Teen Reactive Attachment Disorder Treatment (RAD)

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a serious condition that can develop when a teen experiences disruptions in early bonding and attachment with caregivers. It often stems from neglect, abuse, or unstable home environments during childhood. Without a secure attachment to a caregiver, teens with RAD may struggle to form healthy relationships, confide in others, or regulate their emotions.

Those with this condition frequently exhibit an increased fear or mistrust towards other people—this makes it hard for them to participate in close, supportive relationships. As a result, they may act erratically as a strategy to push others away. This emotional instability creates a poor foundation for handling anxiety, stress, and anger. It can negatively affect their overall quality of life by causing difficulties at school, home, in friendships, and in later romantic relationships.

We take a holistic and individualized approach to treating RAD. Our program focuses on creating a supportive space where teens can rebuild trust, regulate emotions, and develop healthy relationships. Our evidence-based treatment plans are tailored to each teen’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the highest level of care. Therapeutic services offered at our comprehensive facility include:

• Behavioral Therapy: Therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are highly beneficial for teens with RAD because they center on changing unhealthy behaviors and ways of thinking. This way, individuals can establish more positive mindsets and improve behavioral habits.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: While in psychodynamic therapy, teenagers are assisted in processing repressed experiences and unconscious thoughts that have led to the development of reactive attachment disorder.
• Family Therapy: Strengthening family dynamics is a cornerstone of our approach. Family sessions encourage communication, trust, and mutual understanding.
• Interpersonal Therapy: Interpersonal therapy is very important for those with RAD as it teaches teens constructive ways to both establish meaningful relationships and handle casual connections.
• Equine Therapy: Equine therapy integrates horses into treatment as a way to help teens with RAD cultivate empathy, confidence, social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Expressive Therapy: Activities such as art, music, writing, and equine therapy help teens explore emotions and build self-esteem in creative ways.
• Outdoor Therapy: While immersed in nature, those with RAD can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them while facilitating techniques for stress relief and emotional stability.

Furthermore, we treat reactive attachment disorder in teens with a trauma-informed focus. Our staff is trained in trauma-sensitive practices that prioritize safety, empowerment, and healing for those with this complex condition. We also offer group therapy sessions to encourage open communication and empathetic listening as well as life skills development courses to prepare teens for a successful future.