Breaking Code Silence and Unsilenced have utilized online discussion boards such as Reddit to accuse and mischaracterize programs, individuals and the therapeutic field at large of maltreatment. This wide mischaracterization paints all programs as bad or abusive.
To rally public action, focus has been placed on accusations which draw the most attention. This is a form of sensationalized or clickbait content. These often shocking grievances are not indicative of regulated and relationship focused therapeutic programs.
As is common with stigmatic media, the community boards which harvest allegations do not allow open dialogue to address the issues nor share positive stories. Specifically, the community boards only allow negative remarks against youth treatment facilities.
Sensationalized headlines pull readers into an ‘information cocoon’ of one-sided information regarding youth treatment facilities. By fixating on the instances where individuals felt abandoned, we lose focus of the vast majority of youth whose experience helped them reconnect with their family and themselves.
When we experience stress, our decision making ability is significantly impaired. Not only is it harder to make decisions in crisis scenarios–we actually have less accurate perceptions of our processing.
Can you imagine the stress induced when your child is in a mental or behavioral health crisis, you have exhausted your community resources, and sensationalized media sources lead you to believe there are no safe therapeutic programs for your child?
If the only easily accessible information is negative reviews or comments from individuals with no personal experience in youth treatment programs– how will families know that our therapeutic approach is safe, regulated, relational and successful?
Much of the negativity portrayed in news headlines or shared through social media feeds are experiences of individuals who, decades ago, were in unregulated, behavioral modification programs.
Clinical modalities and therapeutic approaches are constantly evolving and improving to better help children and families in need. Our program focuses on building healthy connections through relational therapy to promote long-lasting change.
– continually educating ourselves and others on trauma-informed treatment.
– sharing clinical expertise with other programs to improve best practices.
– actively taking part in national conferences to learn from others.
– consistently advancing regulation of youth therapy programs.
Reddit communities and social media algorithms implement strategic rules and formatting. These rules mean accredited youth treatment facilities which engage in regulated, trauma-informed and relational therapy have been unable to share their stories in “community” discussion.
See: Findings From the School Survey on Crime and Safety
Our staff consists of youth-rights advocates who are passionate about serving families in need. We employ trauma-sensitive modalities and cater our approach to fit each individuals’ needs.
We are part of an organization with over half of ownership belonging to licensed therapists and educators dedicated to providing outstanding therapeutic care and service to families in crisis.
One sided, biased media portrayal has negatively impacted public perception of our clinically proven therapeutic models. This creates fear for families, preventing them from getting the help they need.
One sided, biased media portrayal has negatively impacted public perception of our clinically proven therapeutic models. This creates fear for families, preventing them from getting the help they need.
On average, youth receiving mental health interventions report a 40% improvement in their symptoms upon program completion. Parents and guardians report a 55% average symptomatic improvement for their child. Source
Scores within the clinical range indicate levels of distress or impaired functioning that suggest clinical referral and treatment. Scores below the clinical range are considered populace ‘normal’. Source