Low Cost Teen Boot Camps in Southern California

Boot camps for troubled teens are losing popularity to more effective approaches to rehabilitating youth. "Research has shown that small, family-centered programs are more effective than boot camps in the long term," according to Teen-Juvenile-Bootcamps.com. Military-style boot camps for teens use intimidation and humiliation to "break" kids. This method is counterproductive at best, and psychologically damaging at worst. Additionally, there have been reports of abuse and even deaths at some boot camps.

TeenSavers offers a residential treatment program for behavioral problems and substance abuse. The program focuses on the source of a child's behavioral problems, such as substance abuse, trauma, mental illness, depression, or an attachment disorder. It is licensed by California to offer a residential treatment program for boys and girls ages 13-17. This is not a lock-down facility for correctional detention or for violent teens, but a treatment facility for rehabilitation. The price is not listed on the website, but they are covered by insurance and offer financing to make the program affordable. This is a reputable program run by professionals in the mental health field.

TeenSavers Residential Treatment for Behavioral Problems and Substance Abuse Phone: 800-451-1844

Visions Adolescent Drug Abuse Treatment Program is for boys and girls, ages 13 to 18, with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, including mental illness, eating disorders, behavioral problems and self-harming behaviors. Treatment takes place in home atmosphere in which participants learn new coping skills within a structured program utilizing the 12-step recovery model. Visions Adolescent Drug Abuse Treatment Program is the most expensive of the three, yet it offers financing options for all situations. Parents looking for low-cost boot camps for behavioral problems and substance abuse treatment might consider quality over price in seeking help.

Visions Adolescent Drug Abuse Treatment Program Phone: 866-889-3665

Orangeview Camp, in Perris, California, is a camp for kids with behavioral problems. Orangeview offers art activities, such as pottery and creative writing, as well as sports and adventure activities. Team building and self-esteem development activities are part of the program as well. Personal counseling and peer mentors are available to participants. Orangeview is a Christian residential camp for boys and girls 11 to 19 years old and costs $501.00-$650.00 per week for tuition. The tuition is relatively inexpensive compared to similar programs.

Orangeview Camp Phone: 951-941-3236