1091: Troubled Teen Industry | Skeptical Sunday

Personal Stories

Personal testimonies from survivors like Meg Appelgate reveal the harrowing experiences within troubled teen programs. These institutions often promise therapeutic treatment but instead exacerbate trauma, as Meg shares how her adverse childhood experiences (ACE) score skyrocketed from 1 to 7 due to her time in these programs 1. This increase in ACE scores correlates with severe health risks, including a 1,220% increase in the likelihood of attempting suicide 1.

Childhood trauma is like a ghost that haunts you well into adulthood.

--- Meg Appelgate

Additionally, the lack of trust in these environments further damages the mental health of the youth, as they are often held against their will, leading to a deep-seated distrust of therapy and mental health professionals 2.

   

Mental Health

The impact of these programs on mental health is profound, with survivors experiencing long-term effects such as complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety 3. Jordan Harbinger compares the environment to a maximum-security prison, noting that even prisoners have more communication rights than the teens in these programs 4. This isolation and lack of support contribute to what is known as toxic stress, which alters brain development and leads to a host of mental health issues.

It's like trying to run a computer on a corrupted hard drive. Nothing works the way it should.

--- Meg Appelgate

The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) associated with these programs are linked to increased risks of chronic disorders, highlighting the urgent need for reform and better support systems for affected youth 3.