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How Do I Get My Child into Residential Treatment?

a parent enrolls her child into residential treatment for mental health struggles

If you are asking yourself how to get your child into residential treatment, you are concerned for your child’s well-being and want to get them the best help possible. In this blog, we will talk about some of the common reasons your child needs a residential treatment program and how to enroll. A residential program is essential if your child is struggling with depressive or anxiety symptoms that are causing a significant disruption to their education and development.

HillsidesCares welcomes children and adolescents who are struggling with generalized anxiety disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other mental health concerns. You can enroll in a youth residential treatment center by talking with our team so that we can evaluate your child and develop a comprehensive program based on their unique symptoms.

How Do I Get My Child into Residential Treatment?

If you are wondering how to get your child into residential treatment, you are not alone. In the U.S., one in five children report having a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder.1 Enrolling your child in a residential treatment program can feel like a daunting task, but doing so can greatly improve their ability to manage their symptoms and triggers. This program uses behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to treat the condition while your child lives at the center.

How To Apply for Youth Residential Treatment

If you are considering enrolling your child in a residential treatment program, here are some of the things you will need to complete:

  • Assessment – You will need to complete a psychological evaluation of your child to determine the diagnosis and how to best treat it. During this stage, they will consider any medical and educational history to build a comprehensive treatment program.
  • Finding a suitable center – You want to choose a center that supports children and adolescents and has the types of programs they need. Check your insurance provider to see if they cover the programs at the center and how much they pay.
  • Admission process – You will need to submit an application, which will include medical and psychological records. This can include a pre-admissions interview to determine if they can help your child.
  • Preparing for admissions – This is the time when you prepare any required documents, such as medical forms and consent forms. You will also need to coordinate with their school regarding their education, as well as go over visitation policies, therapy plans, and their daily schedule.
  • Enrollment – Your child will meet the therapists and staff as they settle in. They will go over their treatment plan with them and outline the therapies used, their goals, and how they will reach them.

How long does a residential treatment program last? That depends on several factors. In general, a residential program will last for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the severity of the condition. This program can be extended for longer stays if necessary.

What Qualifies a Child to Enroll in a Residential Treatment Program?

Putting your child in residential care becomes necessary if they are experiencing considerable trouble at home or school. A residential program provides 24/7 support in a secure environment where they can work on learning about the condition and how to treat it.

Here is a list of the common concerns that qualify a child for a residential treatment program:

Severe Depression or Anxiety

These conditions are the two most common mental health issues that affect children. It includes persistent, debilitating symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, such as persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in sleeping patterns and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of energy and motivation.

Suicidal or Self-Harming Behaviors

If your child is cutting themselves, fantasizes about death, or has attempted suicide before, a residential program can help. Clients partake in cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy that focuses on the negative behaviors that cause them to harm themselves and find new ways and behaviors to replace them.

Psychotic Disorders

A residential treatment program can support children who struggle with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They use medication to treat any physical symptoms and behavioral and holistic therapies to treat the psychological aspect of the condition.

Severe Trauma

Children who experience trauma early on will not have the coping skills to handle the stress and symptoms of the trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can come from several types of trauma, including:

  • Natural disasters
  • The sudden death of a parent or loved one
  • Neglect
  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • In-person or cyber bullying

Residential programs are equipped to handle all types of trauma-related disorders, including acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, reactive attachment disorders, and other trauma-related conditions.

Bipolar I and II Disorders

Another common concern in children that requires residential treatment is Bipolar I and II disorders. These include both manic and depressive phases and can produce symptoms of extreme high and low moods, hyperactivity, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and a drop in academic performance.

Other common reasons that children will qualify for residential treatment include severe autism, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and aggressive or violent behaviors. You can prevent their symptoms from worsening by enrolling them in a residential program today.

HillsidesCares: Enroll in Our Youth Residential Treatment Center Today to Begin Healing

How do I get my child into residential treatment? HillsidesCares fully supports the recovery efforts of children and adolescents in the Pasadena area. Our residential treatment programs include everything they need to fully recover and improve their mental health. We will develop a complete recovery plan that will include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness practices, and medical support to create a whole-person recovery experience.

For more information on how to enroll your child in our residential treatment program, call 323.641.4842 or connect with us online today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet center.

Source: 

  1. American Psychological Association. “Children’s Mental Health.” Accessed March 13, 2025.