Teen Behavioral Problems & Defiance Treatment
Treatment for Behavioral Problems in Teens and Young Adults
Behavioral problems often signal deeper emotional, relational, academic, or mental health struggles beneath the surface. Teens and young adults may display anger, defiance, impulsivity, aggression, dishonesty, oppositional behavior, school refusal, risky decision-making, or ongoing conflict with parents and authority figures.
While these behaviors can be exhausting and painful for families, they are often symptoms of unresolved emotional struggles, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, or poor coping skills.
At Telos, we focus on understanding the “why” behind behaviors rather than simply punishing symptoms. Our treatment approach emphasizes accountability, healthy relationships, emotional regulation, family healing, structure, and long-term personal growth.
Treatment may include:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavioral and emotional skills development
- DBT and CBT-informed interventions
- Recreation and experiential therapy
- Structure, mentoring, and accountability
- Academic and life-skills support
- Psychiatric support when appropriate
Our goal is to help students develop healthier coping skills, improved emotional control, stronger relationships, and greater responsibility for their choices and behavior.
What Others Are Saying About Us
Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son had Jackson H. as his primary therapist at Telos. He was the first therapist my son actually opened up to. My son learned several adaptive skills during his time at Telos to deal with his ADHD and anxiety. I’m very grateful to the folks at Telos for doing the hard work with my son.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos was an amazing experience for my son and our family. From the start of the application process to the very last day of his journey, everyone at Telos supported us in so many different ways. They have a great team, from their therapists, to their educators, and their residence staff. I highly recommend Telos, especially Alexis, our therapist. She was amazing at connecting with our son, helping him achieve more than you can imagine, and always being there for all of us. We are so grateful for her and everyone else at Telos for the the growth and change that we still see in our son.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an incredibly tough decision to send our 16-year-old son to Wilderness therapy and then to Telos for therapeutic boarding school. After touring three boarding schools, we chose Telos. They had a point of view on how they would treat our son and what he would benefit from when we toured. They walked us through their treatment phases and discussed how progress was monitored and how we would be engaged with the therapist and our son weekly in therapy. The principal and teachers were also more impressive than the other places we toured, and kept him on track while he was there. Our son did experience bumps and setbacks, but looking back, his therapist Jackson Houmand was fantastic, and he wouldn't be where he is today without what he learned from Telos and the support from his therapist, teachers, residential staff, and nursing staff.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos is a well structured, nurturing environment led by a dynamic and professional team, that truly care about our son and getting to the core of our family dynamics. The support and education provided for the entire family as your child works through the program is a game changer. The amount of thought and organization that goes into every detail is impressive. Telos has been an amazing experience for us. I am so grateful to be a part of the Telos family.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos U has been truly life-changing for our son and us as parents. His case has been complicated, involving many professionals over the years and experiencing numerous ups and downs. From the moment we arrived, the staff at Telos met us with compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to seeing him succeed. Our son’s therapist, Jessica, has gone above and beyond in ways we will never forget. She has not only supported our son through every challenge but also guided us as parents, teaching us how to communicate better, set healthy boundaries, and foster a stronger relationship with him. Jessica has become like an extension of our family, and her dedication, empathy, and wisdom have made all the difference. We love her dearly. The entire Telos team operates with such heart and professionalism. They create an environment where students feel understood and supported, and where families can truly heal and grow together. We will be forever grateful for the time we’ve had here, for the progress our son has made, and for the ways this experience has changed us as a family. Our son is off to college, and this was a dream we didn't know would become a reality for him. If I could give more than five stars, I would. I wish every family going through a hard season could have the chance to work with the incredible people at Telos.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos was a great RTC for our son after wilderness! A special shout out to his and our therapist, Jessica Tanner. What a godsend, caring and compassionate person that helped our family from start to finish. Thank you Jessica and Telos team/staffPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son attended Telos for about 10 months after spending the summer in a wilderness program. Our experience as a family with Telos was exceptional. The changes and growth that our son experienced while he was there were fundamental to who he is today. The staff at Telos were able to convey to him how much they cared about him and how much they wanted him to succeed. Telos was able to help our family through a very difficult time and they did it with care and nurturing. We still use some of the techniques that he learned at Telos to make it through difficult times in his life.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son has been at Telos for 10 months now and it has been an enormously beneficial experience for him and for our family. His therapist Jessica has been key to this--she really gets him and has been able to guide him to being much more introspective about his behaviors and the impact they have on him and others. This is huge--he's able to connect actions and effects, and think before acting (most of the time), and ponder what he might/should have done differently and acknowledge it. He has matured so much, it's amazing.
