Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys in life, but it can also be one of the hardest. Many parents reach a point where they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate when their child’s behavior spirals out of control. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “My child is out of control, where can I send him?” you are not alone. Thousands of families face similar struggles every year and seek professional support to restore peace and healing in their homes.
At Star Guides Wilderness, we specialize in helping teens who are struggling with behavioral, emotional, and addictive issues. This article will help you understand what “out of control” behavior really means, what options are available, and how structured programs can provide your child with the tools to heal while giving your family the support you need.
Understanding “Out of Control” Behavior in Teens
It’s important first to recognize what “out of control” means. Every teenager pushes boundaries—it’s part of growing up. But when normal rebellion crosses into destructive or unsafe behavior, professional intervention may be necessary.
Common signs that your child may be out of control include extreme defiance or aggression toward family, teachers, or peers; skipping school or poor academic performance despite potential; experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or pornography; withdrawal from family, friends, or once-loved activities; risky behavior such as running away, stealing, or unsafe sexual activity; and sudden mood swings, depression, or self-harm tendencies.
If these patterns have become part of daily life, you may feel powerless to regain control. That’s when parents often ask: “Where can I send my child to get help?”
Why Parents Seek Outside Help
Parenting strategies, family rules, and consequences may not always be enough. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it simply means your child needs more intensive support than what the home environment can provide.
Parents seek outside programs because home dynamics have become toxic or unsafe, a child refuses to listen to authority figures at home or school, the teen is engaging in risky or illegal behavior, counseling alone has not been effective, or the family feels emotionally drained and needs structured support.
Sending your child to a program is not about giving up—it’s about giving them the chance to heal in an environment designed for growth and change.
Options for Parents Who Feel Overwhelmed
When researching solutions for an out-of-control child, parents have several types of programs to consider.
Outpatient Counseling and Therapy
For mild cases, regular therapy sessions can help teens explore underlying issues such as anxiety, trauma, or depression. Counseling is often the first step, but it may not be enough for severe behavioral issues.
Residential Treatment Centers (RTC)
These programs provide 24/7 care in a structured environment. Teens live on-site and receive therapy, life skills training, and academic support. RTCs are ideal for teens with ongoing emotional or behavioral disorders.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
A blend of education and therapy, these schools provide a longer-term solution where students continue their studies while addressing behavioral issues.
Wilderness Therapy Programs
Wilderness programs, like Star Guides Wilderness, remove teens from negative environments and immerse them in nature-based experiences. Through outdoor challenges, therapy, and mentorship, teens learn responsibility, resilience, and healthier coping skills.
Specialized Programs for Specific Issues
Some programs address issues like substance abuse, pornography addiction, trauma recovery, or defiance. Targeted treatment ensures your child gets the specific help they need.
Why Wilderness Therapy Works
If you’ve searched “my child is out of control, where can I send him,” you’ve probably come across wilderness therapy. This model has become one of the most effective options for teens struggling with serious issues.
At Star Guides Wilderness, our program provides a safe, distraction-free environment away from negative influences, a structured daily routine that builds responsibility and discipline, licensed therapists who use evidence-based methods to address behavioral issues, group and individual therapy sessions for peer and professional support, outdoor challenges that build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving, and nutrition, physical activity, and healthy routines that support healing.
The wilderness setting strips away distractions—no phones, video games, or harmful peer groups—so teens can focus on themselves and their choices.
Dispelling the Myths
Many parents hesitate to seek help because of common myths.
“Sending my child away means I failed as a parent.” This is not true. Seeking help shows strength and love—it means you’re committed to your child’s future.
“My child will hate me if I send him away.” While teens may resist at first, most grow to appreciate the opportunity for change. Parents often report stronger family bonds after treatment.
“These programs are too harsh.” Modern therapeutic programs, like Star Guides Wilderness, emphasize compassion, therapy, and growth—not punishment.
How Star Guides Wilderness Helps Teens and Families
At Star Guides, we specialize in helping teens who are struggling with issues such as pornography and sexual addiction, substance use and experimentation, defiance and aggression, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Our holistic approach combines therapy, physical health, emotional growth, and family involvement. Parents are included in the healing process through communication, education, and support—because recovery is a family journey.
What Parents Can Expect
When you choose a program like Star Guides Wilderness, here’s what you can expect.
First, trained professionals conduct an assessment and intake to evaluate your child’s needs and create a personalized treatment plan. Then your teen begins immersion in the wilderness program, joining groups in the outdoors and participating in therapy and survival-based activities. Licensed therapists guide teens in processing emotions, building coping skills, and addressing destructive behaviors. Parents stay involved with updates, therapy calls, and learning how to rebuild healthy relationships with their child. Finally, families receive ongoing aftercare and transition planning to ensure long-term success after the program ends.
Signs It’s Time to Take Action
Parents often wait too long before seeking help, hoping their child will “grow out of it.” But if you’ve been thinking, “My child is out of control, where can I send him?” the time to act is now.
Take action if your child engages in dangerous or illegal behavior, shows signs of addiction, refuses to follow rules at home or school, withdraws completely from family life, or puts themselves or others at risk.
The earlier you intervene, the greater the chance of lasting change.
Finding Hope as a Parent
It’s natural to feel guilt, frustration, or even shame when your child is out of control. But remember: you are not alone, and there are solutions. By seeking help, you’re showing love and giving your child the opportunity to grow into the person they’re meant to be.
A Path Forward with Star Guides Wilderness
If you’ve been searching online for “my child is out of control, where can I send him,” know that help is available and change is possible. At Star Guides Wilderness, we’ve helped countless families reclaim peace, rebuild relationships, and give their teens the tools to thrive.
Your child’s story isn’t over—it’s just beginning. With the right guidance, support, and environment, healing is possible.
Star Guides Wilderness
Helping teens overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and build a brighter future.