Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers in Canton, MA

Photo of Norwood Behavioral Health - Norwood Behavioral Health, Treatment Center, MD, PMHNP, LICSW, PsyD, LMHC
Norwood Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
To be committed to the wellness of children, their families, and the community through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. Children are offered a comfortable, safe environment in which they can develop a therapeutic relationship with their therapist, identify the problem that is causing them difficulty, and strengthen coping skills to manage their feelings. Parents will often be seen either by the same therapist or by another therapist to assist them in their child's therapy. Duration of treatment varies. Training Site for William James School of Professional Psychology.
To be committed to the wellness of children, their families, and the community through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. Children are offered a comfortable, safe environment in which they can develop a therapeutic relationship with their therapist, identify the problem that is causing them difficulty, and strengthen coping skills to manage their feelings. Parents will often be seen either by the same therapist or by another therapist to assist them in their child's therapy. Duration of treatment varies. Training Site for William James School of Professional Psychology.
(781) 257-8190 View (781) 257-8190
Photo of Susan Long - The Rested Mind LLC, Treatment Center, APRN-BC, LMHC, MBA, MS, MA
The Rested Mind LLC
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Susan Long is a Master prepared therapist as well as a board certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner. She is the owner of The Rested Mind and founded it in 2010 to serve the South Shore Massachusetts area. We have a relationship with the Archdiocese of Boston and provides services to abuse survivors. We are also honored to see active duty military and veterans ( Tricare Accepted) as well as Police, Fire and First responders. The practice was originally started for children but we expanded our services and now sees patients up to age 65 ( no medicare/medicaid). We are open 9am in the morning until 10pm at night Mon-Thursday, Friday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 10am to 6pm to accommodate those who cannot leave work during normal business hours. We are closed Saturdays.
Susan Long is a Master prepared therapist as well as a board certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner. She is the owner of The Rested Mind and founded it in 2010 to serve the South Shore Massachusetts area. We have a relationship with the Archdiocese of Boston and provides services to abuse survivors. We are also honored to see active duty military and veterans ( Tricare Accepted) as well as Police, Fire and First responders. The practice was originally started for children but we expanded our services and now sees patients up to age 65 ( no medicare/medicaid). We are open 9am in the morning until 10pm at night Mon-Thursday, Friday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 10am to 6pm to accommodate those who cannot leave work during normal business hours. We are closed Saturdays.
(339) 220-4433 View (339) 220-4433

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Alain Digon - Clearview Health & Wellness Group, Treatment Center
Clearview Health & Wellness Group
Treatment Center
Medford, MA 02155
Clearview offers a welcoming environment for individuals seeking Outpatient Therapy and Medication Management. Our diverse team of therapists (speak multiple languages) provide individualized services, ensuring a tailored approach to your needs. We service clients Ages 5+, After Hours and Weekends. We work tirelessly to provide Little to No Wait Times!
Clearview offers a welcoming environment for individuals seeking Outpatient Therapy and Medication Management. Our diverse team of therapists (speak multiple languages) provide individualized services, ensuring a tailored approach to your needs. We service clients Ages 5+, After Hours and Weekends. We work tirelessly to provide Little to No Wait Times!
(413) 741-1327 View (413) 741-1327
Photo of Colin Navarro - Crown Adolescent Health, Treatment Center
Crown Adolescent Health
Treatment Center
Norwell, MA 02061
Adolescent mental health treatment programs, such as our adolescent partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Crown Adolescent Health, provide a safe and supportive environment where teens can access comprehensive mental health care. A PHP is designed to help teens manage their symptoms and learn the skills needed to improve their emotional well-being. Through therapy, medication management, and group activities, PHP provides adolescents with individualized care and the resources necessary for healing. We focus on providing a warm, engaging, and supportive atmosphere so teens feel comfortable and secure as they work towards their goals. Call us today at 888.557.1552 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs for adolescents and help your child find their way to wellness.
