Therapeutic Programs and Group Homes for Troubled Girls

By Amanda Shaw (New York, NY)

The transition from childhood to adolescence is challenging for many young girls. Everyone copes differently; however, teen girls increasingly indulge in careless and impulsive behaviors. Most young people are uninformed about the long-term mental and physical hazards of experimenting with drugs, alcohol, unsafe sexual activity, and other reckless actions. Because the female brain does not fully develop until the early 20s, many teen girls engaging in dangerous behaviors are oblivious to their risks.

As a parent, it can be challenging to admit that your child may need to spend time in a therapeutic institution such as an all-girl boarding school or group home for troubled girls. But seeking professional treatment is never something to be ashamed of but rather an act of strength. Rebellious behavior in teen girls must be taken seriously to prevent the development of lifelong problems.

Since the 1970s, the number of women in state prisons in the U.S. has grown at over twice the men’s prison population. As of 2018, the population of women in prison was nine times larger than in 1978, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Many of these women enter prison with a history of abuse, trauma, and mental health issues. To give one example, early intervention in troubled girls’ lives is essential in preventing more severe consequences later, such as eventual incarceration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among teenage girls has doubled since 2007. In addition, depression among teen girls has also significantly increased from 12% in 2011 to 20% in 2017, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 

Today’s prevalence of social media and unrealistic beauty standards also significantly increase mental health issues among young women. So, although teen moodiness and apathy are relatively typical, monitoring problematic behavior frequency and intensity is vital. Recurring or worsening behavior may indicate more serious mental health issues. Since many teens are reluctant to confide in others, especially their parents, about unhappy and uncomfortable emotions, keeping a watchful eye is critical.

Although suicide and incarceration may seem like extreme examples, behavioral and emotional problems can escalate over time when left untreated. The sooner treatment is begun, the sooner your teen girl can start to heal. In many cases, the most effective treatment programs can be found in alternative schooling options, such as all-girls boarding schools or military schools for girls. With the help of highly individualized care and a fresh start away from home, girls can get back on track academically, physically, and mentally.

Young women who benefit from enrollment at an all-girl boarding school or group home for troubled girls struggle with some form of behavioral problem. Some common behavioral or emotional issues among teen girls include:

• • Anxiety disorders (ex. PTSD)
• • Depression
• • Substance abuse
• • Self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts
• • Learning disorders (ex. ADHD or ADD)
• • Eating disorders
• • Bipolar disorder

Your daughter can access various therapy options in a specialized therapeutic boarding school. Therapeutic group homes for troubled girls typically maintain small numbers of residents at all times, and each teen is given a treatment plan designed for their specific needs. Residents spend time working with licensed mental health professionals and participate in both individual therapy and group therapy. Typically, the classification and severity of a teen’s behavior determine the length of time spent in a group home. Several family therapy sessions are recommended toward the end of a resident’s stay to ensure a smooth transition back into the household.

Rather than aiming solely to prevent negative behavior, group homes for troubled girls work with residents to understand the underlying causes influencing their choices. Only after identification of the emotions and trauma which lead to behavioral issues can effective rehabilitation take place. Then, over the course of months or even weeks, girls acquire the tools to understand and overcome negative behaviors.

Group homes for troubled girls strive to create a comfortable, home-like environment for the residents. Homes are run by qualified, experienced staff members who strive to create a secure and nurturing environment for residents. These institutions recognize the importance of providing stability for troubled teen girls. Whether your child is enrolled at a therapeutic boarding school for girls or an all-girls boarding school, her rehabilitation will be founded upon a highly structured routine. Group homes implement a daily schedule, with specific time allotted to therapy, recreational activities, academics, and chores.

Residential therapy programs may range from art to animal therapy to wilderness. Some group homes for troubled girls have equine or adventure therapy options. Girls are also expected to make up for missed or below-par academic credits, work toward earning a high school diploma, and prepare for life after graduation, either in the workforce or secondary educational institutions. Many troubled teens were once successful students. These programs aim to help residents rediscover and reach their full academic potential.

Group homes and therapeutic boarding schools can also emphasize the development of life skills—budgeting, laundry, cooking, and cleaning—to teach the importance of self-sufficiency and responsibility. In addition, girls are expected to work together to maintain order and cleanliness in the home. Many boarding schools and group homes for troubled girls also encourage participation in community service. Through ongoing teamwork, residents develop social skills and learn to treat one another with kindness. Removed from co-ed public school settings, girls can focus on self-improvement without distraction. In this supportive environment, young women learn to act in their best interest and treat peers and authority figures respectfully.

In short, these programs can provide a second chance at life for many adolescent women.  Struggling through the extremes of your child’s behavioral and emotional outbursts as a parent can be heartbreaking, but the situation is never hopeless. Help is available. Above all, any child who receives professional treatment in a group home or boarding school for troubled girls is fortunate to have parents with their best interests at heart.

About the Author:  Amanda F. Shaw is a graduate with Honors from New York University, majoring in Journalism and English and a minor in Political Science. She was the Managing Editor of English and Drama Review at NYU and the Copyeditor of Washington Square News.