Treating Abuse & Neglect in Teen Boys
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment facility for teen boys ages 14-17. We help teens process trauma and heal from childhood abuse or neglect. Our trauma-informed care approach blends clinical therapy with personal and spiritual growth for sustainable, long-term recovery.
Healing Childhood Trauma from Abuse & Neglect
Physical abuse and neglect are common causes of childhood trauma. While the abuse may be isolated to a specific incident or period of time, the emotional impact of the abuse can continue to impact victims throughout their adolescence and into adulthood.
While it can be difficult to understand, physical abuse or neglect often comes from someone we trust to care for, nurture or spend time with a child. The betrayed trust in these relationships can make it difficult for the child to form and maintain relationships. It may also negatively impact self-perception and emotional development.
Trauma-based therapies can provide an effective treatment option for teens struggling with the aftermath of childhood abuse or neglect. Through therapy, teens with a history of abuse or neglect can experience emotional safety and build trust so that they can process what happened, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve how they see themselves and the world around them.
We can provide a safe, therapy-intensive intervention designed to stabilize behavior, treat underlying conditions and equip teens for success.
Individual, Family, and Group Therapy Sessions Led by Licensed, Christian Therapists
Psychiatric Evaluation, Medication Management & 24-Hour Skilled Nursing
Individualized Academics with Support for Behavior-Driven Learning Needs
Immersive, Christ-Centered Environment Fostering Personal & Spiritual Growth
Understanding How Abuse & Neglect Affects Teen Behavior
Unhealed trauma, like that caused by childhood abuse or neglect, can impact development in many different ways. Are you exhausted by your teen’s irresponsible behavior? Do you feel like you are constantly lecturing him about responsibility over and over again and yet it feels like you are talking to a wall?
Maybe you have noticed a sudden decline in academic performance. Your once A-student is now failing multiple classes and you’re not sure why he isn’t applying himself. He has anger issues or is extremely promiscuous and you’re worried.
If your son has experienced abuse or neglect, these behaviors might all be part of a trauma response. Every individual is unique. What they experience and how they experience it, physically and mentally, is unique.
Signs of Trauma in Teen Boys:
Delayed Emotional Development
Major Depressive Episodes
Uncontrolled Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Repeated Expulsions from School
Learning Difficulties
Impaired Problem Solving Skills
Substance Abuse
Aggression & Violence
When Is a Residential Treatment the Right Choice?
Therapy comes in many different forms. The appropriate level of care and type of intervention depend on the situation and the individual. A teenager struggling with anxiety and depression as a result of abuse or neglect might benefit from seeing a therapist on a weekly basis.
Another teen who is having trouble bonding with an outpatient therapist and seems to be escalating behavior, might benefit from an intensive therapeutic placement. Residential therapeutic treatment is often considered when lower levels of care have failed or there is an immediate threat to personal safety for the teen or those around him.
Are behaviors severely impacting daily life?
When incidents begin to severely impact social, academic, or occupational functioning, treatment can help. The process typically begins with outpatient therapy, but if behaviors do not improve, residential treatment can provide a more immersive treatment experience.
Does the teen have more than one co-occurring diagnosis?
When more than one diagnosis is co-occuring, treatment becomes increasingly complex. These individuals often benefit from an immersive, residential treatment program that can tailor services to meet their unique needs. For example, if impulsive behaviors stem from past childhood trauma, a residential placement can support both root-cause interventions and the development of healthier coping strategies to stabilize behaviors.
Have outpatient treatment options previously failed?
For many, outpatient therapy provides enough support to overcome self-harming behaviors. However, if a teens who have previously failed with outpatient services or who have had multiple short-term placements, often benefit from longer-term treatment like a residential program.
Is there an immediate risk of danger?
If behaviors pose an immediate risk to the individual or those around them, placement in a residential treatment program can help keep everyone safe.
Have Previous Treatment Options Failed?
Residential treatment is often most appropriate for individuals who have not seen sustained success with outpatient or short-term treatment options. The immersive, long-term approach of a residential treatment center can provide enhanced structure and support to facilitate an intense focus on recovery.
Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?
We provide holistic therapeutic interventions designed to stabilize behaviors, engage teens in therapeutic treatment, address root cause mental health issues, and build decisions-making and academic skills for long-term success. We only work with teenage boys.
Our approach to treating teens with trauma from abuse or neglect involves a period of therapy-intensive stabilization followed by an immersive routine management and skill-building boarding school environment. At the completion of the residential program, teens receive an additional six months of aftercare support to aid in their recovery transition.
Our six core areas of healing include:
- Clinical Therapy
- Individualized Academics
- Outdoor Adventure
- Equine Therapy
- Family Involvement
- Spiritual Growth
