Danielle's Story

Our daughter, age 12, has significant mental health challenges. Her issues escalated at age 9, resulting in numerous instances of serious self-harm. After three years we had exhausted all resources available in our state. Her Tricare case manager recommended a residential treatment center in Utah. She was accepted and spent 3 months at that facility. The treatment she received there was the first time she made progress. After returning home she is able to complete her school work and be active in her church and community. She has had no reoccurrence of dangerous behaviors. She utilizes the skills and knowledge she obtained to maintain a safer and healthier life.
Why was treatment successful? First, staff did not give up on her. Secondly, she was treated with respect and compassion. Lastly, programs which focused on “fixing” her with little or no interaction with her parents failed. The successful approach included weekly family therapy; frequent and intensive interaction with her and us, including on-site visits; and training for her parents. This training included recommended reading, the manual used by treatment staff; and training sessions for parents on-site. We also attended weekly virtual support/training sessions for parents. Involvement of families is not only crucial, but an integral part of the philosophy that mental health improvement continues within the family structure.
In conclusion, mental health treatment vastly improved the life of my daughter and her family.