Hi... .my exH and I are trying to find the most appropriate RTC for our BPD dd17 (will be 18 in Dec).  We are currently looking at Sunrise in Utah and Hillside in Georgia. Both are certified dbt certified programs.  This will be the second time she will be in an RTC.  She came home 2 years ago and we had our ups and downs with her.  Since June BPD dd17 has been going in a downward spiral and is just getting worse.  The spiral started when she was taken off Cymbalta and put on Lexapro, which was not a good med for her and caused BPD dd17 to become more irritable.  BPD dd17 was also on Depakote.  After a month she was weened off.  BPD dd17 refused to try another med instead of the Lexapro and also after an incident with an ex-boyfriend stopped taking the Depakote.  BPD dd17 is refusing to see a new P (long story about what happened with her P of 3 years) and yesterday said she would no longer see her T where she was doing DBT work.  In addition, she is not doing her summer classes  (which will affect her graduating on time), not doing acupuncture which she loved and today said she doesn't want to take drum lessons anymore.  Her emotions and anger are so all over the place.  Had to call the cops the other day when my BPD DD17 was threatening my DD19 when I was about 30 mins away.  She is still angry at me for calling them.  Explained I had to keep both of them safe. 

My exH feels this is the last chance we have to get her intensive help and I know he is right.  I am really torn up, because inbetween her rages I see my beautiful, caring daughter and I have a glimmer of hope that she will want help.  The inbetween times are getting fewer and fewer.  At this point it seems she doesn't want to do anything to help herself, BPD DD17 feels there is nothing that will help her and just wants to be "normal teenager".  My heart breaks for her, as I'm sure anyone reading this can understand. 

Currently, we have narrowed down our choices for an RTC to Sunrise in Utah and Hillside in Georgia.  Not thrilled with something I found out regarding the P at Sunrise (let his religious belief come into his treatment and his patient committed suicide 25 years ago) and there was a horrible car accident that occurred over 2 years ago.  I do like the philosophy of the program and that they are integrated into the community for an easier transition back home. I haven't been able to find out too much on line regarding Hillside in Georgia.  One advantage to Hillside is the proximity to our home state. The entire staff is trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech and so far have not been able to find anything negative about them.  A definite advantage is that they are able to treat up until age 21.  I think Sunrise may be a more like a home environment. Both places will take someone that has to be "escorted", which unfortunately I think will need to be done (again tearing me up inside since she already feels like we don't respect her and listen to her).

Any guidance regarding these programs would be so much appreciated.  We are looking to make a decision in the next couple of days.  When I have a little more time I will post my "formal" introduction, because I'm sure as you can imagine there is so much more than I have written here.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this

Dear Skrat,

Oh my!  I feel for you.  This is a difficult and scary situation.  I'm afraid I don't have any experience with any RTCs, so I can't help you with your search.  But you have come to the right place for information and reviews about that.     I know I've read that some parents have had experience with both those RTCs.  I hope someone who has sent their loved one there will respond in time to help you decide.


-sigh-  This is a big concern!  It's good you're getting her into an RTC.  We're dealing with very similar behavior from my BPDD17 also.  All she can think about is moving across the country to live with her BF, and she doesn't want to continue with therapy or meds, or school (she got her GED and has been at a J.C.).  She is absolutely convinced that moving away and "having a fresh start" by living with her BF will solve all her problems.  We're very concerned, but she'll be 18 in a few months, so we know we can't stop her and she won't listen to reason.

Please let us know which place you decide upon and check in with us whenever you can.  We're here to support you through this!