August 5, 2022

What is a RTC (Residential Treatment Center)?

As a society we have made tremendous progress in the last decade towards breaking down the stigmas and stereotypes that surround mental health treatment. According to the American Psychological Association, a recent study showed nearly 48% of Americans reported a visit to a mental heath professional in the last year (2021). 

But there’s still a gap in understanding the types of treatment available, as well as the facilities — like Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) — that can be useful in providing mental health care.

What is a Residential Treatment Center? 

Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) are facilities designed to provide mental health treatment in a residential setting. 

Commonly, the purpose of a RTC is to specialize in treating adolescents, teens and young adults with mental health disorders. These facilities allow psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other specialists — along with a qualified support staff — to provide individual and group therapy in a controlled environment.

RTCs can provide treatment for mental illness, substance abuse, eating disorders and other behavioral issues. 

Is Residential Treatment the Right Choice?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to live in a RTC rather than outpatient care, but generally speaking, the most common reason is that intensive treatment is needed. 

For example, a patient can decide to enter a RTC if they have been struggling with depression or anxiety, and feel unsafe, or need more support or structure in their life. 

RTCs can be particularly beneficial for adolescents who need intensive and structured treatment. They are often the next step if outpatient care isn't enough to address the issues that the patient is struggling with alone.

What Kind of Treatment is Provided?

At a RTC, patients live at the facility so that they can receive 24-hour care and medical attention with around-the-clock supervision. This level of care allows them to participate in therapy every day while they heal.

RTCs are designed for individuals who need intensive treatment due to a serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Residents typically stay for several weeks or months until they’re able to return home or successfully transition into another program.

In addition to treating mental health issues and addictions, programs also focus on physical health, recovery planning, and life skills. These types of programs often include group therapy sessions with other patients where individuals can share their experiences and learn from their peers. 

Some programs may also have one-on-one therapy sessions with a counselor as well as time for private reflection, and family therapy. This allows individuals to focus on their recovery goals, set new goals if necessary and work toward meeting them in the future.

  • Physical Health: All programs offer some type of exercise or physical activity whether it be sports related or something more sedentary such as yoga or meditation classes. Physical activity is an important part of the recovery process because it helps reduce stress levels while improving self-esteem at the same time.
  • Recovery Planning: While in treatment, many people find that they want to change their lives so they can avoid relapsing into old habits.
  • Life Skills Training: Programs help patients develop new skills that will help them once they're released from treatment such as job training or getting back into school.

A RTC can help individuals build a foundation of trust and confidence as they work toward their goals — helping to build a strong support system, learn how to self-advocate, and learn how to use coping skills.

How to Find Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse or other issues, we can help. 

At Imperial Healing House, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where adolescent females can heal from their trauma. We offer individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs so they can overcome their struggles with confidence and hope for the future.

Contact Us:

(385) 312-0352  

admissions@imperialhealingestate.com

‍Address:

4194 N Imperial Way, Provo, UT 84604