Intensive therapeutic programs where an individual leaves home and resides in a treatment facility for the duration of therapy, Residential Treatment specializes in the treatment of mental illness, substance use, and eating disorders and includes a variety of services such as medical management, individual therapy, group therapy, social support group participation, and other types of specific treatment interventions ("Behavioral Health," n.d.).

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Effective Residential Treatment programs provide:​

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• A comprehensive evaluation to assess emotional, behavioral, medical, educational, and social needs, and support these needs safely.

• An individualized treatment plan that puts into place interventions that help the individual reach their goals.

• Individual and group therapy.

• Multidisciplinary care that includes nursing, psychotherapy, and psychiatry.​

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Tips for evaluating Residential Treatment programs include:

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• Find and research the programs that are licensed to provide care. States differ in how they license programs, and some programs are accredited by national agencies.

• Check the residential program’s website for their services.

• Look online to see if the program has been reported to a state agency.

• Make sure the residential program has a method of maintaining safe behaviors and promoting positive behaviors.

• Ask questions of the staff at the program. If staff is unable to answer your questions, they should refer you to someone at the program who can (Residential Treatment, n.d.).

 

Many Residential Treatment programs offer a family component. Research has shown the individuals whose families are involved in treatment have a much better prognosis and a higher success rate. The goal of the family education program is to provide family members with information and support that will assist the client in their recovery (Dowell & Ogles, 2010).