Watching your teen struggle with their mental health can be one of the hardest things you do as a parent, and getting them the right level of help can be one of the most important. 

Residential treatment facilities provide comprehensive care in a home-like environment, with stays generally lasting around 30 to 90 days. Depending on your child’s needs, they can be the best option for ensuring they get intensive support in a recovery-focused environment. However, not all residential facilities are equal in terms of quality, care, and services. 

Your child’s well-being is, and will always be, the biggest consideration when it comes to making decisions for their health. Below, we’re sharing questions to ask residential treatment facilities as you narrow down your choices, with targeted inquiries that let you know you’re making the right decision for your teen and their future. 

Understanding Teen Residential Treatment Facilities

A residential treatment center (RTC) for teens offers intensive, round-the-clock mental health care for the treatment of a wide variety of mental health disorders, as well as co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) and behavioral issues. 

Types of conditions that may be treated in an RTC include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, mood and personality disorders, and eating disorders. 

Because adolescents live at the facility during treatment, they receive truly immersive therapeutic care and an opportunity to escape the triggers of the outside world. At Ridge RTC, for example, clients undergo regular one-on-one and group counseling sessions throughout the week, all centered around a personalized treatment plan and an ultimately successful transition back to their everyday lives. 

Key Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Teen in a Residential Treatment Program

Choosing a residential mental health program is a big decision. We recommend going through the questions below with any RTC for teens you are considering, plus adding to the list as needed to ensure you can make the most informed decision possible. 

About the Facility

These questions will help you get a feel for the residential facility itself, including its legitimacy and general approach to teen mental health treatment. 

• What is the facility’s licensing and accreditation status?
• What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
• What are the qualifications and credentials of the staff?
• What is the facility’s philosophy and treatment approach?

Treatment Programs

At Ridge RTC for adolescents, we strongly believe in providing each resident with a completely personalized treatment plan. Any high-quality facility will do the same and will be able to discuss with you how they assess your child’s status and design a custom treatment plan. 

• What types of therapies are offered?
• What is the assessment process, and how are treatment plans customized for each teen?
• What is the role of the family in the treatment process?
• How is progress measured and communicated to the family?

Safety and Environment

Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance, and you need to be completely confident that they’ll be in good hands prior to admitting them into a facility’s care. 

• What measures are in place to ensure the safety of residents?
• How are medical emergencies handled?
• What is the policy on medication management?

Daily Life and Education

Life is different in a residential program, but it doesn’t stop. Clients at an RTC for teens benefit from routines and recreation, and many also get ongoing academic support throughout their stay. 

• What does a typical day look like for a resident?
• How are educational needs met, and what are the credentials of the teachers?
• What recreational activities are available?

Post-Treatment Support

The right support can make all the difference as your child transitions out of residential care and should be discussed long before they get to that point. 

• What aftercare services are provided?
• How does the facility prepare teens for reentry into their home and school environments?
• Are there resources for ongoing support and follow-up?

Practical Considerations

These questions speak to the logistical side of choosing a residential program. Ask follow-up questions as needed, such as inquiries into financial aid and travel considerations.

• How long is residential treatment at this facility? 
• How much does the program cost, and is my insurance accepted?
• Are tours available? 
• Is it possible to speak to alumni families?

Final Takeaways

The more thorough your questions, the more information you’ll have as you decide on a program for your child. Whether at Ridge RTC for teens or elsewhere, we encourage you to visit facilities in person, speak with staff, and verify your insurance before making your decision. Ready to start your search? Browse program websites to learn more about who, what, and how they treat, then contact multiple facilities and compare answers to the questions above so you know you’re making the right choice.