Adolescent mental health treatment programs, such as our adolescent partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Crown Adolescent Health, provide a safe and supportive environment where teens can access comprehensive mental health care. A PHP is designed to help teens manage their symptoms and learn the skills needed to improve their emotional well-being. Through therapy, medication management, and group activities, PHP provides adolescents with individualized care and the resources necessary for healing. We focus on providing a warm, engaging, and supportive atmosphere so teens feel comfortable and secure as they work towards their goals. Call us today at 888.557.1552 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs for adolescents and help your child find their way to wellness.
(781) 429-3646 View (781) 429-3646
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Outpatient, Treatment Center
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.
(866) 868-2042 View (866) 868-2042
Photo of Ridge Rtc - Ridge RTC - Teen Treatment Center in New Hampshire, Treatment Center
Uniquely situated within the natural beauty of New England, both Ridge residential teen treatment centers in New Hampshire and Maine are specialized mental health treatment programs designed for teens, ages 12-18, requiring therapeutic assessment and enhanced support for mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. The Ridge RTC provides a supportive and caring environment for teens who need more intense care than they can receive at home, at school, or in a traditional outpatient setting. Our programming focuses on stabilizing, evaluating, and preparing teenagers for a happier and more productive life beyond the program. We are proud to offer one of the most intensive treatment programs in the country. Our teen residential program offers 4 individual therapy sessions per week, group therapy multiple times a day, and a comprehensive family therapy component. Our holistic program includes psychiatric care, medication management, physical exercise, nutrition and other recreational activities. At The Ridge RTC, accessibility matters. With a commitment to extending high-quality treatment to as many families as possible, we are in-network with most major insurance carriers.
Uniquely situated within the natural beauty of New England, both Ridge residential teen treatment centers in New Hampshire and Maine are specialized mental health treatment programs designed for teens, ages 12-18, requiring therapeutic assessment and enhanced support for mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. The Ridge RTC provides a supportive and caring environment for teens who need more intense care than they can receive at home, at school, or in a traditional outpatient setting. Our programming focuses on stabilizing, evaluating, and preparing teenagers for a happier and more productive life beyond the program. We are proud to offer one of the most intensive treatment programs in the country. Our teen residential program offers 4 individual therapy sessions per week, group therapy multiple times a day, and a comprehensive family therapy component. Our holistic program includes psychiatric care, medication management, physical exercise, nutrition and other recreational activities. At The Ridge RTC, accessibility matters. With a commitment to extending high-quality treatment to as many families as possible, we are in-network with most major insurance carriers.
(603) 803-4350 View (603) 803-4350
Photo of Marlborough Harvard - Advocates, Treatment Center
Advocates
Treatment Center
Marlborough, MA 01752
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates Community Counseling has assisted people experiencing difficulties in life. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates Community Counseling has assisted people experiencing difficulties in life. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
(508) 709-6073 View (508) 709-6073
Photo of Kerrie Toole - Castlebrook Counseling Services, Inc., Treatment Center, LICSW
Castlebrook Counseling Services, Inc. is a private practice group of independently licensed therapists with a variety of specialties and areas of expertise. We provide personalized, compassionate, and highly effective counseling to support you in meeting the goals you want to achieve. We offer a broad range of services including individual, family, couples, and group therapy, as well as guidance, coaching, and support.
Castlebrook Counseling Services, Inc. is a private practice group of independently licensed therapists with a variety of specialties and areas of expertise. We provide personalized, compassionate, and highly effective counseling to support you in meeting the goals you want to achieve. We offer a broad range of services including individual, family, couples, and group therapy, as well as guidance, coaching, and support.
(508) 475-9110 View (508) 475-9110
Photo of Robert Grove - Boutique Concierge Sober Companions, Treatment Center
Boutique Concierge Sober Companions
Treatment Center
Serves Area
A white glove sober companion service. We will arrive at your doorstep, on set, on tour, or accompany you by your side at any destination globally; we travel swiftly and discreetly. We specialize in providing discreet concierge sober companions tailored to meet your unique needs. Moreover, each sober companion is also clinically curated to work seamlessly with addiction specialists and medical professionals, when requested. Whether you require support in your home or at a destination of your choice, our services are designed to integrate effortlessly into your lifestyle. Established in 2010.
