How We Treat
At Ridge RTC, our intervention strategies are guided by the principles of Positive Youth Development and Ridge Programming, which form an integral aspect of our comprehensive approach.
Ridge RTC places utmost importance on the well-being and growth of our teen’s mental and behavioral health. Recognizing that adolescence is a period of ongoing brain development accompanied by numerous challenges, we provide therapeutic support programs, academic initiatives, and Ridge RTC. These resources empower our teens to handle these new experiences and equip them with essential skills for evolving into healthy, well-balanced adults.
Ridge Programming
Programming at Ridge RTC aims to stabilize, evaluate, and prepare our teens for a happier and more productive life beyond the program.
Ridge RTC’s programming emphasizes a wholesome lifestyle, encompassing aspects such as physical activity, connection with nature, a balanced diet, community involvement, and personal accountability.
Outdoor experiential activities take center stage, complemented by structured, instructor-led sessions in yoga, music, art, and other experiential modalities. To provide more structure and minimize idle time, we offer increased outdoor programming, utilizing the Shortridge trail network for activities like hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. Additionally, our “Base Camp” location features various engaging experiential initiatives.
Positive Youth Development
Positive Youth Development (PYD) represents a paradigm shift in the way we engage with young individuals, moving away from concentrating on their issues and shortcomings. Instead, PYD emphasizes recognizing and fostering the inherent strengths and positive traits of young people (Commission on Positive Youth Development, 2005; Hamilton & Hamilton, 2004).
PYD adopts a strengths-focused approach, employing a comprehensive process that acknowledges and enhances the distinctive and constructive qualities of each young person. Key principles involve:
- Providing support and scaffolding for all youth
- Identifying and developing their strengths
- Involving and engaging young people whenever feasible
- Ensuring caring families and communities are free from problems
- Understanding that being problem-free doesn’t equate to full preparedness
- Recognizing that being fully prepared doesn’t guarantee complete engagement
The primary objective of PYD is to cultivate the 5 Cs – competence, confidence, character, caring, and connections – which will aid young individuals in transitioning to a well-rounded, responsible, and productive adulthood.
PYD offers a positive and proactive alternative to concentrating on problems and deficiencies. Some key advantages of PYD include:
- Involving and empowering youth to develop their strengths and take on leadership roles
- Establishing a shared understanding and rationale for decision-making
- Aligning with research on adolescent brain development and authoritative parenting
- Engaging young people and fostering competence, confidence, and character
- Enhancing self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-discipline
- Promoting nurturing relationships with peers, parents, and other adults
- Strengthening ties with schools and other institutions
- Encouraging goal-setting, healthy decision-making, and lifestyle choices
- Supporting contributions to family and community life
Teen Counseling at Ridge RTC
Teen counseling is a specialized form of therapy tailored for adolescents, aimed at helping them navigate complex emotions and manage any mental health issues. This type of counseling typically involves talk therapy conducted individually with a therapist or counselor.
It’s crucial to establish a secure environment where teens can openly discuss any concerns, ranging from relationship issues to mental health matters. Teen counseling may also incorporate sessions with family members, as involving parents or guardians can be highly advantageous in fostering understanding and improving the overall care provided to the young individual.
At Ridge RTC, therapy plays a vital role in our behavioral healthcare approach. Each teen is assigned a master’s level therapist who attentively listens to their concerns and works closely with each teen and their family to create a personalized plan addressing academic, mental, and behavioral health requirements.
How Does Teen Counseling Help?
Deciding if your teen requires counseling depends on several factors, including their emotional well-being, behavior, and any particular challenges they might be experiencing. If your teen is grappling with emotional difficulties or showing signs such as a significant drop in academic performance, counseling could be advantageous.
Furthermore, if your teen engages in dangerous behaviors, displays indications of self-harm, substance abuse, or voices thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is vital to seek counseling. Therapy can offer a secure and confidential environment for your teen to express their feelings, examine underlying problems, learn coping mechanisms, and receive essential support.
It’s crucial to understand that seeking counseling for your teen signifies your dedication to their overall well-being, not a parenting failure. Consulting with a mental health expert or your teen’s healthcare provider can help you determine if counseling is suitable. They can evaluate your teen’s specific needs and suggest the most appropriate course of action to foster their emotional and psychological development.
Family Involvement at Ridge RTC
Active parental engagement plays a crucial role in predicting a child’s social advancement. Creating a stable environment that fosters learning and achievement, upholding high yet attainable expectations, and participating in school and community activities are essential components of child growth and development. Consistent family involvement promotes the following positive outcomes:
- Boosted self-esteem
- Greater self-confidence
- Enhanced ability to interact successfully with peers
- Better impulse control
- Improved focus and concentration
- Nurturing of positive values
At Ridge RTC, we prioritize family collaboration and parental education on fostering healthy boundaries. Grounded in research on adolescent brain development and successful family dynamics, we champion an interdependent approach. Our focus is on fortifying healthy boundaries while steering clear of the pitfalls of enmeshment.
Central to our family therapy program is skill development. We guide families in reimagining the parent-child relationship, leading to improved outcomes and positive interactions. These benefits extend well beyond their time in our program, enhancing off-campus visits, home life, and even long after graduation.
Find Help at Ridge RTC
Ridge RTC values collaboration with everyone involved in your teen’s development. This includes teens, parents, and therapists. Together, we develop specialized treatment plans and ensure your teens are prepared to overcome any challenges. Our residential treatment center for teens can also help strengthen the family unit. Call our team at Ridge RTC today to learn more about our programs for teens.
Megan, now the Medical Director at Ridge RTC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a rich history in medical and mental health services. Her journey includes six years as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and a transformative tenure at Shortridge Academy. Starting as a student mentor at Shortridge in 2012, she climbed the ranks to become Residential Manager, a role that had her creating student trips and managing the residential environment. Before embarking on her medical career, Megan championed the cause of those with severe mental illness as a Case Manager at a community agency.
Ridge RTC is part of the Altior Healthcare family of mental health treatment providers.