You’ve taken the biggest step: you’ve decided your teen needs the structure, safety, and support of a therapeutic boarding school. Now comes the part where you turn that decision into action.
It can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance and a clear plan, it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
Step 1: Confirming Availability and Fit
Once you’ve identified a school that aligns with your teen’s needs:
Verify practical details:
- Is there space available in your teen’s age/gender cohort?
- What’s the current wait time for admission?
- Can they accommodate your teen’s specific therapeutic or medical needs?
- Do they have experience with your child’s particular challenges?
Next, confirm program specifics:
- What does a typical day actually look like?
- How often will family therapy occur?
- What’s their approach to crisis management?
- How do they handle medication management?
This is where having an experienced consultant makes a difference. I’ve already had these conversations and know what questions reveal the most important information.
Step 2: Application and Documentation
Most therapeutic boarding schools require comprehensive paperwork:
Academic records:
- School transcripts from the past 2-3 years
- IEP or 504 plans, if applicable
- Standardized test scores
- Current grade reports
Clinical documentation:
- Psychological evaluations or diagnostic assessments
- Therapy notes from current providers
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication history
- Any hospitalization or crisis records
Personal information:
- Medical records and immunization history
- Legal documents (custody agreements, court orders if applicable)
- Parent statement or detailed intake questionnaire
- Photos and personal information forms
Pro tip: Start gathering these documents early. Medical offices and schools can take weeks to release records.
Step 3: Medical and Safety Clearance
Before enrollment, your teen will typically need:
Medical requirements:
- Recent physical exam (usually within 30 days)
- TB test or chest X-ray
- Comprehensive metabolic panel or other lab work
- Vision and dental checkups
Mental health clearance:
- Current psychiatric evaluation
- Medication review and management plan
- Assessment of suicide or self-harm risk
- Substance abuse evaluation if relevant
Some schools coordinate with your home providers; others prefer everything transferred to their local medical team.
Step 4: Academic Planning and Credit Transfer
💡 Expert Insight:
Don’t let this slide—it affects graduation requirements:
Key conversations:
- Which credits will transfer to and from the therapeutic school?
- How do they handle students who are behind or advanced?
- What testing accommodations are available?
- Can they support specific graduation track requirements?
- How do transcripts work for college applications?
Get these agreements in writing before enrollment.
Step 5: Financial Agreements and Legal Paperwork
This is where you’ll sign:
Financial documents:
- Tuition agreements and payment schedules
- Fee schedules for additional services
- Withdrawal and refund policies
- Insurance billing arrangements
Legal authorizations:
- Medical treatment consent forms
- Emergency care authorizations
- Liability releases
- Educational consent (if teen is under 18)
- Communication and privacy agreements
Important: If your teen is 18 or older, they must sign their own documents unless you have guardianship.
Step 6: Transportation Planning
Getting your teen to the school safely requires careful planning:
Self-transportation:
- Parents drive or fly with their teen
- Usually works when teens are accepting of the placement
- Allows for family goodbyes and transition conversations
Professional transition services:
- Trained professionals who specialize in professional transition services
- Necessary when teens are resistant or have run away before
- More expensive but ensures safe arrival
When is a transition service recommended?
- Previous runaway attempts
- Threats of self-harm related to placement
- History of violence or extreme defiance
- Parents are too emotionally overwhelmed to manage transport safely
The goal isn’t to traumatize—it’s to ensure everyone’s safety during a difficult transition.
Step 7: Final Preparations
Practical planning:
- Family conversations about what to expect
- Sibling support and explanations
- Your own support system activation
- Mental preparation for the goodbye
Emotional preparation:
- Trained professionals who specialize in professional transition services
- Necessary when teens are resistant or have run away before
- More expensive but ensures safe arrival
Communication setup:
- Understanding the school’s initial contact restrictions
- Letter-writing supplies and addresses
- Family therapy scheduling
- Progress update arrangements
The Goodbye
This might be the hardest part. Whether your teen goes willingly or with resistance, saying goodbye is emotionally brutal.
Some things that help:
- Keep it simple and loving
- Avoid making promises you can’t keep
- Focus on your belief in their future
- Let them take something meaningful from home
- Have support waiting for you when you return
Remember: This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s “see you soon, in a healthier place.”
The First 48 Hours
Once enrolled, there’s usually a 24-72 hour adjustment window where communication is limited. This gives your teen a chance to acclimate without immediately trying to negotiate their return.
This doesn’t mean you’re cut off. Most schools provide:
- Confirmation of safe arrival
- Basic updates on adjustment
- Medical or crisis communication if needed
- Scheduled check-ins with clinical staff
For parents: This is when you finally exhale—and sometimes fall apart. Both are normal. Have support ready for yourself too.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t navigate this complex decision alone. Get personalized guidance from someone who’s been there.