Mental Health and Substance Abuse Teen Treatment

When your teen begins exhibiting troubling new behaviors or emotions that persist for a few weeks, it could be a sign that they are struggling with a mental health disorder.  Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders among adolescents is on the rise in recent years, prompting a need for more teen-tailored mental health treatment services.  Treating teens involves different methods and modalities than treating adults with mental health conditions, which is why it is imperative that a teen specific treatment program is sought.

In some cases, a substance use disorder can accompany a mental health disorder, or could exist as a stand-alone disorder.  Teens with a substance use disorder will possibly require a medical detox followed by an addiction treatment program.  If there are co-occurring disorders, that is, a dual diagnosis of a mental health disorder and a coexisting substance use disorder, the teen treatment program should treat both disorders simultaneously for the best recovery outcome.

Mental Health Teen 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.

Substance Abuse Teen Treatment

Teen substance abuse or addiction will involve therapy that is customized for the teen, taking into account the differences between the teen versus the adult response to addiction.  The limbic system of the teen brain is not fully developed, meaning that the executive processes, such as decision-making, discerning risk, controlling impulsivity, are still under construction.  Therapy will center on cognitive behavioral therapy that helps teens recognize dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns that lead to substance abuse, and teaching them to replace those with healthy responses.

Dual Diagnosis Teen 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.

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.