For Parents

How to Make the Most of Your Treatment Investment

We at Academy at Swift River are genuinely committed to helping your child reclaim his or her life in a fulfilling and meaningful way. It is not only our duty, but our honor, to provide your child with the highest quality care. That care is not inexpensive.

We recognize that treatment means a substantial investment for most families, and we want to help you get the biggest return for your money.

Below are 10 strategies that can make your child's treatment more efficient and cost effective.

1. Commit to staying the course. Understand that your child will say or do whatever it takes to convince you that he is being tormented at ASR. S/he will attempt to solicit sympathy, or place tremendous guilt on you for placing him in this "awful" place. This is a ripe opportunity for you to be manipulated into giving in to his/her demands. Rest assured that your child will survive this environment and will be stronger as a result of it. S/he will also discover that you are committed to seeing the treatment process through until he becomes healthy again.
2. Jump aboard. The staff at ASR have extensive experience in changing the most resistant adolescents in the country. We have a team of professionals specifically trained to address behavioral change. The quicker you jump on board with the program, the faster your children will invest themselves.
3. Own the problem. Accept that you are part of the problem and be willing to do your part to promote healthy change in yourself, as well as your child. Ask your ASR counselor for guidance during telephone calls and family meetings. These talks will allow you to be better prepared for each new interaction with your child.
4. Learn. Don't hesitate to seek clarification regarding your child's counseling plan. It is very important to understand where you child is in the change process. This knowledge will provide you with a picture of what the struggles are and give a realistic sense of what can be accomplished in treatment.
5. Keep the faith. Understand that every treatment experience is unique. We are constantly coming up with strategies to help your child become successful. Don't lose faith: your child will quickly recognize this and may lose faith as well.
6. Ignite change. Shower your child with encouragement. Find and celebrate any success you can. This well deserved praise may be the spark that ignites positive change.
7. Plan ahead. We typically designate the final two to three months of treatment to the aftercare process that will include working with you to develop a transition care plan. The transition to life after ASR is critical to long-term success, and needs to be done thoughtfully.
8. Practice, practice, practice. Use the therapeutic assignments and home visits as practice before the "big game". This instills confidence and better preparedness to handle difficult situations as they arise after discharge.
9. Adopt core values. Create house rules well before discharge. Consider adopting the rules and core values of ASR: respect, honesty, safety, responsibility, and community.
10. Develop a healthy support network. One of the greatest influences on success is how socially embedded you are with a "healthy" community. Examples of this community include: AA/NA/Al-Anon meetings, individual/group/family counseling, religious groups, and relationships with other parents.