A residential treatment center (RTC) is a live-in health care facility where individuals receive intensive mental health services. Often, these facilities are for children and adolescents and also provide educational services. 

Residential treatment centers are for individuals who are unable to be safe at home or in the community, and need: 

  • Long-term care in a specialized environment
  • A therapeutic milieu 
  • Safety and structure 

During a stay at a residential treatment center, people will receive individual and group therapy, psychiatric assessments and treatment, medication management, social skills training, vocational training, educational services, and more.  

Length of stays vary at residential treatment centers, but usually range from six months to one year.