As a parent, seeing your teenager struggle can be incredibly difficult. You want to do everything you can to help them get back on track. Sometimes helping them get back on track may involve treatment at a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). With all the options available, you may be wondering which is best: short-term or long-term?

Both short-term and long-term RTC programs have their own benefits. The best choice for your teen will depend on their specific needs. 

Short-term Residential Treatment: A jump-start for your teen’s recovery

When your teen is struggling, you want to get them the help they need quickly. However, the idea of a long-term Residential Treatment Program may feel daunting. A Short-Term Option can be a great alternative. A Short-Term Option can last as little as two weeks with the possibility of extension. It offers a focused intervention that can be the perfect starting point for your teen’s journey toward healing. A Short-Term Option can offer benefits including:

• Quick intervention and big results — A Short-Term Option offers intensive therapy and support to address immediate concerns, jump-starting your teen’s recovery. This could include stabilization after a mental health challenge or developing coping skills for specific issues like anxiety or test-taking stress. Therapists in these programs are highly trained professionals who can quickly assess your teen’s needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. This focused approach can allow your teen to start feeling better right away and give them a sense of hope and accomplishment.
• Flexibility for your family — A Short-Term Option at an RTC can minimize disruption to your teen’s life with a shorter program. They can catch up on schoolwork, maintain connections with friends and hobbies, and be able to reintegrate back into their regular routine after focused treatment. This can be especially beneficial if your teen thrives in a structured environment but also needs to stay connected to their support network and familiar activities. The shorter duration allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy while still receiving intensive care. 
• Financial considerations — The cost of a Short-Term Option can be lower than for a longer stay. It can also enable you to assess the program’s effectiveness and determine if a longer stay is necessary before committing to a more extensive program. This can help you manage treatment costs more effectively and ensure that you’re getting the most value for your investment.
• Build confidence for ongoing support — Experiencing positive changes quickly can boost your teen’s confidence and motivate them to continue progress in outpatient care. The program can equip them with tools to manage challenges independently with ongoing support from therapists and family. For example, a teen struggling with anxiety may learn relaxation techniques and skills that they can use to manage their symptoms outside of the program. A newfound sense of control and ability to cope can be incredibly empowering for your teen. 
• Stepping stone to long-term success — A Short-Term Option at an RTC can act as a bridge to outpatient care, building on the skills learned with a therapist closer to home. It can be a launchpad for continued recovery. Therapists in the Short-Term Option can help you and your teen develop a comprehensive treatment plan for ongoing care, ensuring a smooth transition back into their community and continued support.

Conditions that can benefit from a Short-Term Option

Here’s a closer look at some conditions where a Short-Term Option in an RTC can be effective:

• Anxiety disorders — A Short-Term Option program in an RTC can be helpful for a variety of anxiety disorders, including:
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — A Short-Term Option can provide your teen with the tools they need to help manage excessive worry and develop relaxation techniques.
• Panic disorder — Your teen’s therapist can help them identify their triggers and develop coping skills to manage panic attacks more effectively.
• Social anxiety — Through group activities and therapy sessions, your teen can learn social skills and strategies to overcome social anxiety.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — Your teen’s therapist can teach your teen techniques to help manage intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

• Mood disorders — An RTC Short-Term Option can benefit mood disorders such as:
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) — A Short-Term Option can offer immediate stabilization and equip your teen with the tools to manage symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness and low motivation.
• Bipolar disorder — Your teen’s therapist can help teens identify mood swings and develop strategies to manage manic and depressive episodes. 
• Complicated grief — If your teen is struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, a Short-Term Option can offer them support and guidance. 
• Trauma-related disorders — A Short-Term Option program at a Residential Treatment Center can help if your teen struggles with a trauma-related disorder, including:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — A Short-Term Option program can provide a safe space for your teen to process traumatic experiences and develop coping skills for managing flashbacks and nightmares.
• Dissociative disorders — Your teen’s therapist can help them understand and manage symptoms of dissociation, such as feeling disconnected from their body or thoughts.

Choosing the right path for your teen can feel overwhelming. However, exploring a Short-Term Option in a Residential Treatment Center can provide a focused intervention and a smooth transition to ongoing support. 

Lightfully Teen’s Short Term-Option in one of our Residential Treatment Centers can be a springboard for your teen’s success

At Lightfully Teen, we understand that every teen’s journey toward healing is unique. That’s why we use a whole-person-centered care approach to address not just their mental health concerns, but also their social, emotional and physical well-being. Through this approach, we focus on equipping your teen with the tools they need to manage challenges and navigate life’s complexities. In our Short-Term Option, we’ll work together to develop a personalized plan that empowers your teen to reach their full potential and live a happy, healthy life. 

Change is possible. When they’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.