A white glove sober companion service. We will arrive at your doorstep, on set, on tour, or accompany you by your side at any destination globally; we travel swiftly and discreetly. We specialize in providing discreet concierge sober companions tailored to meet your unique needs. Moreover, each sober companion is also clinically curated to work seamlessly with addiction specialists and medical professionals, when requested. Whether you require support in your home or at a destination of your choice, our services are designed to integrate effortlessly into your lifestyle. Established in 2010.
(844) 284-9487 View (844) 284-9487
Photo of Martine Rossell - Ellie Mental Health, Treatment Center, LMHC, ATR-BC
Ellie Mental Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Newton, MA 02464
We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Newton and Lexington. No matter your concerns, our compassionate Ellie therapists will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.
We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Newton and Lexington. No matter your concerns, our compassionate Ellie therapists will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.
(617) 751-1647 View (617) 751-1647
Photo of Briana Findley - Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
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 Vienna, Virginia are designed to support adolescents and teens ages 12-17 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 Vienna, Virginia are designed to support adolescents and teens ages 12-17 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.
(571) 548-3409 View (571) 548-3409
Photo of Karen Monroe - McLean Hospital, Treatment Center
McLean Hospital
Treatment Center
Cambridge, MA 02138
The McLean Hospital Child Outpatient Clinic, located on the campus of the Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge, provides compassionate, patient-centered care to children and teens and their families. We offer several approaches to psychiatric care for youth struggling with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, bipolar disorder, phobias, and executive dysfunction.
The McLean Hospital Child Outpatient Clinic, located on the campus of the Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge, provides compassionate, patient-centered care to children and teens and their families. We offer several approaches to psychiatric care for youth struggling with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, bipolar disorder, phobias, and executive dysfunction.
(857) 855-9464 View (857) 855-9464
Photo of Molly Ruiz - DBT Works, Treatment Center
DBT Works
Treatment Center
Concord, MA 01742
We specialize in treating all forms of emotion dysregulation, including: borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We also treat a range of related emotional difficulties including suicidality, self-injury, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, problematic substance use, disordered eating, and unstable sense of self. Our clients are highly sensitive individuals (as are our staff!) who are interested in building skills to manage their emotions.
We specialize in treating all forms of emotion dysregulation, including: borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We also treat a range of related emotional difficulties including suicidality, self-injury, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, problematic substance use, disordered eating, and unstable sense of self. Our clients are highly sensitive individuals (as are our staff!) who are interested in building skills to manage their emotions.
(857) 420-5097 View (857) 420-5097
Photo of Christina Purkiss - The Renfrew Center of Bethesda, Treatment Center, LMHC, CEDS-C
The Renfrew Center of Bethesda
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Renfrew Center of Bethesda, Maryland is an outpatient facility specializing in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating as well as the full range of eating disorders. Programming at the Bethesda location consists of a comprehensive range of in-person and virtual options including Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Family-owned and operated, we are committed to quality, evidence-based care that allows patients to support one another, learn to form healthy relationships, and counter their feelings of disconnection. The Renfrew Center of Bethesda is just two short blocks from the Bethesda Metro Station (Red Line). Outpatient services are also offered at The Renfrew Center of Baltimore, MD and residential programming at The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia, PA.
The Renfrew Center of Bethesda, Maryland is an outpatient facility specializing in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating as well as the full range of eating disorders. Programming at the Bethesda location consists of a comprehensive range of in-person and virtual options including Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Family-owned and operated, we are committed to quality, evidence-based care that allows patients to support one another, learn to form healthy relationships, and counter their feelings of disconnection. The Renfrew Center of Bethesda is just two short blocks from the Bethesda Metro Station (Red Line). Outpatient services are also offered at The Renfrew Center of Baltimore, MD and residential programming at The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia, PA.
