Learn More About
Treatment Options

Search our Directory of programs including wilderness, residential treatment, and therapeutic boarding schools.
Only programs affiliated with nationally recognized organizations are included in this directory. These organizations do not generally accredit, but set standards for treatment and staff. Programs are licensed at the state level.
The best way to assess a program is to ask questions and speak with other parents. As our platform grows, we plan to add the ability for parents to review programs so that you can read the experiences of other parents. For now, reach out to the community if you have questions.
View directory

TYPES OF PROGRAMS

Treatment Options — What are they?

Residential Treatments

An immersive treatment program designed to help your child heal in a safe and structured setting with intensive therapeutic services.
Find out more

Wilderness Programs

Outdoor experiential learning that takes teens off the grid to begin to connect with nature, with other teens, and start intensive therapy.
Find out more

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Similar to a more traditional boarding school but with wrap-around therapeutic services built into the educational components.
Find out more

Young Adult Transition Programs

Similar to residential treatment programs or therapeutic boarding schools but for young adults age 18 – 34.
Find out more

Here’s what’s good to know

Are you considering sending your child to a treatment program?

Finding a program you can trust

Questions you should ask and facts you should know as you evaluate programs.
Understanding Accreditation
Assessing
a program

Types of Therapy

Learn about common types of therapy for teens.

See Types
of Therapy

What to expect and consider

Frequently asked questions and important answers.
Go to FAQs

How to handle transitions

Information about transitions from one program to another.
Learn about transitions

Are you considering sending your child to a treatment program?

A TEC CAN:

What is a TEC?
(Therapeutic Education Consultant)

Education consultants are typically licensed professionals that help parents/guardians assess whether a child would benefit from more intensive care and, if so, which program would be the best fit. They know the programs, visit them and understand what issues they specialize in treating.

Save you time, and be a trustworthy expert on your side

Spend time with your family to understand your specific needs

Find and recommend a program that is right for your family

Find a TEC

Does this all feel overwhelming? Consider hiring a TEC.
View directory

PARENT STORIES

dad and teen son outdoor

"I am the parent of a son who has struggled since early adolescence with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. After years of therapy, and more recently, a wilderness program followed by a year at a residential treatment program, he is doing significantly better. He now has the tools he needed to help him cope and even thrive. With all the talk about mental health in this country, the scandal is the lack of resources for parents looking for help."

— Robert, parent

Want to hear what experts have to say?

Click here
Instagram Linkedin Facebook

Get urgent support from a crisis service:
If this is an emergency, please call 911.

Instagram Linkedin Facebook

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Here are some other resources you may find useful.

For more information on navigating a crisis, see our Navigating a Crisis page.

Medical and Health Disclaimer: ShineTogether does not provide medical advice. All content on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please contact a medical professional if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

© ShineTogether. 2023. All rights reserved.
Scroll to Top