5 Best Psychiatrists for Teens Near Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, teens are exposed to many challenges that can affect their mental health: academic pressure, social media, family stress, and the unique local culture. Specialized psychiatry for adolescents differs from adult care in that it focuses on these factors and others to provide care that fits into this essential developmental stage.

In this guide, we’ll highlight five trusted options for teen psychiatrists in the Los Angeles area. As we compare and contrast these options, we’ll examine the facilities’ structures, the programs offered, and the strengths and limitations of each. 

BNI Treatment Center

Based in Los Angeles, BNI Treatment Center is exclusively focused on teens with programs designed for their unique psychiatric needs. Their experienced staff is trained to address the challenges of the adolescent brain, including impulse control, susceptibility to peer pressure, and difficulties with emotional regulation. With a balanced integration of psychiatry, therapy, and family support, BNI stands out amongst its options for its holistic approach to treatment. 

BNI Treatment Center offers several levels of care: from 24/7 monitored residential care to daytime intensive care and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Flexible outpatient care is available for teens with moderate cases or those who need to continue school. Families are given resources and encouraged to make the choice of treatment that fits their child’s mental health needs and their family’s lifestyle. 

Evidence-based therapies offered include CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused care. Additionally, at BNI Treatment Center, teens can enjoy experiential therapies, including art, music, mindfulness, and recreation. By engaging beyond talk therapy, adolescents can lower their stress levels and learn valuable coping skills they can carry on into adulthood.

Clear Behavioral Health

Clear Behavioral Health offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that is designed specifically for teens suffering from anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. The flexible structure of their programs, with many offered after school, allows teens to continue their academic journey while receiving care. For families who need access to structured care without the commitment of residential treatment, this is a solid choice. However, keep in mind that this type of treatment is best suited for moderate mental health concerns. Severe mental health challenges may require residential care for safety and the best long-term outcomes. 

Clear Behavioral Health combines evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT, with creative outlet therapies, such as yoga and mindfulness. For teens who are resistant to traditional talk therapy, these holistic approaches can help drive engagement with their treatment. Group therapy is also offered to enrich treatment with a sense of peer support and shared experiences. 

Beachside Teen Treatment Center

Beachside Teen Treatment Center offers therapeutic services and IOPs focused on teens with co-occurring mental health and behavioral challenges. Teens can live at home while receiving treatment in a Malibu-based setting that is tailored to reduce stress and promote healing. This center emphasizes family healing, helping rebuild connections that mental health and behavioral issues can fray. A holistic approach to recovery encourages teens to find their independence while working through a program of evidence-based therapies and experiential therapies.

While this program is ideal for those seeking a family-centered approach from a private clinic, it is not designed for crisis-level needs that require residential care. For many families, this treatment center serves as a step-down program after residential treatment. While the flexibility is supportive, for many patients, more intensive care during a crisis leads to better long-term outcomes.

Lightfully Teen Programs

For adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges, Lightfully Teen Programs offers a unique model of therapy out of their Carlsbad, CA location. Called Process-Based Therapy, this modern approach is tailored to each teen’s specific needs. Offering residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs, Lightfully Teen Programs is geared specifically toward teen mental health. By focusing on common mental health issues plaguing teens, there is an emphasis on helping teens build their resilience and coping skills. 

With their innovative therapy model, many teens see improvement. For families looking for a modern approach to therapy, Lightfully Teen Programs offers considerable value. However, there may not be the same breadth of holistic therapy options available. Additionally, a lack of emphasis on family involvement may work for some lifestyles, but other families may appreciate a more hands-on approach.

Camino a Casa by Casa Pacifica

With short-term residential programs, Camino a Casa seeks to help adolescents struggling with complex psychiatric needs, behavioral issues, and emotional regulation. Combining evidence-based and trauma-informed care with experiential therapies, Camino a Casa prides itself on inclusive services that help all teens heal. By exclusively serving adolescents, treatment can be ensured to be age-appropriate, and many families choose this program as a bridge between intensive long-term treatment and returning home. 

Because programs typically last weeks rather than months, some teens may not be able to receive the intensive long-term care needed to recover from a crisis. The goal of the program is stabilization and either a return to home life or transition into longer-term care. For families who need a stepping stone either into more intensive care or out of intensive care back into regular daily life, Camino a Casa is a good option to explore.

Which Psychiatrists Are Right for Your Teen?

Adolescence is a time of critical development where mental health challenges can upend day-to-day life. You can take charge of their long-term outcomes for the better by seeking treatment. Access to a psychiatrist who understands your teen’s specific needs is essential for recovery and peace of mind. Los Angeles is well-positioned to offer a variety of programs tailored to teens’ needs. BNI Treatment Centers stands out for its exclusive focus on teens and young adults, offering multiple levels of clinical care that integrate psychiatry, therapy, family involvement, and holistic approaches. 

BNI Treatment Center’s comprehensive model helps fill the gaps that other programs may have. For families unsure about the next step, our team of experienced professionals is here to help. Our supportive environment is designed to help ensure your teen receives the help they need. Contact us today to get started or learn more about the programs we have to offer.