September 29, 2025 • 5 mins
Virginia teens are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, with nearly half of public school students reporting mental health needs. But residential treatment programs are proving surprisingly effective where traditional therapy falls short—here's what's making the difference.More information is available at https://missionprephealthcare.com/locations/virginia/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly help
a teenager struggling with mental health issues. The statistics in
Virginia are pretty eye opening. Nearly half of public school
students report mental health needs. That's a crisis we need.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
To talk about, absolutely. And what's even more concerning is
that about fifty six percent of young people who experience
major depressive episodes receive no treatment whatsoever. There's clearly a
significant gap between those needing help and those actually getting it.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
That's staggering. What makes residential treatment stand out as a
solution here, well, the.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Key difference is the immersive nature of the care. You know,
Unlike weekly therapy sessions or medication management alone, residential programs
provide twenty four to seven professional support in a structured environment.
This means teens can focus entirely on their recovery without
the usual daily distractions and negative influences.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Makes sense, I imagine having that conce and support must
be really beneficial.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Exactly, and what's particularly effective is how these programs can
address multiple conditions simultaneously. Many teens aren't just dealing with say,
anxiety alone. They might also be struggling with depression or trauma.
Residential treatment allows for a more holistic approach.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
I've heard that academic support is also integrated into these programs.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
How does that work right? That's actually one of the
most important aspects. The best programs ensure that education doesn't
stop during treatment. Teens can continue working toward their graduation
requirements while developing emotional regulation skills. It's truly a comprehensive
method for recovery.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
That's a great point. We'll come back to that in
just a moment, but first a quick word from our sponsor.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
At Mission Prep. We recognize the challenges families face when
dealing with teen mental health issues. Our residential treatment centers
in Virginia offer thorough care through specialized programs that address
the entire family system with gender specific housing, experiential therapies,
and integrated academic support. We're dedicated to preparing teens for
(02:13):
life's challenges while giving families the fresh start they need.
Visit us at Mission Prep Healthcare dot com to learn
more about our approach to sustainable change.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Thanks for that. Now, when families are looking for a
residential treatment program, what should they prioritize?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
There are really three main things to consider. First, the
program's specific approach to treatment, second, the qualifications of the staff,
and third the overall environment. You know, it should feel
more like a supportive home than an institution.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
I understand that family involvement plays a significant role too.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Oh definitely. Research consistently shows that family involvement significantly improves
treatment outcomes. Good programs include regular family therapy sessions, support
groups for parents and siblings, and tools to improve communication
patterns at home.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Have you seen how these programs handle technology dependents? That
seems to be a growing concern.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Mm hmm, it's become a huge issue. The best programs
help teams develop a balanced relationship with technology while addressing
the underlying anxiety or social challenges that often drive excessive
screen time. They'll typically incorporate digital wellness education and gradually
reintegrate healthy technology use.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
What about the cost factor? I mean, this type of
treatment can be pretty expensive.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Right, Yeah, you're looking at around five the six four
five six daughters for a thirteen week program in Virginia.
But here's the thing. Many facilities accept various insurance plans
and offer financial assistance options. Some even provide sliding scale
fees or payment plans for families facing financial hardship.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Speaking from your experience, what kind of long term benefits
do you typically see?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
You know, I've seen three major areas of improvement, better
emotional regulation, stronger academic performance, and improved social skills. But
what's really fascinating is how these programs help build psychological
resilience that lasts well beyond the treatment period.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Can you share a specific example of transformation you've witnessed well.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
I remember working with a teen who came in struggling
with severe anxiety and technology addiction. Through the structured environment
and experiential therapies like art and adventure programs, we saw
this amazing transformation. Within weeks, they were developing new coping
mechanisms and actually enjoying face to face interactions.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Again, sounds like these programs really focus on the whole.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
Person absolutely, and that's what makes them so effective. When
you combine professional support, peer interaction, and family involvement, you
create this powerful foundation for long term recovery and growth.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
For our listeners who might be considering residential treatment for
their teens, what would be your final piece of advice?
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Visit the facility in person if possible, Talk to the staff,
understand their approach, and make sure it feels like the
right fit for your team. Remember you're not just looking
for immediate crisis management, You're investing in your child's future
well being.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Thank you for sharing such valuable insights today. For our
listeners who want to learn more about residential treatment options,
you can visit Mission Prep at mission prep healthcare dot com.
