Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers in Waltham, MA

Photo of Susan Festa - Waltham Behavioral Health, LLC, Treatment Center
Waltham Behavioral Health, LLC
Treatment Center
Waltham, MA 02451
At Waltham Behavioral Health we are committed to providing client-centered mental health to individuals of all ages. The WBH team consists of providers with varied areas of expertise including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers specializing in adult, child and adolescent therapy as well as psychopharmacologists available to prescribe to all patients with psychiatric disorders and medication-management needs.
At Waltham Behavioral Health we are committed to providing client-centered mental health to individuals of all ages. The WBH team consists of providers with varied areas of expertise including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers specializing in adult, child and adolescent therapy as well as psychopharmacologists available to prescribe to all patients with psychiatric disorders and medication-management needs.
(781) 570-5129 View (781) 570-5129
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
Photo of Monte Nido Walden Waltham Admissions - Monte Nido Walden Waltham, Treatment Center
Monte Nido Walden Waltham
Treatment Center
Waltham, MA 02451
Monte Nido Walden Waltham eating disorder Day Support is conveniently located off Route 95, about 20 minutes from downtown Boston.
Monte Nido Walden Waltham eating disorder Day Support is conveniently located off Route 95, about 20 minutes from downtown Boston.
(781) 679-5143 View (781) 679-5143
Photo of Framingham Waltham - Advocates, Treatment Center
Advocates
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Waltham, MA 02452
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates counseling services have served as a safety net for 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 and mental health issues, our counselors, clinical nurses, and psychiatrists are here for you.
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates counseling services have served as a safety net for 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 and mental health issues, our counselors, clinical nurses, and psychiatrists are here for you.
(508) 978-3658 View (508) 978-3658
Photo of Marlborough Harvard - Advocates, Treatment Center
Advocates
Treatment Center
Serves Area
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 Strattus . - Strattus..TILL's Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Center
Strattus..TILL's Mental Health Clinic
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Strattus..TILL’s Mental Health Clinic has been serving the communities of Massachusetts since 1986. At Strattus, we have a team of experienced clinicians, clinical interns, psychiatrist, and dedicated administrative staff providing exceptional services and support to those with and without specialized needs.
Strattus..TILL’s Mental Health Clinic has been serving the communities of Massachusetts since 1986. At Strattus, we have a team of experienced clinicians, clinical interns, psychiatrist, and dedicated administrative staff providing exceptional services and support to those with and without specialized needs.
(781) 329-9365 View (781) 329-9365
Photo of Intake Department - Brighton-Allston Mental Health Association , Treatment Center, LICSW, LMHC, MA
Brighton-Allston Mental Health Association
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Brighton-Allston Mental Health Association (BAMHA), a program of Italian Home for Children (IHC) is a diverse community mental health agency that has been servicing the Brighton/Allston community and surrounding Metro Boston area since 1964. BAMHA also has an outpatient satellite office in Jamaica Plain. We offer individual and group therapy treatment, psychopharmacology, as well as family and couples counseling services. BAMHA services clients ages 4-80+. Our BAMHA clinicians are trained in various treatment modalities including: traditional psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive therapy, and play therapy. We also offer In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral services for children ages 4-20 through our partner Community Based Programs (CBP) at Italian Home. Our clinicians speak over a dozen languages, including Spanish. We now have immediate openings in all of our CBP programs, and offer telehealth services for your convenience and safety.
Brighton-Allston Mental Health Association (BAMHA), a program of Italian Home for Children (IHC) is a diverse community mental health agency that has been servicing the Brighton/Allston community and surrounding Metro Boston area since 1964. BAMHA also has an outpatient satellite office in Jamaica Plain. We offer individual and group therapy treatment, psychopharmacology, as well as family and couples counseling services. BAMHA services clients ages 4-80+. Our BAMHA clinicians are trained in various treatment modalities including: traditional psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive therapy, and play therapy. We also offer In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral services for children ages 4-20 through our partner Community Based Programs (CBP) at Italian Home. Our clinicians speak over a dozen languages, including Spanish. We now have immediate openings in all of our CBP programs, and offer telehealth services for your convenience and safety.
