Troubled teens can address their issues in a variety of settings.
In addition to educational challenges and peer pressures, today's teens can experience a number of problems. These difficulties may include eating disorders, drug addiction, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, pregnancy and relationship issues, and other special needs. Parents whose children struggle with any of these issues might consider sending their child to a school for troubled teens, of which there are a number in Georgia. Schools for troubled teens can include boarding schools, military academies, boot camps, outdoor wilderness programs and facilities that follow therapeutic regimens to address emotional issues.
Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge
Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge provides behavioral therapy for troubled teens dealing with a range of issues. These problems may include truancy, fighting, drug and/or alcohol addiction and social issues like depression and promiscuity. The academy accepts children of both genders from age 10 to 18 and treatment consists of individual, group and family therapy along with psychiatric evaluation. Eckerd's accredited educational offerings conform to national standards and can be tailored to meet the requirements of special needs children. Once enrolled, children will live and study in facilities built in a wooded area in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Enrollees can ride horseback, hike, bike and explore the mountain and its caves. Length of stay averages 12 months.
Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge
4970 Camp Road
Suches, GA 30572
304-308-1571
eckerdacademy.com
Ridge Creek
Troubled teens in grades 7 through 12 can enroll for the 28-day therapy program offered by Ridge Creek in Georgia. Counselors have designed this program for students suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder, a behavior problem that occurs when teens challenge authority, lash out, shift blame for actions to others and generally exhibit anger and resentful emotions. During Ridge Creek's cognitive-centered outdoor therapy program, teens work individually with counselors and in groups to learn self-reliance, control self-destructive behaviors, leadership and confidence. Ridge Creek only admits four to 12 teens during each session.
Ridge Creek
830 Hidden Lake Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-867-1720
ridgecreek.org
Second Nature Blue Ridge
Parents of troubled teens aged 11 to 17 can enroll their children at Second Nature Blue Ridge's outdoor therapy program in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, children work with their parents and counselors in group and individual settings to address problems ranging from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and addiction to bipolar disorder and learning difficulties. Second Nature prides itself on only utilizing counselors who have earned master's or doctoral degrees, and the counselors tailor each program to fit the needs of each student and his or her family. Lengths of stay vary from 6 to 8 weeks.
Second Nature at Blue Ridge
P.O. Box 809
236 File Street
Clayton, GA 30525
706-212-2037
snwp.com
Tags: Blue Ridge, Ridge Creek, Second Nature, Academy Blue, Academy Blue Ridge
