Family Involvement is Key to Helping Troubled Teens

Wilderness therapy programs like Aspen Achievement Academy are widely recognized as one of the most highly effective means of helping troubled teens. But helping struggling or hard-to-reach adolescents with emotional and/or academic concerns – from social anxiety and low self-esteem to substance abuse and manipulative or confrontational behavior – also requires family involvement, even from afar.

At Aspen Achievement Academy, family participation is an essential part of each teen's journey towards healthy, responsible young adulthood. In addition to a teen's individual assessment, the program includes a unique optional Family Assessment component designed to enhance the effectiveness of a teen's treatment by:

  • * Increasing awareness of individual perspectives within the family
  • * Pinpointing individual and family goals at Aspen Academy and beyond
  • * Feedback and direction for counseling for home therapist
Using a research-based approach, the Aspen Achievement Academy Family Assessment helps teens and their families understand strengths and weaknesses within the family in an objective, supportive and non-judgmental context. Families who choose to participate in the assessment often find that the process helps to clarify particular issues or dynamics that may have an impact on the family. The assessment also provides teens and their families with the perspective they need to establish individual and family goals and to create a plan for family growth.

Aspen Achievement Academy's Family Assessment process includes:

  • * Assessment of family structure and dynamics
  • * Relationship assessments
  • * Substance abuse assessments
  • * Readiness for change assessment
The Family Assessment offered by Aspen Achievement Academy also empowers families to take an active role in their teen's treatment. In addition, the process helps families build additional trust and credibility with their teen, giving parents and siblings the chance to demonstrate their support, care and interest in his/her treatment as well as their love.