Why “boot camps” fall short for Phoenix teens who self-harm

Parents here talk to me about self-harm more often than you might expect. It shows up quietly at first, a hoodie in the heat, a kid who will not swim, a teen who says “I’m fine” and retreats to their room. When fear takes over, it is understandable that families start Googling quick solutions and hard resets.

It is common to land on the idea of a boot camp. The phrase promises structure and fast change. If you have typed or tapped boot camp for teenagers, you are not alone. But for teens who sel...