Impulse Control Therapy for Teens
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment facility for teen boys ages 14-17. We provide trauma-based clinical therapy, outdoor adventure, individualized academics, and opportunities for self-growth and spiritual development to help teen boys regulate impulsive behavior.
Treating Impulse Control & Behavioral Problems in Teens
Impulsive behaviors in teenagers can manifest as difficulty in delaying gratification, acting without thinking about the consequences, and engaging in risky activities. Therapeutic intervention can help when this type of behavior becomes a danger to the teen or those around him.
Impulse control treatment for teens involves various therapeutic strategies and interventions aimed at helping adolescents learn to manage and regulate impulsive behaviors.
At Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch, we provide a variety of therapeutic modalities designed to help teens recognize and regulate impulsive behavior.
✔ Individual, Family, and Group Therapy Sessions Led by Licensed Christian Therapists
✔ 24-Hour Nursing and Medication Management
✔ Individualized Academics with Support for Behavior-Driven Learning Needs
✔ Daily Opportunities for Skill-Building with Intentional Activity Debriefs
Understanding High-Risk, Impulsive Behavior in Teens
Impulsive behavior, or the inclination to take action suddenly and without forethought or consideration of the consequences, can be dangerous. In teens, this type of impulsivity can stem from ongoing development of the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for decision-making.
When impulsive behavior becomes frequent and is often paired with risk-seeking tendencies, the outcomes become increasingly dangerous.
Impulsive risk-seeking behavior might look like a teen that is experimenting with drugs. He might use often or try different combinations of drugs to produce a more intense high without considering the legal, health, or personal consequences. As a result of impulsive behavior, he is putting himself at risk for developing a life controlling addiction or suffering an overdose or personal injury resulting from his substance abuse.
Or, impulsive risk-seeking behavior might look like any number of other potentially detrimental activities like:
● Promiscuous Sexual Behavior
● Disordered Eating Habits
● Bullying, Aggression, or Fighting
● Self-Harm & Suicidal Behaviors
● Reckless or Impaired Driving
● Theft, Vandalism, or Criminal Activity
● Excessive Screen Time or Technology Abuse
Like any other dependency, your teen may become agitated or defensive when confronted about his impulsive behavior. It’s important to remember that impulse control may be a normal developmental delay during the teen years due to typical brain development.
However, extreme or patterned behavior may indicate deeper underlying mental health needs. If you’re concerned about your teens behavior, talk with a therapist to determine the most appropriate level of care for your son’s needs.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 for immediate help.
When is Residential Therapeutic Treatment Necessary for Teens with Behavior Problems?
When your teens’ impulsive behavior is creating problems at home, help is available. A long-term residential therapy program can be an effective way to treat impulse control and behavior regulation problems by providing a safe space and structured growth opportunities.
Long-term residential treatment may be an option when:
● Symptoms severely impact social, academic, or occupational function.
● The diagnosis is co-occurring with other mental health or behavioral conditions.
● Outpatient treatment options have previously failed.
● Teens are engaging in high-risk behaviors with an immediate threat to themselves or others.
Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch for Impulse Control Therapy
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch provides a holistic, Christ-centered therapeutic intervention designed to stabilize behaviors, engage teens in therapeutic treatment, address root cause mental health issues, and build skills for long-term success.
Our impulse control treatment program focuses on helping boys understand their emotions and build skills that support healthier decision making. Our clinical team uses psychological evaluation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, along with a variety of facilitated opportunities to grow personally and spiritually.
Effective, evidence-based treatment with a holistic approach designed to change lives and renew families.
Healthy habits. Healthy relationships. Healthy recovery.
Speak to our admissions team today and learn more about how we can help your teen build healthier coping strategies.
