Treatment comes in a variety of forms, from outpatient counseling to long-term residential treatment. While treatment is a booming business, there are relatively few treatment options specifically tailored for teens, many of which are modeled on adult programs that do not consider significant developmental differences. Aside from the challenge of finding a counselor or facility that is appropriate for your teen, in order to be effective, your teen must be willing to change his or her behavior without being humiliated or coerced into treatment.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Treatment Option

• Thoroughly and critically check out a treatment program or facility before considering it for your teen. Your assessment should include both a planned and spontaneous visit to the facility.
  
  
• What is the facility's philosophy? Is it a 12-step approach, a "boot camp", or do they employ other methods?
  
  
• Once admitted, what kind of communication will you have with your teen? Phone calls? Visits?
  
  
• Is there a family program? If so, what does it look like?
  
  
• What kind of input will you AND your teen have in the process?
  
  
• If there is a difference of opinion between you and the staff, how is that handled?
  
  
• What kind of certification does the staff have, especially those who provide direct services?
  
  
• How does the facility deal with "mistakes" made by your teen? On what grounds could your teen be expelled from the program?
  
  
• What does the confidentiality policy look like?
  
  
• Will your child be able to continue with his or her studies?
  
  
• If your teen is already working with a counselor or therapist, will that professional be allowed to continue his or her work with your teen?
  
  
• What about liability issues? If there are accidents or other untoward events on site, how does the staff deal with that kind of situation?
  
  
• Is there aftercare? Are references available?

Characteristics Needed for Effective Treatment

• Treatment programs and twelve-step models tailored specifically to fit teens
  
  
• Not labeling teens as "addicts"
  
  
• Making family involvement mandatory
  
  
• Thorough monitoring
  
  
• Treating the whole person
  
  
• Providing continued care and proper follow-up
  
  
• Ensuring adequate funding
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Culled from Help at Any Cost by Meredith Maran