<p>OP- I know kids who have been “saved” by these programs, and kids whose lives have been a series of setbacks and disappointments.</p>
<p>But I don’t know anyone who has sent their kid to a program like this without a full physical and psych work-up, and at least MONTHS of therapy and meds. </p>
<p>You look at the kid in bed and his lack of motivation and think, “Someone needs to give him structure, discipline, and a good (but loving) kick in the pants”. Well- maybe.</p>
<p>But what if it’s a physical problem that an endocrinologist can “fix”, or depression which did not respond to the very brief treatment, or an infection or an auto-immune disorder? Structure and discipline isn’t going to kick his thyroid into shape.</p>
<p>Your H needs to cool his jets. I realize it’s frustrating watching a high potential kid “fall behind”. But I know parents who have spent the entire college fund, taken out a second mortgage, and spent down their IRA and 401K on programs of this nature, only to have the kid (now an adult, in the eyes of the law) return home with serious psychiatric and behavioral issues, having been in environments designed for kids with criminal records and substance issues.</p>
<p>Your son needs a full physical work-up, and a complete assessment by a mental health professional who specializes in adolescents. You can ship him off to Montana or Utah after you’ve figured out what’s wrong.</p>