What are the Best Parent Resources for Teen Behavioral Issues?

Excellent resources are available for parents of teens with behavioral issues, including therapists, schools, community centers, help lines, pediatricians, books, and online articles. Find out where you can turn when your teen needs help.

Key Takeaways

• Teens tend to be emotionally volatile, but certain signs will tell you they need professional help, such as dangerous behavior and difficulty in academic and social situations.
• When a need for professional help is detected, parents may be unsure where to turn. However, there are various resources that can guide them, including schools, doctors, therapists, books, online and in-person communities, treatment programs, and suicide prevention hotlines.
• With the right approach, both you and your teen will overcome emotional issues and move on to a place that supports a happier, healthier family life.

Table of Contents

• What Warning Signs Tell Parents That Teen Behavior Is a Problem?
• What Are Resources for Teens’ Mental Health Issues?
• BNI Treatment Is an Excellent Resource for Parents in Southern California
• FAQs

Introduction

A NaMI study indicates that mental health concerns exist in more than one in seven individuals aged 6-17. However, they can be hard to detect, especially in teens who tend to be emotionally volatile.

Parents need resources to determine when to get help and the best treatment sources. But many don’t know where to turn.

Schools, community, mental health professionals, doctors, and help lines can all be excellent resources. Find out how they can help you and your teen achieve optimal well-being.

What Warning Signs Tell Parents That Teen Behavior Is a Problem?

Adolescence is often a time of significant psychological, behavioral, neurological, and emotional development. Teens act out by pushing boundaries and taking risks, and often exhibit mood fluctuations. But how do you know the difference between normal behavior and behavioral problems?

Here are some telltale signs of mental health challenges.

• Sudden, dramatic changes in mood or personality
• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
• Declining grades or refusal to attend school
• Increased secrecy, lying, or manipulative behavior
• Signs of substance use (changes in appearance, new friend groups, missing money or items)
• Self-injury, expressions of hopelessness, or talk of suicide
• Extreme aggression or violent, disruptive behavior
• Eating disorders
• Legal troubles
• Abusing alcohol or drug use

What Are Resources for Teens’ Mental Health Issues?

Parents who think their child may be experiencing mental health disorders may wonder where to turn. This is a very real problem, as a Global Statistics study indicates that 61% of teens who need mental health care have difficulty accessing it. Here are some trusted resources to help parents connect with professionals and ensure their teens get the help they need.

Your Pediatrician or Primary Doctor

Parents often overlook this resource, but pediatricians are trained to look for signs of mental illness, developmental issues, and substance use during regular visits. The child’s doctor will conduct an assessment, rule out possible underlying causes, and tell you if you need to consult a mental health professional. The doctor will also provide information about the urgency of the situation and may offer advice on managing your teen while you wait for further treatment.

School-Based Resources

Schools can provide assistance for your teen on several levels, as follows:

• School counselors and psychologists: These individuals can get the conversation started about your child’s mental health challenges and provide temporary support, guiding them through the early stages of treatment.
• IEPs and 504 Plans: If your teen’s behavioral problems are linked to a diagnosable disorder, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety disorders, or depression, they may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan. Both formalized plans provide academic accommodations to help your child succeed in the classroom.
• Open Communication: Maintain an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and administrators. They may provide insights on triggers and patterns that can bring you closer to understanding what’s behind your child’s negative behavior or emotional distress.

Support Groups for Parents

Often, parents of young adults in need of mental health services feel frustrated and don’t know how to deal with troubled teens. Support groups help them learn from others in similar situations. Here are some worth looking into:

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): NAMI offers a free, peer-led support group called NAMI Family Support Group specifically for family members of individuals living with mental health conditions. They also offer a Family-to-Family education program. More information is available at nami.org.
• CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): Parents of teens with ADHD can gain access to support groups, educational resources, and an online community. Visit chadd.org for local chapter information.
• Online Communities: Those who prefer virtual connections or live in areas without local groups should consider online forums and communities. Organizations like NAMI and the Child Mind Institute offer online support options, while private Facebook groups can help parents navigate a wide range of teen mental health challenges.

Books and Educational Resources

Parents can learn a lot about their child’s condition through books and online articles. Not every resource is reputable, but here are some you can count on for solid advice.

