Time With Your Teen: Teen mental health treatment options that can help you get it back.
We’ve all been there. You notice your teenager is withdrawing, losing interest in their favorite activities, rebelling, not listening to parents, caretakers, or their teachers, and just aren’t themselves lately. You’re tired, frustrated, and concerned. Lately, everything has become a fight and the simplest tasks aren’t simple anymore.
If your child’s exhibiting any of those behaviors, using substances such as alcohol or marijuana, or is obsessed with social media, it might be time for an intervention. Other behaviors to look out for include talk of death, excessive guilt, risky behavior, and changes in sleep patterns, as well as changes in eating habits. You want to figure out what the issue is and how to fix it, and that’s where therapy comes in.
You may be looking for therapists for teens, counseling, or even help for troubled teens. It’s important to find a therapist that resonates with you and your teen, so do your research before scheduling with just anyone, and know that you have options. (Ex: in addition to offering therapy, we at Sanare will refer your teen to helpful community programs which can provide additional benefits such as art therapy, nutritionists, yoga, and more.)
Where is your teen’s mental health at?
Your teenager’s up against a lot—more than you even know. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress.
(See our blog for best therapies for depression)
Some common triggers that cause anxiety in teens include:
- Family issues
- Hormones
- School pressure
- Friends and peer pressure
- Not getting enough sleep
- Body changes such as weight fluctuations
- Childhood trauma
Treating mental health issues in teens is possible
It’s important to support your teenager as much as possible during this tricky time. You might not always have the right words, but just being there for them when they’re ready to talk (not interrogating them), and showing them love is so valuable.
They might not have considered getting help because they may not know it exists. Teens may also be reluctant to ask for help because as one of our therapists, Stephen Battle, points out, they may be fearful of therapy because of the stigmas associated around mental health and counseling etc. They might be scared of being labeled as crazy, they may even question themselves and wonder what’s wrong with me, and think “am I crazy?”
Nervousness around group therapy is completely normal
Additionally, your teen is scared of the unknown. At Sanare we offer group therapy intensives (group therapy multiple times a week). That can bring up a lot of concerns, even though it’s worked for thousands of our clients.
• Will they be able to relate to other teens in group therapy?
• Will they be safe?
• Will the other individuals hurt them?
• They will want to know what happens in these sessions and will they be required to share their deepest darkest secrets?
You can reassure them by saying they can share as much as they’re comfortable with in group therapy (and can just listen if they don’t want to talk), that they’ll be supported during the entire journey, and they’ll also meet with their therapists individually so they can share things with them they may not be comfortable sharing with a group. These are completely normal fears and you and their therapist can work together to help destigmatize therapy and put your teen at ease.
They just need to take it one step at a time and to be reminded that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This too shall pass and they’ll feel like themselves again…an improved, happier version ready to take on this exciting journey we call life. As Stephen mentions, most of the issues teens deal with aren’t permanent or even semi-permanent. They are temporary things that with a little help and the right type of treatment, they can be resolved.
And as a parent, you might wonder if therapy will help and if it doesn’t, then what?
Stephen points out that these are common questions to ask especially as your teen engages in more intense forms of therapy. You need to take it one step at a time as well. If you work with one of our therapists at Sanare, they’ll continuously evaluate your teen so they’re getting the correct level of care, which will change as they go through their own healing process. But, signing up is the first step in helping your teen get their life back, and in turn, you will reclaim your life as well once your son or daughter is thriving again.
What are the therapy options for your teens?
There are several different types of treatments available and your therapist will help guide your teen to the one that most benefits them. Choosing the right therapy is done based on your teen’s current mental health status, if they’re in crisis, their symptoms, and their personal life and schedule.
Popular types of therapy include:
Outpatient Programs (OP): These are the least intense programs and typically meet once a week or once every other week. They’re offered virtually and in-person and are done in group settings. Individuals with common goals can come together for healing. There are programs for a variety of purposes including dealing with chronic pain and expressing trauma through expressive arts.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): A step up from OP, these programs are more structured and there’s a program specifically for adolescents. They’re for your teen if they’re struggling to get by in everyday life. Sessions teach teens how to reduce stress, regulate behavior, and communication skills. In addition to the small group sessions, there are family sessions as well.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): If your teen needs a bit more help, then a PHP is the next level. Usually, teens attend five times a week and are still able to go back to their normal lives around the program. This is for teens who are struggling with things like completing daily tasks or getting to work or school regularly. They foster healing and a sense of independence.
Residential Treatment Programs/ Hospitalization: If none of the other programs have worked for your teen, or they need around the clock care, hospitalization may be necessary. This may be for teens who are in the midst of a crisis and need to heal in a safe place before heading back out into the real world.
(Navigating the world of therapy can be tricky. There is always more information.)
So what’s next?
If your teen’s struggling, not listening, or rebelling, and you just want to see them feel comfortable in their own skin again, schedule a call for a consultation with us at Sanare. We’ll gently guide them towards the therapy best suited for their situation and we will get them thriving again.
We walk you and your teen through the different levels of care and we find a schedule that works for both of you. We do the work for you by creating a custom plan tailored to your teenager’s needs, lifestyle, schedule, and insurance.
Here’s what you can expect from your sign up process:
- You’ll call in, and our admissions team will help you schedule your initial consultation within 48 hours
- During your in-person or virtual consultation, one of our therapists will help determine which program (or trusted partner) will be the best fit for you
- You’ll show up to your first session (probably a little freaked out, and that’s totally fine), listen to others’ stories, and start gaining tools you can apply that same day
Sanare Today is a mental health provider offering IOP, PHP, and outpatient therapy programs for teens, children, and adults dealing with childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. We offer therapy in Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; Raleigh, NC and beyond. Get in touch with us here!