(617) 917-2782 View (617) 917-2782

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Mental Health Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
(925) 297-6848 View (925) 297-6848
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 New Harbor Behavioral - New Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, Treatment Center, LICSW
New Harbor Behavioral Healthcare
Treatment Center
Dedham, MA 02026
At New Harbor, we only treat young people, we always treat the family system, and we are local. We offer full psychiatric day treatment and intensive outpatient programs for adolescents (13-18) experiencing issues with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. We conduct evidence-based therapy groups grounded in DBT/CBT skills, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. Clients are assigned a primary therapist with whom they meet weekly. We provide a parent support group every Monday for parents of our clients and extensive parent therapeutic coaching.
At New Harbor, we only treat young people, we always treat the family system, and we are local. We offer full psychiatric day treatment and intensive outpatient programs for adolescents (13-18) experiencing issues with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. We conduct evidence-based therapy groups grounded in DBT/CBT skills, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. Clients are assigned a primary therapist with whom they meet weekly. We provide a parent support group every Monday for parents of our clients and extensive parent therapeutic coaching.
(339) 675-2908 View (339) 675-2908
Photo of Jim Reynolds - Sameem Behavioral Health, LLC, Treatment Center
Sameem Behavioral Health, LLC
Treatment Center
Newton, MA 02461
For 40 years, Sameem has treated Substance Use Disorder, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, and other disorders in adolescents and adults at our offices in Newton, Massachusetts. Our outpatient services include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and alcohol or drug testing. We help people move from crisis to enduring health.
For 40 years, Sameem has treated Substance Use Disorder, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, and other disorders in adolescents and adults at our offices in Newton, Massachusetts. Our outpatient services include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and alcohol or drug testing. We help people move from crisis to enduring health.
(617) 213-6887 View (617) 213-6887
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 Kara Gross - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, 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) 378-4864 View (925) 378-4864
Photo of Molly E Mahoney - GD Psych Services, LLC, Treatment Center
GD Psych Services, LLC
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At GD Psych Services, we provide comprehensive mental health care in Nashua, NH for children, teens, and adults. Our services include individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management tailored to each person’s needs. We support anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use, domestic violence, and life transitions. We also offer specialized care for first responders, military members, and veterans. Whether you’re seeking therapy or medication management in Nashua, NH, our team is here to support your mental health journey.
At GD Psych Services, we provide comprehensive mental health care in Nashua, NH for children, teens, and adults. Our services include individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management tailored to each person’s needs. We support anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use, domestic violence, and life transitions. We also offer specialized care for first responders, military members, and veterans. Whether you’re seeking therapy or medication management in Nashua, NH, our team is here to support your mental health journey.
(866) 970-3157 View (866) 970-3157
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 Mary Ledoux - CSI- Mental Health, Treatment Center
CSI- Mental Health
Treatment Center
Boston, MA 02124
Community Services Institute is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to clients of all ages. We understand that individuals and families may face various challenges in their lives, and we strive to provide effective therapeutic interventions to support their physical and emotional well-being. Our services include family therapy, marriage counseling, child/teen therapy, and geriatric counseling. Through family therapy, we help families improve their communication skills and strengthen their relationships. Our marriage counseling services aim to enhance marital relationships and resolve conflicts. With a focus on child and teen therapy, we help them overcome their emotional and behavioral difficulties, and improve their overall development and well-being. We understand that our clients may face various issues and have different needs, such as social anxiety and communication skills challenges. Therefore, we offer tailored interventions to address the specific concerns of each client. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment, where clients can feel comfortable and confident in sharing their experiences.
