Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers in Atlanta, GA

Therapy Access
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
Have you been needing therapy, but putting it off because cost, time, or access felt out of reach? Therapy Access provides affordable online therapy in Atlanta and across Georgia for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life transitions. We serve adults, college students, and young professionals who are overwhelmed, burned out, or in survival mode, juggling work or school, finances, family conflict, relationships, and grief. If you’re on edge, shutting down, or can’t sleep, you’ll find consistent, judgment-free care and practical tools you can use week to week—without having to prove you’re struggling enough to deserve support.
Have you been needing therapy, but putting it off because cost, time, or access felt out of reach? Therapy Access provides affordable online therapy in Atlanta and across Georgia for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life transitions. We serve adults, college students, and young professionals who are overwhelmed, burned out, or in survival mode, juggling work or school, finances, family conflict, relationships, and grief. If you’re on edge, shutting down, or can’t sleep, you’ll find consistent, judgment-free care and practical tools you can use week to week—without having to prove you’re struggling enough to deserve support.
(470) 623-1435 View (470) 623-1435
Caron Atlanta Outpatient Treatment Center is a leading licensed outpatient provider specializing in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders for teens, young adults and families. The program provides assessments, intensive outpatient counseling, individual outpatient and family counseling.
Caron Atlanta Outpatient Treatment Center is a leading licensed outpatient provider specializing in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders for teens, young adults and families. The program provides assessments, intensive outpatient counseling, individual outpatient and family counseling.
(678) 647-1293 View (678) 647-1293
Hillside®
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30306
Hillside® is a nationally recognized treatment facility for children and adolescents specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.) Hillside ® is the first child and adolescent residential treatment facility awarded the highly coveted and professionally respected DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program(tm) (dbt-lbc.org). As one of Atlanta's oldest non-profit organization, our mission is to help children and families thrive by providing outstanding residential and community mental health services. Our programs focus on the strengths of our clients and their families and encourage the growth and improvement they need to navigate through life. Hillside® provides specialized cutting edge behavioral treatment through a continuum of care from outpatient therapeutic services to residential treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Hillside® is a nationally recognized treatment facility for children and adolescents specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.) Hillside ® is the first child and adolescent residential treatment facility awarded the highly coveted and professionally respected DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program(tm) (dbt-lbc.org). As one of Atlanta's oldest non-profit organization, our mission is to help children and families thrive by providing outstanding residential and community mental health services. Our programs focus on the strengths of our clients and their families and encourage the growth and improvement they need to navigate through life. Hillside® provides specialized cutting edge behavioral treatment through a continuum of care from outpatient therapeutic services to residential treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
(678) 506-7429 x1017 View (678) 506-7429 x1017
Life can become overwhelming, leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, or uncertain about what to do next. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Our clients come to GlobeCoRe for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, relationship concerns, grief, stress, life transitions, and many other emotional and behavioral challenges. Whatever brings you here, we're committed to helping you find hope, healing, and lasting change.
Life can become overwhelming, leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, or uncertain about what to do next. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Our clients come to GlobeCoRe for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, relationship concerns, grief, stress, life transitions, and many other emotional and behavioral challenges. Whatever brings you here, we're committed to helping you find hope, healing, and lasting change.
(470) 517-9053 View (470) 517-9053
The Berman Center
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30339
The Berman Center is owned and operated by licensed mental health professionals dedicated to treating mental health and substance abuse/addiction issues. Our highly qualified professionals craft an individualized, evidence-based recovery plan with the goal of transitioning clients into a healthy self- sufficient life. Based on the Jewish values of community, connection, and healing, our spiritually- holistic approach helps participants progress from merely surviving to thriving. Navigating the options for addiction and mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process – especially when you are desperate for help and don’t even know the right questions to ask. We work with you to create a care plan that is individualized to your unique needs and navigate the journey to a better life right by your side. We help you feel better and show you that you matter and belong. If you are looking for help, we’re here for you!