Books

• The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene: A practical framework for working with inflexible, easily frustrated teens
• Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour: Specific strategies for guiding girls through their teenage years
• Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child by Robert J. MacKenzie: Parents can learn how to set boundaries with a troubled teenager
• Get Out of My Life, but First, Could You Drive Cheryl and Me to the Mall by Anthony E. Wolf: A realistic and compassionate look at adolescent behavior

Reputable Online Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org): Guidance on behavioral and mental health topics from a pediatric perspective
• Child Mind Institute (childmind.org): In-depth articles and guides on a wide range of childhood and adolescent mental health issues
• NIMH (nimh.nih.gov): Research-based information on mental health disorders
• CDC (cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth): Data and resources on children’s mental health

Crisis Intervention

A teen may need immediate intervention if they are exhibiting violent or self-harming behavior or going through a suicidal crisis. Fortunately, intervention services are available, such as:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Teens and concerned friends and family members can dial 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Crisis Text Line: Texting HOME to 741741 connects individuals to a trained crisis counselor via text message, which may feel more comfortable for teens who are reluctant to speak on the phone.
• Emergency Services: If your teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact a mobile crisis team if one is available in your area. Many communities now offer this as an alternative to law enforcement response.

Mental Health Professionals

When parents find their teens require a higher level of care, they may seek out professional help. A psychiatrist or psychologist will compare symptoms against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to make an accurate diagnosis. Then they will determine the best method for treating your child.

Care is typically personalized to your child’s needs, and may include the following:

• Evidence-Based Practices: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are just some of the proven techniques used to help troubled teens. They teach teens emotional skills so they can handle triggers in healthy ways and give them the tools they need to become successful adults.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help with emotional regulation, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.
• Holistic Approaches: Often integrated into care, practices such as yoga and meditation help manage stress, promote mindfulness, and support overall well-being.

The Benefits of Teen Treatment Programs

While mental health professionals are available in private practices, teens can also access care through a formal treatment program. These are ideal for more complex disorders, as they are typically staffed by an integrated team of medical practitioners, mental health experts, social workers, and licensed counselors, ensuring your child gets the care they need under one roof.

These programs can be delivered on a residential or outpatient basis. Outpatient programs are for teens who need structured care, but don’t require ongoing oversight. Residential care may be recommended for teens exhibiting suicidal thoughts, self-harming behavior, and violent tendencies.

Both approaches typically include academic support, ensuring teens don’t fall behind on their schoolwork.

BNI Treatment Is an Excellent Resource for Parents in Southern California

A teen’s problems can disrupt families and impact the well-being of everyone involved, but help is available. Parents who feel overwhelmed can find support at BNI Treatment Clinics. Our staff is trained to meet teens where they are, ensuring a relatable approach. We offer a wide range of treatment options, from evidence-based to holistic to innovative, ensuring a personalized treatment plan designed for your child’s specific needs.

One call can make all the difference. Contact our clinic to get started today.

FAQs

How do I talk to my teen about getting help without making things worse?

Talk to your teen in a calm, private moment rather than in the middle of a crisis. Lead with concern rather than criticism. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When should I consider a treatment program for my teen rather than weekly therapy?

A higher level of care may be needed if regular therapy sessions are not producing any improvement in problem behavior. You may also consider a treatment program if there are safety concerns, such as self-harm, reckless behavior, or substance use.

What if my teen refuses to go to therapy?

Resistance is common among teens. If your child refused to go to therapy, consider having an open, non-confrontational conversation about what they are experiencing without focusing on therapy. When they come around, let them have a say in the therapist and the type of care they feel comfortable with.

Sources

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Mental Health By the Numbers.” https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).” https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2024-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2023.” https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs
4. Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Youth Mental Health Statistics in 2024.” https://www.aecf.org/blog/youth-mental-health-statistics
5. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Mental Illness.” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
6. PMC/National Institutes of Health. “Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being: A Public Health of Consequence.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10862208/
7. UNICEF Data. “Adolescent Mental Health Statistics.” https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/mental-health/
8. World Health Organization (WHO). “Mental Health of Adolescents.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
9. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org
10. American Academy of Pediatrics. “HealthyChildren.org.” https://www.healthychildren.org
11. CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD). https://www.chadd.org
12. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org
13. Crisis Text Line. https://www.crisistextline.org
14. Psychology Today Therapist Finder. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists