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"You really are at a pivotal moment in your child's life. It is obvious they are in a time of crisis, and parents are not exactly sure what to do..."
00:00 – Introduction: Welcome and episode overview.
02:15 – Meet Eric Loesch: Eric’s role at Turning Winds and his expertise in helping families with teens in crisis.
08:30 – Non-Institutional Care: Benefits of outdoor and recreational activities in therapy.
15:45 – Family Support: How Turning Winds involves families in treatment.
22:00 – Actionable Steps for Parents: Key takeaways and resources for families.
25:30 – Closing Remarks: Final thoughts about treatment options for teens in crisis and contact information.
Understanding teen mental health can feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled essential terminology, FAQs, and helpful links to support you.
Want to learn more? Speak with the Admission Counselor Today!
Please read our blog below to learn more about Supporting a Teen in Crisis!
This blog was inspired by podcast episode 3 from season 1
Teen in Crisis? Discovering that your teenager is struggling with their mental health can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences a parent can face. When a family is in crisis, there’s lots of worry and confusion, and parents tell us they often feel isolated. Fear of doing the wrong thing is paralyzing. While it feels like you’ve tried everything: family therapy, individual counseling, maybe even intensive outpatient programs – nothing has worked, at least not long-term.
This happens much more than many parents realize. Sometimes, parents notice improvements after a teen starts a new treatment program. Unfortunately, the improvements are short-lived. Soon, the issues start again, feeling like Groundhog Day. Back to where they began, one family crisis after another – nothing seems to work, and suddenly, your teen is in crisis.
Does this sound familiar? If so, it is time to consider an adolescent residential treatment program like Turning Winds, where your teen will receive the treatment they need.
Adolescent residential programs like residential treatment centers provide a safe way for teens to escape the pressures and triggers of everyday life and delve deep into treating their mental health issues and behaviors while examining their habits under the supervision and with the support of trained professionals and therapists. 
It’s entirely natural for parents to be concerned and feel anxious about the idea of sending their child away from home. You might be wondering:
These are valid concerns that most parents share, and any reputable adolescent residential treatment program will understand them and address them. When evaluating treatment options for your teenager, focus on teen treatment programs that prioritize open communication and family involvement. At Turning Winds, we believe in transparency about our methods and want you to ask questions.
The best adolescent residential programs are not cold, institutional settings. Instead, they are warm, home-like environments committed to one-on-one support. They strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where their patients feel safe and are free to open up and connect with others without judgment. There are many therapy sessions, but also other activities. For instance, a typical day might include:
Choosing the right adolescent mental health treatment program is a significant decision, and it’s not an easy decision. Spend time talking to other students and parents, speaking to the staff, and touring the campus. You need to feel confident that your child will feel safe and understood so they are empowered to work on their issues and start the healing process.
If your family is facing a crisis and you’re feeling overwhelmed and disheartened, navigating the myriad of options can be daunting. It’s crucial to equip yourself with accurate information to make informed choices about the best treatment for your family. Reach out to us today.
Our admissions team is here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions about our treatment, academics, or anything else you’d like to know. Plus, they can help you connect with other parents who have walked similar paths. Remember, long-term healing and recovery are within reach. Your teen—and your entire family—deserves the opportunity to heal and reconnect.
Don't let cost be a barrier to your child's well-being. We accept most health plans for adolescent mental health treatment. Click below to verify your coverage and explore your options.
The decision to place a teen in residential treatment is one of the most difficult choices a family can make. In this episode, Kevin Zundl and Eric Loesch explore how Turning Winds supports parents and teens through this process. They discuss the emotional challenges families face, the importance of trust and education in admissions, and how Turning Winds integrates outdoor activities to foster healing and resilience.
When parents first reach out to Turning Winds, it’s often during a time of deep emotional crisis. Many families have already tried outpatient therapy, individual counseling, or intensive programs like IOP (Intensive Outpatient) or PHP (Partial Hospitalization) without success.
As Eric Loesch, Director of Admissions, explains, this can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps. “Choosing an adolescent residential program to get your child treatment takes a significant leap of faith,” Eric shares. “It involves entrusting your child’s care to someone else, and that’s never easy.”
Eric’s role is to guide families through this process with empathy and clarity. He ensures they leave each conversation feeling educated and empowered—whether Turning Winds is the right fit or another solution better suits their child’s needs.
In the podcast, Eric’s shares how his ability to connect with families stems from his own experience in residential care. In 2008, as a teenager, Eric was placed in a long-term residential treatment facility. Though he resisted the decision at the time, he tells us how, looking back, he now sees it as a turning point in his life.