The Berman Center is owned and operated by licensed mental health professionals dedicated to treating mental health and substance abuse/addiction issues. Our highly qualified professionals craft an individualized, evidence-based recovery plan with the goal of transitioning clients into a healthy self- sufficient life. Based on the Jewish values of community, connection, and healing, our spiritually- holistic approach helps participants progress from merely surviving to thriving. Navigating the options for addiction and mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process – especially when you are desperate for help and don’t even know the right questions to ask. We work with you to create a care plan that is individualized to your unique needs and navigate the journey to a better life right by your side. We help you feel better and show you that you matter and belong. If you are looking for help, we’re here for you!
(678) 616-9923 View (678) 616-9923
Sea Change Psychotherapy
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
Maybe anxiety has been running the show for years. Maybe something happened that you haven't been able to talk about, let alone move past. Or maybe you and your partner keep hitting the same wall, and you're not sure how much longer you can keep trying. Those experiences are exhausting in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't felt them. At Sea Change Psychotherapy in Atlanta, we work with adults who are tired of just coping and ready for something to actually shift.
Maybe anxiety has been running the show for years. Maybe something happened that you haven't been able to talk about, let alone move past. Or maybe you and your partner keep hitting the same wall, and you're not sure how much longer you can keep trying. Those experiences are exhausting in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't felt them. At Sea Change Psychotherapy in Atlanta, we work with adults who are tired of just coping and ready for something to actually shift.
(470) 220-7206 View (470) 220-7206
Time Wellness Atlanta
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30345
Time Wellness Georgia serves adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, and trauma-related challenges. Our comprehensive PHP and IOP approach uses CBT, DBT, and ACT addresses an array of mental health problems. We offer intensive outpatient programming three evenings weekly for adolescents ages 13-17, featuring interactive experiences through art, movement, and experiential activities. Our adolescent IOP applies therapeutic techniques to teen life in today's society.
Time Wellness Georgia serves adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, and trauma-related challenges. Our comprehensive PHP and IOP approach uses CBT, DBT, and ACT addresses an array of mental health problems. We offer intensive outpatient programming three evenings weekly for adolescents ages 13-17, featuring interactive experiences through art, movement, and experiential activities. Our adolescent IOP applies therapeutic techniques to teen life in today's society.
(404) 390-4991 View (404) 390-4991
Skyland Trail
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30329
Located in Atlanta, Skyland Trail is a nonprofit mental health treatment organization serving adults and teens. Through our residential and day treatment programs, we help our clients grow, recover, and reclaim their lives. In our adult programs, we specialize in treating adults ages 18 and older with bipolar illness, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as patients who have complex diagnoses, such as co-occurring substance abuse, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder. Our treatment team has unique expertise in helping: young adults experiencing their first episode of mental illness, men and women struggling with midlife transitions, people who have limited insight into their mental illness, and individuals who may have physical medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. In our adolescent programs, we specialize in treating teens ages 14 to 17 struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Located in Atlanta, Skyland Trail is a nonprofit mental health treatment organization serving adults and teens. Through our residential and day treatment programs, we help our clients grow, recover, and reclaim their lives. In our adult programs, we specialize in treating adults ages 18 and older with bipolar illness, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as patients who have complex diagnoses, such as co-occurring substance abuse, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder. Our treatment team has unique expertise in helping: young adults experiencing their first episode of mental illness, men and women struggling with midlife transitions, people who have limited insight into their mental illness, and individuals who may have physical medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. In our adolescent programs, we specialize in treating teens ages 14 to 17 struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
(844) 665-8283 View (844) 665-8283
The Road to Recovery, Inc
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30340
The Road to Recovery, Inc. is a premier psychological and behavioral health practice based in the State of Georgia, providing the highest level of mental health care since 1995. We offer you all our clinical services via telehealth as an alternative to face-to-face visits. Your safety, protection, and security is our utmost concern. Comprehensive mental health assessments, individual counseling, and group therapy sessions are coordinated by our administrative staff, working with bilingual, experienced, and professional clinicians. We specialize in evidence-based therapy for co-occurring disorders and addiction issues in English and Spanish. The dedicated administrative and clinical staff at The Road to Recovery, Inc. are dedicated to serving you with genuineness, empathy care, and respect. Call for an initial consultation. Llamenos para una consulta inicial, estamos aqui para ayudarle en su idioma y comprendiendo sus valores culturales. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step at the Road to Recovery."
