Reefer Madness, that infamous cult film of the 1930s that uses over-the-top effects to warn parents of the harmful effects of drugs such as marijuana, may have been on the right track after all. Mounting evidence points to some deeply concerning recent revelations about drugs causing psychosis in teens. While that may sound a bit melodramatic, the publication of several recent studies provides credence to this claim.
When a troubled teen is exhibiting signs of erratic behavior or emotional instability they should be assessed by a psychiatric professional. Teenage psychiatric evaluation involves a variety of screening tools designed to help the doctor arrive at a diagnosis and then design a treatment plan. In the event of a psychiatric crisis the teen would need acute stabilization services initially, with therapy to follow once the condition is stabilized. Teenage psychiatric evaluation and stabilization are services provided at a residential teen mental health center, which can provide the safe, supportive environment that will foster emotional healing.
When a teen shows signs of emotional and/or behavioral problems that are not related to a physical condition, they will be referred to a child psychiatrist who can then perform the routine psychological screening tools and an interview to arrive at a diagnosis. With this support and treatment, the teen will be better equipped to overcome drug induced psychosis and lingering psychiatric symptoms.
Teen Treatment Programs
Acute Stabilization
When a teen experiences a sudden psychiatric or drug-related crisis that can bring about significant impairment in function, or even be life-threatening, acute stabilization services are required. Acute stabilization involves integrated medical and psychiatric interventions provided in a medical environment on a short-term basis that are adjusted to the level of the specific emergency—mild, moderate, or severe.
Primary Mental Health
When a teen is struggling with a mental health condition it can profoundly impact all aspects of their lives. Getting professional treatment for an adolescent experiencing mood disorders or psychiatric distress is imperative in order to restore healthy functioning. Residential treatment allows the time and space for real change to occur within a safe and supportive treatment environment.
Dual Diagnosis
When a teen struggles with both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health disorder it is termed Dual Diagnosis. Both disorders must be treated in a coordinated manner for a successful recovery outcome. A skilled psychotherapist can guide the teen towards exploring underlying emotional pain to help understand the contributing factors toward both the SUD and the accompanying depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health disorders. Only by examining the whole psychological picture can an effective, individualized treatment plan be developed.
On-Site Academic Support
While seeking treatment is the top priority, it is also important that an extended absence from school does not negatively impact the teen’s academic progress. During the residential treatment period, the adolescent will continue to engage in their studies with the assistance of the BNI case management and treatment team coordinating with the school representatives and parents. During treatment the student may require additional assistance with their schoolwork. To aid with this, BNI Treatment Centers provides on-site tutors as well as computer stations for the teen’s school use while in treatment.
Getting Your Teen Treatment
BNI Treatment Centers for Teens is a comprehensive residential behavioral health treatment program for ages 12-17. BNI is dedicated to empowering teens who are struggling in various facets of their lives due to their specific conditions or issues. The treatment team develops individualize treatment plans to overcome these challenges to get their lives back on a positive trajectory.
The compassionate clinical team at BNI recognizes the unique struggles associated with the teen years that may culminate in social problems, high-risk behaviors, substance abuse, mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, or legal problems. The BNI clinical treatment team works with the teens using the treatment modality that is best suited to treat their unique condition or issues.
The inpatient program at BNI encompasses all treatment elements, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, nutrition, and experiential therapies. BNI utilizes evidence-based approaches, those treatment modalities that have been scientifically tested and proven to be effective, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT), psychodynamic therapy, and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT).
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Meet Our Doctors
Arastou Aminzadeh, M.D.
Dr. Arastou Aminzadeh or Dr. A as most teens refer to him, has been working in variety of clinical settings for the last 20 years. He is well respected nationally for his expertise in Addiction medicine and treating adolescents. Dr. A is a triple board certified physician in psychiatry, Child and Adolescent psychiatry and Addiction medicine.
Oliver Ahmadpour, M.D.
Dr. Oliver Ahmadpour is an adult and child psychiatrist with nearly four decades of experience in the field of medicine with an M.D. degree from Sweden, where he practiced as an Internal Medicine physician. In the U.S. he completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Endocrinology at UCSD, and his Residency and Fellowship in Adult, Child, and adolescent Psychiatry at USC Keck School of Medicine.
Safe & Monitored Environment
Our Treatment Facilities
BNI Treatment Centers for Teens is located in Southern California. The BNI residential facilities are top of the line, luxury accommodations set in a safe, secure, and private location. Your teen will be cared for with the highest standard of care, including meals, amenities, and an expert staff and nursing that is available 24/7.
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