If you’re curious about the difference between long-term and short-term behavioral therapy, we explain the differences here.
Ozarks Teen Challenge offers a long-term solution to addiction and behavioral issues with your teen. We provide this support through a 9-12 month program, which promotes healing and growth in the areas of the mind, body and soul. Throughout the program, boys learn self-respect, self-restraint and selflessness; these can then be applied in real-life situations.
Unfortunately, not all programs put the time and energy into behavioral therapy as we do, and this can lead to some negative outcomes.
You Get What You Give
“You get what you pay for;” or “you get back what you put in.” If you have ever heard these expressions, then it should come as no surprise that a short-term behavioral therapy will usually only get you short-term results. Learning new behaviors and attitudes takes time. It not only takes a while to absorb them and understand them, but it also takes some time to learn how to practice them.
One major drawback of short-term programs is that the results don’t last; and we have seen this quite often. Boys will come home exhibiting new behaviors, but old habits will pick back up after some time, and everything that has been learned quickly goes down the drain.
Not Enough Time
Another drawback of a short-term facility is that there is insufficient time to learn everything necessary to make permanent life changes. Teens who show behavioral issues often have difficulty trusting new people or putting faith into new practices. Without a lengthy stay, boys won’t bond with counselors, therapists, or each other; and they won’t absorb the materials being taught.
At Ozarks Teen Challenge, we give teens the opportunity to bond with leaders as well as other boys. We believe that learning social and leadership skills through behavioral therapy is an important part of creating behavioral change. It provides room for self-exploration and an increase of self-esteem, which are crucial components in the healing process.
The Behavioral Therapy Becomes Homogenous
When behavioral therapies are short, they lack the time to truly customize a program to each teen’s particular strengths and weaknesses. This creates a homogenous system, which doesn’t always work for every teen. At Ozarks Teen Challenge, we have a 5-phase program, but this program is broken down and applied in different ways for different boys. We have the time we need to determine where your son needs improvement and where he could easily flourish if given the push he needs.
For more information on Ozarks Teen Challenge and our behavioral therapy options, contact us today. A member of our staff is always standing by and is happy to make an appointment for a full consultation and tour of the facilities.