The Road to Recovery, Inc. is a premier psychological and behavioral health practice based in the State of Georgia, providing the highest level of mental health care since 1995. We offer you all our clinical services via telehealth as an alternative to face-to-face visits. Your safety, protection, and security is our utmost concern. Comprehensive mental health assessments, individual counseling, and group therapy sessions are coordinated by our administrative staff, working with bilingual, experienced, and professional clinicians. We specialize in evidence-based therapy for co-occurring disorders and addiction issues in English and Spanish. The dedicated administrative and clinical staff at The Road to Recovery, Inc. are dedicated to serving you with genuineness, empathy care, and respect. Call for an initial consultation. Llamenos para una consulta inicial, estamos aqui para ayudarle en su idioma y comprendiendo sus valores culturales. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step at the Road to Recovery."
(678) 981-9776 View (678) 981-9776
Breakthrough Recovery Outreach, LLC
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30341
Addiction and unbalanced mental health is a lonely path, leaving individuals navigating life in isolation, resulting in a lack of true support and connection to others outside of the bonds formed during active addiction. Our holistic wellness model fosters community, restores a sense of spirituality, and provides individuals with the opportunity to address severely neglected areas of life, which encompasses social, financial, and physical health needs. The benefits of sharing a daily space with other individuals navigating a life free from addiction provide an experience of acceptance and the opportunity for social learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Acupuncture provide the opportunity to learn how to quiet the mind and begin the healing process from within, individuals learn to shift their focus within, tapping into inner strength and wisdom needed to navigate the journey of recovery. These holistic healing methods also offer relief from emotional trauma, stress relief, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Addiction and unbalanced mental health is a lonely path, leaving individuals navigating life in isolation, resulting in a lack of true support and connection to others outside of the bonds formed during active addiction. Our holistic wellness model fosters community, restores a sense of spirituality, and provides individuals with the opportunity to address severely neglected areas of life, which encompasses social, financial, and physical health needs. The benefits of sharing a daily space with other individuals navigating a life free from addiction provide an experience of acceptance and the opportunity for social learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Acupuncture provide the opportunity to learn how to quiet the mind and begin the healing process from within, individuals learn to shift their focus within, tapping into inner strength and wisdom needed to navigate the journey of recovery. These holistic healing methods also offer relief from emotional trauma, stress relief, anxiety, and chronic pain.
(770) 493-7750 View (770) 493-7750
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(678) 736-8616 View (678) 736-8616
Amen Clinics, Atlanta
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30328
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
(470) 410-8994 View (470) 410-8994
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30305
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 Atlanta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens, and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and 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 Atlanta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens, and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(470) 394-5341 View (470) 394-5341
Progressive Counseling
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30349
We are a team of licensed professionals here to support you whether you are experiencing a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, hallucinations, substance abuse or family issues. Our job is to make sure we fulfill our mission and thats to make sure you are receiving the most advanced and effective evidenced based treatment all while reaching your goals. We also shift with today's world applying artificial intelligence mechanisms to make sure you are getting the latest advancements of technology for your treatment. We are here to listen, and provide you with the resources you need to progress.
We are a team of licensed professionals here to support you whether you are experiencing a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, hallucinations, substance abuse or family issues. Our job is to make sure we fulfill our mission and thats to make sure you are receiving the most advanced and effective evidenced based treatment all while reaching your goals. We also shift with today's world applying artificial intelligence mechanisms to make sure you are getting the latest advancements of technology for your treatment. We are here to listen, and provide you with the resources you need to progress.
(678) 921-3487 View (678) 921-3487
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30305
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 Alpharetta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens and young adults ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and 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 Alpharetta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens and young adults ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(470) 275-1954 View (470) 275-1954
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 Benton, Tennessee provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teen boys 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 Benton, Tennessee provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teen boys 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.