Community Services Institute is committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to clients of all ages. We understand that individuals and families may face various challenges in their lives, and we strive to provide effective therapeutic interventions to support their physical and emotional well-being. Our services include family therapy, marriage counseling, child/teen therapy, and geriatric counseling. Through family therapy, we help families improve their communication skills and strengthen their relationships. Our marriage counseling services aim to enhance marital relationships and resolve conflicts. With a focus on child and teen therapy, we help them overcome their emotional and behavioral difficulties, and improve their overall development and well-being. We understand that our clients may face various issues and have different needs, such as social anxiety and communication skills challenges. Therefore, we offer tailored interventions to address the specific concerns of each client. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment, where clients can feel comfortable and confident in sharing their experiences.
(413) 307-4642 View (413) 307-4642
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 Amber Miles - DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC , Treatment Center, NP, LDAC, LICSW, LMSW
DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC
Treatment Center
Reading, MA 01867
DJS Psychiatry & Services serves a diverse range of clients from various age groups and backgrounds, each with unique mental health needs. The facility works with individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more complex conditions like schizoaffective disorder and personality disorders. They also support clients navigating grief, life transitions, family and relational difficulties, trauma, and personal growth challenges. The clients at DJS Psychiatry come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the facility offers interpretation services to make treatment accessible to all. Many clients seek help for issues related to emotional regulation, coping skills, self-esteem, and managing mental health symptoms that impact their daily lives, work, or academic performance. The facility recognizes that each client’s needs are distinct, and the intake team carefully matches clients with providers who can address these needs effectively, ensuring a personalized and culturally sensitive approach. Our dedicated team(Myself Amber, Silvia, Amanda, Susan Nikki, Amelia and Stacy will ensure your loved one is well taken care.
DJS Psychiatry & Services serves a diverse range of clients from various age groups and backgrounds, each with unique mental health needs. The facility works with individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more complex conditions like schizoaffective disorder and personality disorders. They also support clients navigating grief, life transitions, family and relational difficulties, trauma, and personal growth challenges. The clients at DJS Psychiatry come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the facility offers interpretation services to make treatment accessible to all. Many clients seek help for issues related to emotional regulation, coping skills, self-esteem, and managing mental health symptoms that impact their daily lives, work, or academic performance. The facility recognizes that each client’s needs are distinct, and the intake team carefully matches clients with providers who can address these needs effectively, ensuring a personalized and culturally sensitive approach. Our dedicated team(Myself Amber, Silvia, Amanda, Susan Nikki, Amelia and Stacy will ensure your loved one is well taken care.
(978) 384-6546 View (978) 384-6546
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
Forrest Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Bedford, MA 01730
At Forrest Behavioral Health, we serve individuals 18 and older struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Our patients come from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique challenges. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, they seek compassionate care in an outpatient setting that allows them to continue their daily lives while receiving treatment. Many have tried other forms of care or are overwhelmed by managing symptoms alone. Our patients are often professionals, students, parents, or individuals looking to regain control of their mental health. We understand that mental health and addiction are deeply connected, and our programs are designed to address both, promoting long-lasting recovery. Through evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we offer personalized care. Our goal is to meet each patient where they are on their journey, providing the support and tools they need to heal while maintaining balance in their everyday lives.
At Forrest Behavioral Health, we serve individuals 18 and older struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Our patients come from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique challenges. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, they seek compassionate care in an outpatient setting that allows them to continue their daily lives while receiving treatment. Many have tried other forms of care or are overwhelmed by managing symptoms alone. Our patients are often professionals, students, parents, or individuals looking to regain control of their mental health. We understand that mental health and addiction are deeply connected, and our programs are designed to address both, promoting long-lasting recovery. Through evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we offer personalized care. Our goal is to meet each patient where they are on their journey, providing the support and tools they need to heal while maintaining balance in their everyday lives.
(781) 630-7889 View (781) 630-7889

See more therapy options for Waltham

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.