What Others Are Saying About Us
Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son had Jackson H. as his primary therapist at Telos. He was the first therapist my son actually opened up to. My son learned several adaptive skills during his time at Telos to deal with his ADHD and anxiety. I’m very grateful to the folks at Telos for doing the hard work with my son.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos was an amazing experience for my son and our family. From the start of the application process to the very last day of his journey, everyone at Telos supported us in so many different ways. They have a great team, from their therapists, to their educators, and their residence staff. I highly recommend Telos, especially Alexis, our therapist. She was amazing at connecting with our son, helping him achieve more than you can imagine, and always being there for all of us. We are so grateful for her and everyone else at Telos for the the growth and change that we still see in our son.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an incredibly tough decision to send our 16-year-old son to Wilderness therapy and then to Telos for therapeutic boarding school. After touring three boarding schools, we chose Telos. They had a point of view on how they would treat our son and what he would benefit from when we toured. They walked us through their treatment phases and discussed how progress was monitored and how we would be engaged with the therapist and our son weekly in therapy. The principal and teachers were also more impressive than the other places we toured, and kept him on track while he was there. Our son did experience bumps and setbacks, but looking back, his therapist Jackson Houmand was fantastic, and he wouldn't be where he is today without what he learned from Telos and the support from his therapist, teachers, residential staff, and nursing staff.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos is a well structured, nurturing environment led by a dynamic and professional team, that truly care about our son and getting to the core of our family dynamics. The support and education provided for the entire family as your child works through the program is a game changer. The amount of thought and organization that goes into every detail is impressive. Telos has been an amazing experience for us. I am so grateful to be a part of the Telos family.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos U has been truly life-changing for our son and us as parents. His case has been complicated, involving many professionals over the years and experiencing numerous ups and downs. From the moment we arrived, the staff at Telos met us with compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to seeing him succeed. Our son’s therapist, Jessica, has gone above and beyond in ways we will never forget. She has not only supported our son through every challenge but also guided us as parents, teaching us how to communicate better, set healthy boundaries, and foster a stronger relationship with him. Jessica has become like an extension of our family, and her dedication, empathy, and wisdom have made all the difference. We love her dearly. The entire Telos team operates with such heart and professionalism. They create an environment where students feel understood and supported, and where families can truly heal and grow together. We will be forever grateful for the time we’ve had here, for the progress our son has made, and for the ways this experience has changed us as a family. Our son is off to college, and this was a dream we didn't know would become a reality for him. If I could give more than five stars, I would. I wish every family going through a hard season could have the chance to work with the incredible people at Telos.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Telos was a great RTC for our son after wilderness! A special shout out to his and our therapist, Jessica Tanner. What a godsend, caring and compassionate person that helped our family from start to finish. Thank you Jessica and Telos team/staffPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son attended Telos for about 10 months after spending the summer in a wilderness program. Our experience as a family with Telos was exceptional. The changes and growth that our son experienced while he was there were fundamental to who he is today. The staff at Telos were able to convey to him how much they cared about him and how much they wanted him to succeed. Telos was able to help our family through a very difficult time and they did it with care and nurturing. We still use some of the techniques that he learned at Telos to make it through difficult times in his life.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son has been at Telos for 10 months now and it has been an enormously beneficial experience for him and for our family. His therapist Jessica has been key to this--she really gets him and has been able to guide him to being much more introspective about his behaviors and the impact they have on him and others. This is huge--he's able to connect actions and effects, and think before acting (most of the time), and ponder what he might/should have done differently and acknowledge it. He has matured so much, it's amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Telos different from other therapeutic boarding schools?GreenixMedia
Telos is one of the few programs accredited by both The Joint Commission (clinical) and Cognia (academic). We also offer PrTMS — a personalized, non-invasive neurological treatment — as part of our clinical toolkit, which no other program in Utah provides. Our relationship-based model means students are known as individuals, not managed as cases.
What does family involvement look like during treatment?GreenixMedia
Family is central to the Telos treatment model. Parents participate in regular family therapy sessions, receive updates from the clinical team, and are supported through their own process alongside their son. Family involvement is not optional — it is a core part of how we work.
Will my son be able to continue his education while at Telos?GreenixMedia
Yes. Telos operates a Cognia-accredited high school program on campus, ensuring students continue making academic progress toward graduation during their stay. Credits are transferable and students stay on track for their diploma.
How long does a typical stay at Telos last?GreenixMedia
Length of stay varies based on each student’s clinical needs and progress. Most students are enrolled for 9 to 18 months. Our clinical team conducts ongoing assessments and works closely with families to determine the appropriate timeline for transition.
How do I know if my teen needs residential treatment?GreenixMedia
If your teen has been in outpatient therapy and is still struggling, if their behavior is putting themselves or others at risk, or if daily life at home has become unmanageable, a higher level of care may be appropriate. Telos offers a free consultation with our admissions team to help families determine whether residential treatment is the right fit.
Does Telos accept insurance?Tony Mosier
Telos works with many insurance providers and our admissions team can help verify your benefits. We encourage families to contact us directly to discuss coverage options, financing, and what to expect financially.