(240) 376-3423 View (240) 376-3423
Photo of Renfrew Center - The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia, Treatment Center
The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia
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 25+ 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 25+ 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) 858-2876 View (866) 858-2876
Photo of Courtney Hulse - Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center, Treatment Center, LMFT
Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment can save your or a loved one’s life. Having helped thousands of individuals suffering with substance abuse and alcoholism, Mountainside is the foremost comprehensive, innovative addiction rehabilitation treatment center in the Northeast. Our mission is to elevate the standard in comprehensive drug and alcoholism addiction treatment in order to provide an unequaled rehabilitation experience for our clients.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment can save your or a loved one’s life. Having helped thousands of individuals suffering with substance abuse and alcoholism, Mountainside is the foremost comprehensive, innovative addiction rehabilitation treatment center in the Northeast. Our mission is to elevate the standard in comprehensive drug and alcoholism addiction treatment in order to provide an unequaled rehabilitation experience for our clients.
(866) 622-0583 View (866) 622-0583
Photo of Joseph Allaire - The Hope Wellness Center, Treatment Center, PMHNP
The Hope Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Online Only
Whether you’re struggling with a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, ADHD, enduring a stressful period in life, or aren’t sure what you need, but know something is wrong, you don’t have to feel isolated or alone any longer. There’s Hope!
Whether you’re struggling with a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, ADHD, enduring a stressful period in life, or aren’t sure what you need, but know something is wrong, you don’t have to feel isolated or alone any longer. There’s Hope!
(401) 425-7237 View (401) 425-7237
Photo of Lawrence Peabody - Advocates, Treatment Center
Advocates
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Peabody, MA 01960
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates counseling clinics have supported people experiencing difficulties in life. Our Lawrence and Peabody locations became part of Advocates in July 2024, when Family Continuity merged with Advocates. Like all of our counseling locations, these sites offer services for both individuals and families. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates counseling clinics have supported people experiencing difficulties in life. Our Lawrence and Peabody locations became part of Advocates in July 2024, when Family Continuity merged with Advocates. Like all of our counseling locations, these sites offer services for both individuals and families. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
(978) 487-5234 View (978) 487-5234
Photo of Greg Serrao - Colony Care Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Colony Care Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Online Only
Colony Care Behavioral Health is a multi-disciplinary group of independently licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners that have been providing comprehensive treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems to children, adolescents and adults since 1994. We make access to behavioral health care convenient and affordable. Our affiliated clinicians offer both in-person at our offices in Wellesley, Long Meadow, Arlington, and Weymouth, MA, as well as telehealth counseling for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and more. Our patient-centered approach allows us to provide personalized care to everyone who visits our practice. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (781) 431-1177 ext. 210 today!
Colony Care Behavioral Health is a multi-disciplinary group of independently licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners that have been providing comprehensive treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems to children, adolescents and adults since 1994. We make access to behavioral health care convenient and affordable. Our affiliated clinicians offer both in-person at our offices in Wellesley, Long Meadow, Arlington, and Weymouth, MA, as well as telehealth counseling for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and more. Our patient-centered approach allows us to provide personalized care to everyone who visits our practice. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (781) 431-1177 ext. 210 today!
(781) 886-8254 x210 View (781) 886-8254 x210
Photo of Aaron Kaplan - Hope Ave Therapy, Treatment Center, PsyD, LICSW, LMHC
Hope Ave Therapy
Treatment Center
Waltham, MA 02453
Hope Ave Therapy is a group practice in Waltham, MA built around one belief: that the relationship between a client and therapist is everything. Our team of 15+ skilled clinicians brings warmth, authenticity, and genuine investment to every session — because therapy works best when it feels human. We serve children, teens, college students, young adults, adults, and older adults across Greater Boston, in-person and via telehealth. We specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationships, grief, eating disorders, sports psychology, postpartum depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, BPD, Latinx mental health, and more.
Hope Ave Therapy is a group practice in Waltham, MA built around one belief: that the relationship between a client and therapist is everything. Our team of 15+ skilled clinicians brings warmth, authenticity, and genuine investment to every session — because therapy works best when it feels human. We serve children, teens, college students, young adults, adults, and older adults across Greater Boston, in-person and via telehealth. We specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationships, grief, eating disorders, sports psychology, postpartum depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, BPD, Latinx mental health, and more.
(617) 992-7279 View (617) 992-7279

See more therapy options for Canton

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.