Keeping your child safe and healthy often requires a parent to make difficult choices. Sometimes, youth are faced with serious psychiatric problems. Their behavior can be unpredictable, difficult to manage, and even dangerous. Indeed, certain psychological issues cannot be managed successfully at home. As a parent or guardian, you have limited resources. A residential setting can provide the support and treatment necessary for your child to succeed. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering whether a child requires residential treatment:
Explore Community Based Treatment First
It is important to exhaust other resources before you commit to residential treatment. Have you tried community services, such as outpatient psychotherapy and medication? Is your child receiving appropriate special education services in school? Although a psychiatric residential treatment facility is a positive therapeutic environment, it is not something you want to explore until you have first obtained help within your community.
Parent/Guardian Involvement is Essential
It is imperative that parents are involved in their child’s treatment. As a parent or guardian, you need to understand the problems facing your child and be able to intervene appropriately. A psychiatric residential facility will ask for you to participate in family-based treatment to help you cope with and manage your child’s behavior. Additionally, it is important that kids know you continue to be concerned about their well-being. Children will eventually leave the residential setting and need assistance reentering society. Your involvement is integral to ensure a smooth transition.
Do What is Best for Your Family
Most children do not want to leave home, even if they are greatly struggling in their present environment. As a parent or guardian, you are likely to feel guilty about the prospect of sending them away to receive help. Don’t let you or your child’s feelings get in the way of what is best for your children. A psychiatric center has the staff and resources necessary to help your child work on their problems in a structured therapeutic environment. Further, consult your child’s school, and other involved professionals, for recommendations as to whether residential treatment is the best choice for you.
Learn More About Residential Treatment
At Pathway Family Services we want to help your family succeed. Thus, if you feel like your child may benefit from residential treatment please contact us.