Troubled Teen Assessment

Troubled Teen Assessment:
When Do I Know My Child Needs a Residential Treatment Program?



Troubled Teen AssessmentResidential treatment is a major decision for any family. Determining the right placement at the right time in a child’s life is essential. Many families are confused by the many “professionals” offering advice, however, there are clear and determining factors that point to an obvious need for support at this level. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself:

Select YES or NO to the following questions: over the past 6-12 months, have I observed my child:
1. Withdrawing from family activities, social events, school?   Yes    No
  
2. Unable to manage his or her emotions, displaying angry outbursts or deep sadness?   Yes    No
  
3. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol?   Yes    No
  
4. Unable to take responsibility for bad decisions, often blaming, or lying, regularly?   Yes    No
  
5. Disregarding family rules, not listening to guidelines, ignoring curfews?   Yes    No
  
6. Staying up all night and/or sleeping during the day?   Yes    No
  
7. Hanging out with a negative peer group? Acting promiscuous or irresponsible?   Yes    No
  
8. Not doing homework, letting grades deteriorate?   Yes    No
  
9. Being physically destructive, acting out, punching holes in the wall?   Yes    No
  
10. Expressing suicidal thoughts or plans, cutting or scratching in an attempt to self-harm?   Yes    No
  
11. Ignoring or avoiding any attempt to establish therapeutic interventions?   Yes    No
  
12. Struggling to cope with an attention disorder or a learning disability?   Yes    No
  
13. Isolating with gaming, online social media, or watching videos obsessively?   Yes    No
  
14. Addicted to texting, unable to separate from his/her phone?   Yes    No
  
15. Not eating or eating too much, noticeably gaining or losing weight?   Yes    No
  
16. Leaving the house for 8-10 hours, overnight or for days, without contact?   Yes    No