Teen Treatment Program Tracks

BNI offers separate treatment tracks for mental health, behavioral issues, and dual diagnosis. Each teen is provides a customized treatment plan based on their unique history and symptoms. BNI is owned and operated by two highly experienced psychiatrists who specialize in the 12- 17 age group.

Mental Health Treatment

Treating a teen that is struggling with a mental health condition requires a multi-pronged approach.  It isn’t enough to write a prescription for antidepressants and think that will take care of the issue.  To effectively treat the adolescent with a mental health disorder requires various types of therapy, such as one-on-one talk therapy, group dynamics therapy, family therapy, and an array of experiential therapeutic activities such as art and music therapy, surf therapy, equine therapy, and others.  Medication may also be included in the comprehensive treatment plan.

Signs of a Teen Mental Health Disorder

A teen that is experiencing emotional distress may begin to display certain behavioral, psychological, or physical symptoms. Teens suffering from a mental health disorder may not know how to effectively communicate to parents or other adults about their issues and may act out in reaction to the distress they are feeling. Some common signs of a teen mental health disorder include:

• Loss of interest. The teen may lose interest in the extracurricular activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed.
• Sleep problems. The teen may begin to have insomnia, hypersomnia, or nightmares.
• Change in eating habits. A change in appetite may lead to sudden weight loss or gain.
• Withdraw socially. The teen may avoid social gatherings, school events, or family celebrations.
• Fatigue. The teen may exhibit profound fatigue and malaise.
• Decline in academic performance. The teen’s grades may suffer due to difficulty concentrating, completing assignments, or staying on task.
• Self-harming behavior. The teen may inflict self-injury, such as cutting, burning, scratching, or pulling out hair.
• Somatic symptoms. The teen may exhibit physical symptoms such as headaches, vague pain, or stomach distress.
• Hostility and anger. The teen may be increasingly irritable, agitated, and engage in angry outbursts.
• Mood swings. The teen may have more frequent or more pronounced fluctuations in moods.
• Talk of death or suicide. The teen may become obsessed with death or talk of suicide.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When both a mental health and substance use disorder coexist it presents a more complex treatment picture.  It has been found that treating both disorders concurrently nets superior recovery results when compared to programs that treat the disorders one at a time.  Dual diagnosis treatment will involve psychotherapy to examine potential causal factors that may underlie the dual diagnosis, such as traumas, significant life events, or deep emotional pain.  In addition, treatment will include addiction education, group therapy, family therapy, and adjunct therapies.

Signs of Teen Dual Diagnosis

Some teens may have co-occurring disorders, meaning the existence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. This is called a dual diagnosis. The presenting symptoms will vary based on which combination of disorders are involved. When the mental health disorder is the primary disorder, the teen may begin to use drugs or alcohol to help diminish the discomforts associated with the depression, anxiety disorder, or mood disorder.

Some common teen dual diagnoses include alcohol use disorder and depression, marijuana abuse and social anxiety, benzodiazepine abuse and generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder and bipolar disorder. Treatment will be tailored to the specific dual diagnosis.

Contact Admissions for Help and Guidance

BNI Treatment Centers provide safe and effective mental health and medical detoxification for adolescents ages 12-17.  BNI Treatment will be a powerful support for teens and their families on the recovery journey. Call for confidential help at (888) 522-1504