What are the finance options for teen treatment camps?

Whilst all parents if asked would say that they do not care about money, they just want their children to be healthy and happy, when it comes to the crunch, they have to be realistic about the costs associated with treatment for their troubled teenager.

There is the rest of the family to worry about, and if you are spending money on care for your teenager, that is money not available for a holiday this year, or a car for your eldest who is going to university. It means sacrifice, and your family may resent it, especially if your teen is making the family life hell! You are going to need to be brutally honest about this and weigh up the actual costs with the potential and emotional costs.

Consider the facts; if your teenagers poor behavior is not checked they are likely to get into trouble with the law, they may have already has a brush with it, and cost you money. If your teen is arrested, there will be legal fees to pay. If your teen decides to steal from you, or the rest of the family, that is a tangible cost; some teens have been known to sell their family's TV sets, CD players, computers, valuable ornaments etc.

If your teen causes criminal damage you may have to pay for it, or if they are bailed, and choose to skip bail, you pay for it. This may all seem extreme, but a teenager with serious issues will almost always end up committing crimes. Then think of the opportunity costs and the emotional costs; the holidays or outings you do not go on because of our teens' behavior; the embarrassment and anguish your teen causes not just you, their parents, but their siblings and extended family. These are your options;

• Your medical insurance may cover the costs of your teenagers treatment


• You can take out a loan, some loan companies specialize in loans for teen treatment sand have good rates


• Talk to your credit union, they may have special loan programs


• Speak to your church or civic organization, they may be able to offer financial assistance


• If your child is adopted, then you may qualify for an adoption subsidy, similarly if they are a foster child


• Most treatment centers are charities, so any donations to help fund the treatment will be tax deductible

In the end, whether you send your teen for treatment or not is up to you, but if finance is a reason stopping you, weigh up the true costs carefully.