(423) 264-2283 View (423) 264-2283
The Renfrew Center of Florida
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Renfrew Center, a family-owned leader in eating disorder treatment, opened the nation’s first residential facility in 1985. With 15 sites nationwide and virtual services in 30+ states, Renfrew has helped over 100,000 adolescent girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Our evidence-based Unified Treatment Model addresses eating disorders and co-occurring presentations such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, offering a full continuum of care—from Residential to Outpatient—tailored to each individual’s needs.
The Renfrew Center, a family-owned leader in eating disorder treatment, opened the nation’s first residential facility in 1985. With 15 sites nationwide and virtual services in 30+ states, Renfrew has helped over 100,000 adolescent girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Our evidence-based Unified Treatment Model addresses eating disorders and co-occurring presentations such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, offering a full continuum of care—from Residential to Outpatient—tailored to each individual’s needs.
(866) 265-2206 View (866) 265-2206
Celine's Family Services, Inc
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our clients play an active role in the planning, prioritization, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the services offered. Our commitment to quality and the involvement of the persons served span the entire time the client is involved with the organization. The service planning process is individualized and establishes goals and objectives based on needs identified through the assessment process. The individual plan incorporates the unique visions, dreams, strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of the persons served. Consistency is key to success.
Our clients play an active role in the planning, prioritization, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the services offered. Our commitment to quality and the involvement of the persons served span the entire time the client is involved with the organization. The service planning process is individualized and establishes goals and objectives based on needs identified through the assessment process. The individual plan incorporates the unique visions, dreams, strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of the persons served. Consistency is key to success.
(404) 882-5340 View (404) 882-5340
Sober Escorts, Inc.
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Sober Escorts, Inc. is one of the most experienced, ethical, and respected Sober Escort (Safe Transport), Recovery Companion, and Sober Coaching Organization in the Addiction Recovery Services Industry. We've been successfully helping individuals and their families across the U.S. and abroad in their recovery journeys since 2004. Call us for a no-cost consultation. We are here to help, and if our services are not a fit, we will refer you to reputable professionals who can help you or your loved one immediately. With a compliment of hundreds of recovery professionals available in every city in the US, and abroad. We are also known to work very quickly -- helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues safely get to treatment as quickly as possible. Please note: We do not accept Medicaid. If you are in need of free or low-cost treatment we highly recommend that you contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Sober Escorts, Inc. is one of the most experienced, ethical, and respected Sober Escort (Safe Transport), Recovery Companion, and Sober Coaching Organization in the Addiction Recovery Services Industry. We've been successfully helping individuals and their families across the U.S. and abroad in their recovery journeys since 2004. Call us for a no-cost consultation. We are here to help, and if our services are not a fit, we will refer you to reputable professionals who can help you or your loved one immediately. With a compliment of hundreds of recovery professionals available in every city in the US, and abroad. We are also known to work very quickly -- helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues safely get to treatment as quickly as possible. Please note: We do not accept Medicaid. If you are in need of free or low-cost treatment we highly recommend that you contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
(352) 436-6095 View (352) 436-6095
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center is a unique, adolescent, substance use disorder treatment program providing every patient with a comprehensive and customized level of care. From fully supervised Withdrawal Management all the way to Outpatient Services, our customized adolescent care for ages 12 to 18 is built on the latest scientific research and proven techniques to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. Stonewater's founding family has been there, where you are now, and understands that your child is an individual who needs an individualized recovery program which provides safety, privacy, security and success.
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center is a unique, adolescent, substance use disorder treatment program providing every patient with a comprehensive and customized level of care. From fully supervised Withdrawal Management all the way to Outpatient Services, our customized adolescent care for ages 12 to 18 is built on the latest scientific research and proven techniques to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes. Stonewater's founding family has been there, where you are now, and understands that your child is an individual who needs an individualized recovery program which provides safety, privacy, security and success.
(662) 655-2339 View (662) 655-2339

See more therapy options for Atlanta

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.