“That experience allows me to relate to both parents and teens,” Eric says. “I know how hard this process is, but I also know how transformative it can be. Residential care isn’t just about therapy or academics—it’s about creating a safe, nurturing environment where teens can heal and grow.”
This personal connection fuels Eric’s passion for helping families with teens in crisis. He helps parents work through the admissions process with compassion and a unique understanding, having once been a teen in crisis. Today, he dedicates his life to helping teens like him.
At Turning Winds, healing extends beyond therapy and academics. The program integrates outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing to help teens connect their therapeutic work to real-world experiences.
“Outdoor activities are essential,” Eric explains. “They build confidence, resilience, and camaraderie among the teens. Whether it’s a multi-day adventure to the Oregon Coast or skiing for the first time at Schweitzer Mountain, these moments help teens discover their strengths and apply what they’ve learned in therapy.”
By engaging in these activities, teens learn to face challenges, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections with their peers, setting the foundation for long-term success.
For parents considering residential care, taking the first step can feel daunting. But as Kevin reminds listeners, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”
This pivotal decision can lead to lasting growth and healing for teens and their families. “Taking action now can make all the difference,” Kevin emphasizes.
To learn more about how Turning Winds can help your teen, call 800-845-1380
Take the first step towards a better future for your teen, contact us.
Click the button below to view or download the episode transcript. (Please note: This is a raw text file and has not been edited.
By creating a welcoming environment that feels more like a supportive home than a clinical-intitutional environment, makes teens more likely to open up and engage in their healing process. As a result, we found that integrating fun outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing reinforces therapeutic work and helps teens develop essential life skills.
Turning Winds provides a comprehensive program that combines clinical care, academic support, and therapeutic recreation. Each teen receives a personalized treatment plan to address their unique emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. This tailored approach ensures both immediate therapeutic impact and long-term success.
Recovery isn’t a solo mission. We involve families and provide tools to strengthen relationships with your teen, including our family workshops. We recognize that lasting change happens when everyone is connected, so we offer a supportive environment for lasting change and family healing.
Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge: Located near Libby, Montana, Kootenai Falls is the largest undammed waterfall in the state, offering breathtaking views as the Kootenai River drops 300 feet over a short distance. Visitors can also experience the historic Swinging Bridge, providing access across the river and stunning perspectives of the falls. This area holds cultural significance for the Kootenai Tribe and has been featured in films like “The River Wild” and “The Revenant.”
Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Situated in Sandpoint, Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in Idaho, offering a variety of winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. With over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, it caters to all skill levels and provides amenities like lodging, dining, and year-round events, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
A Partial Hospitalization Program offers a higher level of care than IOP but less than residential treatment. Participants attend therapy and treatment sessions during the day, typically for 4-8 hours, several days a week, and return home in the evenings. Key features include:
PHPs are ideal for individuals needing intensive treatment while living at home or in a supportive environment.
A teen in crisis is an adolescent experiencing distress and challenges that overwhelm their coping mechanisms, making it difficult to function in their daily lives—teens with mental or behavioral disorders whose actions put their future at risk. If you think your teen is in crisis, then trust your judgment. If you are unsure, we hope the signs listed below help determine your next steps.
Emotional and Behavioral Signs:
Situational Triggers:
It’s important to remember that every teen is unique, and a crisis can look different for each individual. Early intervention can significantly impact your teen’s recovery and well-being.
Turning Winds offers several resources and support for parents, including:
Explore personal stories and insights from Turning Winds’ team members, parents, and students in the article “Our Story: Told By Parents, Students And Staff.
Learn more about our unique hybrid program, which combines residential treatment with accredited academics and recreational therapy, on the Turning Winds Difference page.
We hope these resources empower you to make informed decisions about your child’s mental health treatment.
Turning Winds prioritizes creating a welcoming, non-institutional environment, offering benefits such as:
Turning Winds takes a holistic approach to combining therapeutic care with academic progress. Their accredited academic program allows students to continue their education while addressing behavioral and emotional challenges. Our team tailors academic plans, ensuring that each student builds confidence and skills at their own pace. By blending therapy with education, Turning Winds ensures teens are prepared for success both during treatment and beyond.
Parents face tough decisions when they have a teen who is struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and even the misuse of substances. Should you wait to take action? This discussion confronts the difficult parental dilemma and the stress of the decision-making process.
Our mission is to rescue teens from crisis, renew their belief in their own potential and reunite them with their family and a sustainable path of success.
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