Fornits

Fornits Home for Wayward Web Fora
An open discussion about the troubled parent industry

I'm not a big fan of condemning - or endorsing - any operation because of what took place 10 + years ago.  Even where ownership/management is the same today, it doesn't mean things are the same now as then.  That said, their web site notes practices regarding contact with parents that I regard as problematic.  No speaking for a week or two but not a lot more may be reasonable simply to get the student to focus on why they are where they are rather than focusing on how to con their way out through their parents is the main reason.  But no letters?!!  Everything monitored/screened?  Several months before parental visit is allowed, and then must be "earned"?  While their may have been good intention behind the original establishment of those "rules", there are stronger reasons to steer clear of places who block parents so imperially.  So apart from the question of whether "programs" do good things, you need to consider the entirety of what each program does.

It is nice that Sorensons will work with someone from Alaska.  I bet they would work with someone from Maine, or Turkey of Somalia as well.

Nihilanthic is right that you son apparently needs much more than most (if not all) "programs" can give, and certainly more than Sorensens.  The psych eval is only a week away, so be sure they have the whole set of facts about your son.  The results should be accompanied by some specific recommendations as well.  The sexual abuse and physical assault issues are major ones needing more than a disciplined environment.  While the rest of his behavior you mentioned may be "typical", or their extent may be signs of someone who might benefit from a "program" doesn't need addressing as he clearly needs more.  And, any "program" that says they can handle it should be immediately suspect.

Yes, there are programs that are genuinely therapeutic, although perhaps not fitting what your son needs.

Unlike many (most??) here, I do think many "programs" do a lot of good for a lot of teens.  That said, I don't think that is what your son should have now.  The right therapist, using an effective approach (be that DBT, CBT or maybe XYZ). and involving the family, is important, and it appears that is roughly what you  are trying.  If something more intensive is in order, and his current therapist should have some good sense of that in fairly short order, if not already, something residential may be right.  

Given your comments and apparent prospects for DBT, you might talk with: McLean Hospital's Acute Residential and Partial Hospitalization program for adolescents (Belmont. MA); and Brattleboro Retreat (Retreat Healthcare), Brattleboro, VT.

You might also consider an Outward Bound program to build self-esteem after any residential treatment, if the treating doctors think it appropriate/worthwhile.  On some of their programs, I believe parents and/or families are welcomed.