Why Should Parents Consider The Services of a Christian Boarding School for Troubled Girls?

Elk Mountain Academy offers expert, affordable,  Christ-centered treatment for troubled girls affected by out-of-control behavioral patterns, and mental health disorders including, attachment disorders, ADD, eating disorders, clinical anxiety, depression, self-destructive or antisocial behavior, and issues involved with adoption.

Christian Therapeutic boarding schools for troubled girls are programs that provide mental, behavioral, and spiritual-health treatment for teenage girls (ages 12-17) who, due to out of control behavioral patterns, are in need of making a change in their life.

What are Christian Boarding Schools for Troubled Girls? 

While there are seemingly endless options when it comes to atheistic or agnostic programs for girls, there aren’t nearly as many therapeutic boarding schools that offer christ-centered treatment. Additionally, many christ-centered programs offer plenty of spiritual healing but fail to meet other psychiatric and academic standards. 

Needless to say, it is imperative for Christian parents who are seeking a treatment program for their troubled daughter to do their due diligence when choosing a residential treatment facility. 

At Elk Mountain Academy, we believe that Jesus is the only answer. We encourage but never force students or family members or anyone else to believe the Bible's teaching. However, with no apology, we encourage our students and their family members and everyone else to engage the Word of God in their own personal journey and growth process.

What Kind of Issues Does A Christian Boarding School for Troubled Girls Treat?

While it all depends on the particular program, most Christian boarding schools for troubled girls treat many of the same out-of-control behaviors and mental health issues. Issues may include: 

• Rebelliousness
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• ADHD
• ADD
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
• Experimental drug abuse
• Failing in academics
• Low self-esteem
• Eating disorders
• Premature sexual activity
• Hanging out with the wrong crowd
• Lack of motivation
• Lack of empathy or compassion towards others
• Any other type of behavioral disorder that is indicative of being at-risk

Why Should Parents Consider a Christian Boarding Schools for Troubled Girls?

As previously mentioned, the majority of therapeutic boarding schools are agnostic in their therapeutic approach. Contrariwise, Christian programs heavily emphasize the gospel, namely, how Jesus' teachings can be practically used to improve one's life for the better. 

Re-establishing Forgotten Faith

Christian boarding schools are a popular choice of parents who long for their child, who, over the years have strayed from the path of Christ, to re-establish a connection with God. This, of course, makes Christian boarding schools the most optimal choice for Christian parents who feel as though a Christ-centered approach to healing is necessary for changing their child’s life. 

Academics  

Just like regular therapeutic boarding schools, Christian boarding schools generally treat teenage girls who are struggling academically and typically have behavioral issues in and outside of the home. 

Rather than being the sole focus of a student's education, academics serve as one part of a complete whole, which includes scripture, behavioral changes, and therapeutic sessions with a licensed professional. This well-balanced curriculum of academics and doctrine enables teenage girls to grow in faith while staying on track in school and growing and changing in areas which were harmful.

The most reputable Christian boarding schools offer top-tier academic restoration for female students who have fallen behind. What’s more, while surrounded by classmates who are also in need of academic and behavioral restoration (rather than clumped in the mix with classmates who are not hindered or affected by similar issues, and therefore, have a competitive edge) the power of healing and academic progress becomes all the more possible.  

Extra-Curricular Activities

Other than its emphasis on academia and studying Christian teachings, a Christian boarding school will often go offsite in order to round out a student's life education. These programs commonly require their students to participate in a variety of service projects - such as mission work, helping the community, and other forms of charity. Not only do these types of services benefit students outside of the program, but they also instill practical life lessons to the students.  

Examples of this would include a teen going to a less fortunate area and bringing with them food, scriptures, and other aid that may be necessary, as well as local community service - allowing troubled girls to give back to society.

Aside from helping others within the community who are less fortunate or in need of the Gospel, these altruistic activities also serve as life-altering moments in which young girls can truly experience growth and learn invaluable lessons in humility, faith, and the importance of having compassion for others. 

Clinically Proven Therapy

In addition to providing excellent academic, spiritual, and behavioral healing, the most touted Christian boarding schools for girls also provide dynamic and clinically proven styles of therapy.  

At Elk Mountain...

Students participate in weekly individual therapy. The frequency of therapy sessions can vary from student to student. Some of our girls receive individual therapy in one sitting or a course of therapy may occur over multiple short sessions during the week. We utilize highly crucial group therapy sessions twice a week, as well as specialty groups for specific issues such as as adoption and addiction. 

Our staff has over 60 years of combined experience in therapy with adolescents. We specialize in dialectic behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, EMDR, reality therapy, and trauma therapy.

Clinically proven therapies at a Christian boarding school may include: 

• Individual, group and family therapy sessions
• Art therapy
• Addiction treatment
• Equine and other forms of animal therapy

Athletics

Similar to that of secular therapeutic boarding schools, not all Christian boarding schools for troubled teens offer athletics in their program. However, that's not to say that this is always the case. Top-tier Christian residential programs, such as Elk Mountain, put a large emphasis on athletics and physical fitness.  

For example, girls who enroll at Elk Mountain have their choice from a long list of physical activities such as: 

• Aerobics
• Self-defense lessons
• River rafting
• Rock climbing
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Camping
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Sledding
• Traditional team sports 

At Elk Mountain ...

A full range of high school team sports is encouraged during the school year. We also encourage a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. Our staff works hard to provide this integral part of the girls’ physical fitness regimen.

That said, if athletics and physical activity are important to inquiring parents, they should make sure to utilize the services of a Christian boarding school that emphasizes the importance of staying fit.