
- Mental Health Conditions We Treat
- How We Treat
- Teen and Adolescent Mental Health Treatment Modalities
- Positive Youth Development
- Specific Signs Indicating Your Teen Needs Residential Treatment
- Tips for Parents Considering Residential Treatment for Teens
- Other Mental Health Resources
- Take the First Step
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
Our counseling and residential therapeutic services can be a lifesaver for adolescents struggling with one or more mental health conditions. Each of our mental health facilities for teens employs skilled professionals who can guide your child as they navigate challenges, such as:
Persistent and severe worries, irritability, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Includes generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and acute stress disorder.
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control.
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Trauma-related symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Alternating episodes of mania and depression.
Intense emotional instability, difficulty in relationships, and impulsive behavior.
Anorexia, bulimia, and other disordered eating patterns.
Persistent patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress
Persistent pattern of defiant, hostile behavior toward authority figures.
Serious behavioral problems including aggression and rule violations.
Compulsive gaming that interferes with daily functioning and relationships
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks.
Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance.
Deliberate self-injury or thoughts of suicide.
Dependence on alcohol or drugs, or problems with consumption.
How We Treat
At our residential treatment centers for teens in Maine and New Hampshire, patients receive compassionate mental health services and a safe, nurturing environment where they can work toward healing. Our teen mental health treatment programs place heavy emphasis on family involvement, meaning we also provide parents and caregivers with all the ongoing resources they need as they invest in future health and happiness for their loved one post-treatment.
Key features of our approach include:
Family Involvement: We place a strong emphasis on including parents and caregivers, providing them with ongoing resources to help support their loved one’s health and happiness both during and after treatment.
Personalized Care: Each teen receives dedicated attention tailored to their individual needs, strengths, and challenges.


Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies: Our treatment plans incorporate a range of proven therapeutic practices, such as:
A multi-phased approach that supports teens through each stage of recovery.
- Skill-building: Our patients learn vital emotional and behavioral skills and maintain a portfolio that helps document their progress.
- Controlled practice: Teens apply newly acquired skills in a controlled environment, reinforcing their learning.
- Real-life application: Our teens continue to utilize these lessons in their daily lives.
Ridge RTC also emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition from our program into post-treatment life. Our specialized transition curriculum helps teens maintain their progress while preparing for future challenges. We’re honored to work alongside families as they guide their loved ones on the path to success.
POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Ridge Teen Mental Health treatment centers encourage and empower teens throughout their healing journey. By focusing on their existing strengths and developing healthy new skills, we create an environment where our patients can truly thrive. This includes a comprehensive approach to teen mental health treatment based on therapeutic support, physical activities, and personal hobbies.
Examples of extracurricular activities include hiking and art, both of which are known to improve mental health. By offering a well-rounded experience, we aim to foster the growth and well-being of our teens, setting them up for success in all aspects of their lives.


Specific Signs Indicating Your Teen Needs Residential Treatment
Many parents struggle with knowing when their teens’ difficulties have progressed beyond what outpatient therapy can address. Consider residential treatment if your teen is experiencing any of the following:
Safety Concerns:
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts
- Self-harm behaviors that are escalating or frequent
- Threats of violence toward others
- Reckless behaviors that put them or others at risk
Severe Functional Impairment:
- Complete school refusal or inability to function academically
- Isolation from all friends and family members
- Inability to perform basic self-care tasks
- Significant sleep or eating disruptions
Failed Outpatient Treatment:
- Multiple unsuccessful attempts at outpatient therapy
- Inability to engage meaningfully in treatment
- Symptoms that continue to worsen despite intervention
- Family dynamics that interfere with progress

Before committing to residential treatment, make sure you’re aware of your teen’s psychological and educational needs. Consult with a primary care physician, therapist, or other mental health professional if you need to.
Look for programs with Joint Commission accreditation, memberships, and state licensing. Staff should be properly credentialed, experienced in their fields, and trained to provide evidence-based care as well.
Ask about treatment approaches, length of stay, family involvement, daily structure, academics, safety protocols, and anything else relevant to your teen’s needs.
If possible, visit the residential facility in person. Tour the grounds, meet the staff, and take note of the overall atmosphere. If an in-person visit isn’t an option, take virtual tours, speak directly with staff, and check reviews or testimonials from past patients and families. Above all, trust your gut about whether it feels like a safe, supportive, and appropriate environment.
Other Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Treatment FAQs
Mental Health Resources for Teens and Parents
Finding the Right Teen Mental Health Treatment
Mental Health Tips for Parents and Family Members
Take the First Step
At our teen mental health treatment facilities, we encourage clients and their families to fully engage as partners in the creation and implementation of individualized treatment plans. We also welcome active collaboration with therapists or treatment professionals your child may already be working with.