, condition, and insurance coverage. It is worth considering whether your teen needs a specialized program and to filter the Directory accordingly. Some residential centers, for instance, focus specifically on eating disorders, substance use, or trauma, and a general psychiatric program may not be equipped to provide the level of care these conditions require. Once you have a list of programs that my be a good fit, contact each program directly to ask specific questions and, if possible, request a site visit. It is also important to verify insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs prior to choosing a program.