When it comes to your daughter’s mental health, your approach matters. With so many options out there, how do you make the best choice for your family? It starts with knowing that effective therapeutic boarding schools for teen girls provide academic encouragement and emotional support.
Learn more about therapeutic boarding schools, their unique benefits, and how Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School provides research-based and outcomes-driven therapies to help your teenage daughter.
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What are Therapeutic Boarding Schools?
Therapeutic boarding schools, which can also be considered a type of traditional boarding school, weave together therapy with academics to help students reach their academic potential. Students receive holistic emotional, physical, and social support services that encourage setting healthy boundaries while also addressing their emotional challenges, striving for academic success, and building healthy coping skills.
Therapeutic boarding schools, often accredited by the Joint Commission, should tailor academic lessons and treatment plans for each student. Classes are intentionally designed to be small, and they often include a family-based approach.
What Types of Therapy and Treatment are Offered in Therapeutic Boarding Schools?
In a therapeutic boarding school, students have access to a range of therapeutic programs, mental health services, and therapies tailored to their needs. These may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, family therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), adventure therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and experiential therapy like art or equine therapy.
What Conditions are Treated in Therapeutic Boarding Schools?
In therapeutic boarding schools, various conditions, including emotional issues, are effectively treated. Common conditions for teen girls can include:
- ADHD
- Anger/mood regulation
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Family conflict
- Social isolation
- Suicidal ideation
- High-risk behavior
- Excessive technology use
The Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools for Girls
There are several reasons why choosing a therapeutic boarding school can be a good option for your daughter:
- Individualized learning: Therapeutic schools provide individualized learning plans for students while also creating space for emotional and mental healing. Providing your daughter with an alternative option for academics can help her stick with her education, encourage her to tackle difficult subjects, and empower her lifelong learning journey.
- Specialized experiential therapy: Therapeutic boarding schools provide specialized experiential therapy, a technique that uses expressive activities and tools such as animal care, arts and crafts, guided imagery, props, and more. As the student focuses on the activities, they explore and often release negative feelings associated with past experiences. At a therapeutic boarding school, experiential treatment can be tailored to each student, encouraging and empowering students to play an active role in their therapy.
- Compassionate/relational-based professionals: Therapeutic boarding schools offer a range of therapies and therapists who can help your daughter heal. Success is not achieved in a vacuum, and healing cannot be either.
Key Differences Between Therapeutic Boarding Schools and Other Teen Treatment Options
Therapeutic boarding schools operate as residential treatment facilities, providing a structured environment where young people and students receive both educational and therapeutic support. Such programs allow them to focus on academic success while addressing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Therapeutic boarding schools can also differ from traditional residential teen treatment centers as they integrate academic programs and academic support into the treatment process. This means that young people not only receive therapy but also continue their education, allowing them to stay on track academically while they heal. The structured daily routine, combined with professional support, fosters an environment of growth and development that is crucial for teens facing significant challenges.
In contrast, other teen treatment options, such as outpatient therapy or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), may lack the immersive, round-the-clock support that a therapeutic boarding school offers. For many families, the decision often comes down to ensuring their struggling child gets the most comprehensive care, making a therapeutic boarding school the best choice for those needing a more intensive, supportive environment.
Understanding the Role of Family in the Healing Process at Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Family involvement is a critical component of the healing process at therapeutic boarding schools. Family therapy sessions are specifically designed to help rebuild trust and improve communication among family members. These sessions focus on addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to the teen’s struggles. By involving parents and siblings in the therapeutic process, schools foster a supportive network that promotes healthier relationships and encourages open dialogue. This comprehensive approach not only benefits the individual student but also helps the entire family unit grow stronger together.
Additionally, the social skills and support provided by family members play a vital role in a teen’s recovery journey. When families actively participate in their child’s treatment, they create a sense of belonging and security, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions. Therapeutic boarding schools recognize that healing is not just an individual process; it’s a collective one. Through family engagement, these schools ensure that the lessons learned in therapy can be carried into home life, ultimately leading to lasting change and improved dynamics within the family.
A Day in the Life of a Student at a Therapeutic Boarding School
A typical day at a therapeutic boarding school is designed to balance academic success with therapeutic growth. Students begin their mornings with structured schedules that include classes led by certified teachers, allowing them to stay on track with their education.
Academic sessions are complemented by therapy sessions, where students engage in individual and group therapy tailored to their specific needs. This combination helps students address their mental health challenges while continuing to make academic progress in a supportive environment.
In the afternoons and evenings, students often participate in experiential activities that foster personal growth and teamwork. This may include outdoor adventures, creative arts, or community service projects, all of which are integral to the therapeutic process.
Overall, the daily schedule of a student at a therapeutic boarding school is structured yet flexible, providing the ideal setting for both academic achievement and emotional healing.
Financial Planning for Therapeutic Boarding School: Exploring Payment Options
Financial planning for a therapeutic boarding school can be a daunting task for families. However, understanding the various payment options available can ease some of the financial burdens associated with this important decision. Many therapeutic boarding schools offer a range of payment plans and financial assistance options, which can include insurance and payment plans tailored to fit individual family budgets. These options can make high-quality care more accessible, ensuring that families can focus on their child’s healing without being overwhelmed by financial stress.
When considering the treatment process at a therapeutic boarding school, it can be helpful to evaluate how each school’s residential treatment program aligns with your family’s financial capabilities. Some schools may accept insurance, while others may require out-of-pocket payments. By conducting thorough research and speaking with admissions counselors, families can determine which option l is the best fit for their child’s needs and their family’s financial situation. This proactive approach can lead to a smoother transition into therapeutic care, allowing for a focus on healing and growth.
Healing at Chrysalis School
Chrysalis School is a therapeutic boarding school for teen girls. Our school balances therapy with academic success, providing a comprehensive approach to healing and wellness. Our clinical model includes attachment-focused therapy, helping pre-teen and teenage girls with a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, attachment struggles, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and more.
We know that it’s not easy to choose out-of-home care for your daughter. At Chrysalis School, we come alongside your family and are your partners in care for your daughter’s healing and success. Let’s talk. Call us today at: 855-654-8178.
