Teen boot camps are typically military-style establishments that use discipline, military exercises, and rigid physical training to punish adolescents. The goal is to send home a "good soldier" who will obey authority, follow rules, and improve behavior at home and school. No type of psychological intervention is used to address underlying emotional or behavioral problems. 

There many types of boot camps. Some are state-run alternatives to juvenile jail. Others are privately run "get tough" camps where the staff enforce strict rules. A third kind exist for no other reason than to invite the youth to obey the rules or violate them, force physical exertion, and generally disturb the child's perception of reality. These boot camps were created as a short-term alternative to military schools. 

Many therapists disagree that such an approach results in a well-adjusted, responsible young adult. The reversion rate of juveniles who attend state-run boot camps has been estimated as high as 94%.  For a truly troubled teenager, boot camps are seldom the best option and we rarely recommend them.

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