They provide support for teens and families facing mental health challenges.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Thanks for having me and Yes, I hope this helps
families understand they're not alone in this situation.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly help
a teenager struggling with mental health issues. The statistics in
Virginia are pretty eye opening. Nearly half of public school
students report mental health needs. That's a crisis we need.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
To talk about, absolutely. And what's even more concerning is
that about fifty six percent of young people who experience
major depressive episodes receive no treatment whatsoever. There's clearly a
significant gap between those needing help and those actually getting it.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
That's staggering. What makes residential treatment stand out as a
solution here, well, the.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Key difference is the immersive nature of the care. You know,
Unlike weekly therapy sessions or medication management alone, residential programs
provide twenty four to seven professional support in a structured environment.
This means teens can focus entirely on their recovery without
the usual daily distractions and negative influences.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Makes sense, I imagine having that conce and support must
be really beneficial.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Exactly, and what's particularly effective is how these programs can
address multiple conditions simultaneously. Many teens aren't just dealing with say,
anxiety alone. They might also be struggling with depression or trauma.
Residential treatment allows for a more holistic approach.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
I've heard that academic support is also integrated into these programs.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
How does that work right? That's actually one of the
most important aspects. The best programs ensure that education doesn't
stop during treatment. Teens can continue working toward their graduation
requirements while developing emotional regulation skills. It's truly a comprehensive
method for recovery.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
That's a great point. We'll come back to that in
just a moment, but first a quick word from our sponsor.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
At Mission Prep. We recognize the challenges families face when
dealing with teen mental health issues. Our residential treatment centers
in Virginia offer thorough care through specialized programs that address
the entire family system with gender specific housing, experiential therapies,
and integrated academic support. We're dedicated to preparing teens for
(02:13):
life's challenges while giving families the fresh start they need.
Visit us at Mission Prep Healthcare dot com to learn
more about our approach to sustainable change.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Thanks for that. Now, when families are looking for a
residential treatment program, what should they prioritize?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
There are really three main things to consider. First, the
program's specific approach to treatment, second, the qualifications of the staff,
and third the overall environment. You know, it should feel
more like a supportive home than an institution.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
I understand that family involvement plays a significant role too.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Oh definitely. Research consistently shows that family involvement significantly improves
treatment outcomes. Good programs include regular family therapy sessions, support
groups for parents and siblings, and tools to improve communication
patterns at home.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Have you seen how these programs handle technology dependents? That
seems to be a growing concern.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Mm hmm, it's become a huge issue. The best programs
help teams develop a balanced relationship with technology while addressing
the underlying anxiety or social challenges that often drive excessive
screen time. They'll typically incorporate digital wellness education and gradually
reintegrate healthy technology use.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
What about the cost factor? I mean, this type of
treatment can be pretty expensive.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Right, Yeah, you're looking at around five the six four
five six daughters for a thirteen week program in Virginia.
But here's the thing. Many facilities accept various insurance plans
and offer financial assistance options. Some even provide sliding scale
fees or payment plans for families facing financial hardship.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Speaking from your experience, what kind of long term benefits
do you typically see?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
You know, I've seen three major areas of improvement, better
emotional regulation, stronger academic performance, and improved social skills. But
what's really fascinating is how these programs help build psychological
resilience that lasts well beyond the treatment period.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Can you share a specific example of transformation you've witnessed well.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
I remember working with a teen who came in struggling
with severe anxiety and technology addiction. Through the structured environment
and experiential therapies like art and adventure programs, we saw
this amazing transformation. Within weeks, they were developing new coping
mechanisms and actually enjoying face to face interactions.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Again, sounds like these programs really focus on the whole.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
Person absolutely, and that's what makes them so effective. When
you combine professional support, peer interaction, and family involvement, you
create this powerful foundation for long term recovery and growth.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
For our listeners who might be considering residential treatment for
their teens, what would be your final piece of advice?
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Visit the facility in person if possible, Talk to the staff,
understand their approach, and make sure it feels like the
right fit for your team. Remember you're not just looking
for immediate crisis management, You're investing in your child's future
well being.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Thank you for sharing such valuable insights today. For our
listeners who want to learn more about residential treatment options,
you can visit Mission Prep at mission prep healthcare dot com.
They provide support for teens and families facing mental health challenges.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Thanks for having me and Yes, I hope this helps
families understand they're not alone in this situation.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.