Skip to content

Admissions - FAQ

What types of programs does MnTC offer?

  • Licensed Care for Adults and 16 & 17 year old teens.
  • Life Care Adult "LC" (13-15 months): for people willing to commit to a long term faith-based residential program.
  • Life Care Adolescent (13-15 months): for girls ages 13-17.
  • Restoration: for previous Life Care students who have relapsed. This is 3-6 months long.

How much does the program cost?

  • Life Care Adolescent (13-15 month): $1350 per month
  • Life Care Adults (13-15 month): $846 per month (Minneapolis & Duluth) Brainerd $1490 per month
  • Licensed Care: $97.04 per day
  • Restoration: $846 per month (Minneapolis & Duluth) Brainerd $1490 per month

Can I work while I'm in the program?

No, due to the nature and schedule of our program, students are not able to seek employment or be employed through the duration of their treatment.

Can I get my high school diploma or GED while in the program?

  • 14-17 year old adolescents will automatically be enrolled in the academy.
  • The GED class is offered in both Licensed and Life Care programs.

Is there a Teen Challenge closer to my state than Minnesota?

Where can my 13 year old go if you don't accept students that age?

  • MnTC accepts 13 year old females, however 13 year old males should check the National Teen Challenge website to find an appropriate treatment center: http://www.teenchallengeusa.com/office.html
  • Or contact the National Teen Challenge offices:
    Teen Challenge National
    PO BOX 1015
    Springfield, MO 65801
    Phone: (417) 862-6969

What happens if my teenager runs away from the program?

The dean to your teenager's program will determine what happens. After consideration the teen may be readmitted with consequences or discharged from the program. In either case guardians of the teen will be notified.

How do I apply to MnTC?

  • Obtain an application by downloading off the internet (click here for program applications ) or request by mail, fax or walk-in to MnTC: 3231 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, 55408.
  • Any person who desires treatment must be capable of reading and completing the application. MnTC applicants must be able to read, write and comprehend at a 5th grade level.
  • Upon completion submit application to admissions department.
  • Male Life Care (13-15 month) Program applicants: If you live in Central MN or Southern MN please apply to Minneapolis location. If you live in Northern MN, please apply to the Duluth location.
  • Male Licensed Care (30, 60, 90 day) applicants: apply only to the Minneapolis location.
  • Women, teen boys and teen girls always apply to Minneapolis location.

How long does the application process take?

It varies from a couple days to 2 weeks. In processing and application we consider:
  1. willingness
  2. mental health
  3. medical condition
  4. legal status, past and present
  5. outstanding warrants
  6. funding eligibility
  7. level of care
  8. location

Can I enter the program if I have upcoming court dates?

  • Students are allowed to enter the program with court dates pending. We do take into consideration the severity and nature of the crime to determine eligibility. Some applicants may not be appropriate for our program and will be denied admission.
  • Students admitted to the program with pending court dates must provide their own transportation to court.

Can I come to MnTC if I have criminal charges pending in another state?

  • This is determined on a case by case basis. In some situations students can enroll in our 60 day program and pay the full program costs out-of-pocket, then go back to their state to finish their sentencing.
  • Sometimes the courts will allow a person to come to MnTC to complete the Life Care (13-15 month) program as a condition of their sentencing; in this situation these students will have to pay the program costs out-of-pocket due to their out of state residency.

If I'm on probation in another state, may I enter Minnesota Teen Challenge?

  • This is also determined on a case by case basis. We do take into consideration the severity and nature of the crime to determine eligibility (felony, misdemeanor, on paper, off paper reporting).
  • Hennepin County oversees probation. It is very rare that the state of MN will allow felony level probation to transfer. Meaning, they would deny the person entry to MnTC.
  • In some cases persons desiring admission to MnTC are granted permission to travel. We would consider admission in this situation, but they would be expected to pay all program costs out-of-pocket.

Do you accept private medical insurance?

  • Yes, for Licensed care.
  • The admissions department will ask you for the insurance information and screen for benefits.
  • If you are eligible for residential treatment, admissions will schedule an assessment for you.
  • We are "in network" with BCBS. All others are out of network. you will be billed for out of network policies after you complete the program.
  • Life Care (13-15 months): You may have private insurance and apply for the Life Care program. You will need to apply at the social services agency in your county to determine funding eligibility for a Board and Lodge facility; ask for Group Residential Housing Funds (GRH).

How do I apply for funding?

  • Call the social services agency in the county you reside.
  • Licensed Care program: set up an appointment for CCDTF funding (Rule 25).
  • Life Care (13-15 month) program: set up an appointment for GRH funding.
  • Insurance holders, set up an assessment through the admissions department.

What if I don't have insurance and need to go to the doctor?

  • MnTC will help each student apply for Minnesota Health Care and General Assistance. It is important to keep in mind this is a county/state program and we can not guarantee all students will be approved for Minnesota Health Care benefits.
  • If a student is denied benefits through the county/state program they will have to make their own payment arrangements with the clinic/hospital.
  • In some cases students pay for their own insurance.

What if my family member does not want to come to Minnesota Teen Challenge?

Due to the fact we are a voluntary program that family member will not be granted admission to MnTC.

One of my friends/family members needs help with addiction, how can I help them get help?

  • Every person and situation is unique. Speak the truth in love.
  • Give them information about MnTC. If they have questions, encourage them to call 612.238.6500 and speak with an admissions representative.

Do you give advice on "interventions"? Who can I call?

  • Unfortunately MnTC Admissions Representatives are not allowed to give advice; we can however, guide you to the appropriate resources for help.
  • If a person is suicidal or mentally unstable please take this seriously and direct them to the psychiatric and mental health professionals in the area around them or call 911.

What detox and treatment centers do you recommend?

  • Mission in Plymouth/Detox: (763) 559.1402
  • Hastings/Detox: (651) 437.4209
  • St. Joseph/Detox and treatment in St. Paul: (651) 291.9805
  • Unity/Detox and treatment in Fridley: (763) 236.5000
  • Dellwood treatment in Cambridge: (763) 689-7723
  • Fairview Riverside treatment in Mpls: (612) 672-7575
  • Metro Hope treatment in Mpls (Christian): (612) 721-9415
  • Methodist Hospital for eating disorders: (952) 993-6440

Am I able to take narcotic medication while at MnTC?

  • We no longer admit students to MnTC who currently take prescription narcotics