A Treatment Program That Helps Troubled Teens

Children with behavioral problems can be treated in a variety of ways. Many therapists use horses and gardening as tools. Now, there is a unique residential treatment center where children receive an education, therapy and art instruction. The art instruction focuses on several areas of expression including dance and drama. Students come from the U.S. and other countries to enter this challenging environment. Many of the students have a history of problems including drug abuse, family conflict, depression, low self esteem and more.

A team of professionals evaluates each child at art therapy for troubled teens. The treatment team is made up of the program director, department directors, therapists, nurses, a psychiatrist and the case manager. In addition, academic and/or artistic teachers meet with the children. Therapists believe that a child can improve their self-esteem through artistic talent. Developing artistic talent gives the student a whole new awareness of their capabilities. The school's belief is that improved self esteem leads to:



renewed effort in academics leading to achievement
goals built around education
learning to be responsible for one's behavior
improved focus and communication
finishing high school
going to college

The staff uses a "strength-based" approach because children are resilient. Regardless of what their problems are, children have values that can be strengthened to help them overcome problems. In fact, art therapy is focused on the creative process and not the end result. Art provides a safe environment for teens and an outlet to show how they feel about themselves. Therapists use the arts program to lower a child's resistance to psychotherapy. Additionally, therapists learn things in art therapy that enable them to better help students. This Residential Treatment Center provides individual, group and family therapy. One of the foundations of the school is the belief that mixing positive peer pressure and expressive therapy works wonders.

The Residential Treatment Center's methods are backed up by science. The healing power of music has long been known. The music program involves listening, creating and playing music. The expressive therapy model encourages students to work hard to improve their musical abilities. Really, all forms of art give students an acceptable manner of expressing themselves rather than acting out. The school accepts students between the ages of 12 to 18. People who are interested should visit the program's website. Additionally, there is some financial aid available. This is not your typical treatment facility because children feel loved and at home.