Navigating Reactive Attachment Disorder in Teens
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment facility for teen boys struggling substance abuse, poor mental health, and maladaptive behaviors. For many, difficult and defiant behaviors are rooted in trauma and can be healed with help.
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder & How is it Treated in Teens?
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a condition rooted in early neglect or trauma, leading to difficulties forming healthy emotional bonds. Teens with RAD often struggle to trust others and may exhibit behaviors like intense anger, withdrawal, or a lack of empathy.
They might resist closeness, avoid eye contact, or act out aggressively when faced with affection or authority. For example, a teen boy with RAD may sabotage relationships by lying or stealing or become overly independent, refusing help even when needed. These behaviors stem from deep-seated fears of rejection, making early intervention and therapy crucial for healing.
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 Behaviors Associated with RADs in Teen Boys
When behavior problems manifest with a lack of empathy or understanding, it can become increasingly challenging for parents to connect with their teens. Often, this looks like a young man who is superficially charming with strangers but hostile and disengaged at home with family.
The duality of the different personas creates more confusion and misunderstanding as parents try to correct defiant behaviors with traditional tactics. With professional help, these teens can work on emotional regulation, rebuilding trust, and building healthy relationships.
Common Therapies for Reactive Attachment Disorder Include:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Parent Training & Support
Family Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Social Skills Training
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
When Is a Residential Treatment the Right Choice?
Residential treatment can be the right choice for teens with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) when their behaviors and emotional challenges are so severe that they cannot be safely or effectively addressed at home or in outpatient therapy.
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?
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a dual-diagnosis mental health treatment facility with a Christ-centered, trauma-based approach. We help boys with complex mental health struggles resulting from early childhood trauma.
Our program provides stabilization, skill-building, and transition support so that your son can work on regulating emotional responses, learning to build trust, and sustain healthy relationships with family and peers, enabling future success.
Our six core areas of healing include:
- Clinical Therapy
- Individualized Academics
- Outdoor Adventure
- Equine Therapy
- Family Involvement
- Spiritual Growth
