At our mental health treatment center for teens, we understand how difficult this time is for the parents and families of a teen struggling with ADHD. Our clinical team analyzes the situation and provides therapeutic support and guidance for the family unit during the entire process.
Treating ADHD in Teens
Treating ADHD in Teens at BNI Treatment Centers
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the best-known of all childhood behavioral conditions. It gets its name from the broad range of symptoms it can produce in any affected person. While ADHD is often associated with early childhood, it also affects younger and older teenagers. No form of treatment will completely halt the effects of the disorder. However, the right forms of support can help your teen regain function and daily stability.
BNI Treatment Centers is the only teen mental health center in California with specialized ADHD treatment experts. Contact us by calling in at (844) 440-1316 today to learn more about our Los Angeles based ADHD treatment process.
ADHD Symptoms in Teens
There are a few main symptoms to look out with regards to ADHD amongst teens. In teenagers, ADHD often presents through challenges with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms. Inattention-focused symptoms may include difficulty sustaining focus in school or conversations, poor organization and time management, frequent forgetfulness, missed assignments, avoidance of tasks that require sustained mental effort, and appearing not to listen when spoken to directly.
Many teens experience a combined presentation, meaning they exhibit symptoms from both categories, which can significantly impact academic performance, emotional regulation, and family relationships.
How Does BNI Treat ADHD Differently?
Teen-only mental health specialization
Multiple levels of care under one provider
Licensed, clinically supervised programs
Strong academic and family support integration
Understanding ADHD in Teenagers
Almost 10% of all American children and teenagers are affected by ADHD. That’s the equivalent of roughly six million people. Preteens and teenagers account for more than half of all those who receive an ADHD diagnosis at this stage of life. Children ages six to 11 make up the next largest group. Approximately a quarter million three-to-five-year-olds are also affected.
There are two main subtypes of ADHD. Some children and teens are mostly affected by symptoms of inattention. Such symptoms may include:
- Difficulty paying attention to details or focusing on tasks
- Problems following instructions
- Dislike or avoidance of tasks that require sustained mental effort
- A seeming inability to listen to others during direct conversations
- Difficulty getting or staying organized
- A tendency toward easy distraction
- Frequent forgetfulness
Others are more affected by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Examples of symptoms in these categories include:
- Excessive talking
- Restlessness or difficulty remaining seated in appropriate situations
- Frequent fidgeting or similar body movements
- A tendency to interrupt others or intrude on their activities
- An inability to engage in quiet forms of play or activity
- Difficulty waiting in turn-based situations
In addition, some children and teenagers have mixed symptoms from both subtypes. Hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to affect younger children more often than they affect teens. In turn, adolescents are more likely to have symptoms related to inattention.
What to know about ADHD
The Difference in ADHD Diagnoses for Younger and Older Teenagers
All people with ADHD must have a certain number of symptoms before qualifying for a formal diagnosis. They must also:
- Have those symptoms for at least half a year
- Experience problems that don’t typically affect people of their developmental age
However, there is a significant difference in the ADHD criteria for teens above and below the age of 17. Teenagers 16 or younger must have a total of at least six symptoms. In contrast, those 17 or older only need to have five or more symptoms. The same lowered threshold also applies to adults with ADHD.
Have more questions about the basics of ADHD? Get them answered today at BNI Treatment Centers.
What We Treat
Primary Mental Health
Primary Mental Health
Our primary mental health program offers an integrative wellness model that aims to offer high-quality treatment designed for success.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral Issues
Our program for teens & adolescents with behavioral issues can help teach your teen healthy coping skills to build a foundation for their future.
Dual-Diagnosis
Dual-Diagnosis
The dual-diagnosis program at BNI Treatment Center provides our clients with a foundation for long-term healing & recovery.
Request a Confidential Callback
Our caring admissions team is standing by ready to help your teen or adolescent. Call us 24/7 or fill out our free form to request a callback right now.
ADHD and Residential Treatment at BNI
The effects of ADHD may be characterized by a doctor as mild, moderate, or severe. Children and teens with mild ADHD typically just meet the minimum standard for making an official diagnosis. In addition, they remain mostly functional in daily life. Moderate ADHD is diagnosed when:
- More symptoms occur or daily dysfunction increases
- The disorder’s impact is greater than in mild cases, but not serious enough to qualify as severe
Children and teens with severe ADHD may be affected in any of several ways. In some cases, they have an unusually large number of total symptoms. In others, specific symptoms have an unusually serious functional impact. Severely affected people may also experience both issues. In other words, they may have larger numbers of unusually serious symptoms.
AT BNI, we can typically address mild and moderate ADHD in one of our advanced outpatient options:
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
However, your child may need our residential program to address severe ADHD. That’s true because this program provides the extra time and attention needed to recover from serious dysfunction.
Want more information on ADHD severity and how we determine appropriate treatment settings? Consult the professionals at BNI Treatment Centers today.
ADHD Treatment Options
Option 1. Medication
Medication is one of the most important options for teenagers affected by ADHD. In most cases, our medication of choice is a stimulant such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. That’s true, in part, because stimulants provide symptom relief roughly 75% of the time. Medications in this category also tend to work relatively rapidly. However, your teen may also benefit from a non-stimulant option like atomoxetine.
Option 2. Therapy
Several types of therapy are also known to provide a benefit for teen treatment for ADHD. The list of options available to your child at BNI include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on improving concentration and attentiveness
- Other behavioral therapies that make it easier to stay organized, complete important tasks, or interact socially
- Family therapy that helps you resolve family conflicts and improve your interactions with your child
To find out more about the options we use for ADHD treatment for teens, talk to us today.
The Importance of Parental Support and Involvement
Parental support and involvement are always important for teens getting help for ADHD. That includes active parental participation in any form of therapy your child receives. It also includes such things as:
- Educating yourself about ADHD and its potential effects
- Helping your child achieve specific goals as part of their treatment plan
- Remaining generally supportive of your child’s recovery efforts
Your teen’s treatment team can fill you in on the best ways to stay actively involved. They can also help guide your daily efforts to support your child. Contact the specialists at BNI Treatment Centers for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of ADHD treatment is best for teenagers?
The most effective ADHD treatment for teens typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy, skills training, family involvement, and psychiatric care when appropriate. Treatment plans should be individualized based on symptom severity, academic impact, emotional health, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
2. Does every teen with ADHD need residential treatment?
No. Many teens respond well to outpatient or intensive outpatient care. Residential ADHD treatment is generally recommended when symptoms are severe, daily functioning is significantly impaired, or outpatient treatment has not been effective.
3. How do I know if my teen needs professional ADHD treatment?
If ADHD symptoms are interfering with your teen’s ability to function at school, manage emotions, follow routines, or maintain healthy relationships, a professional evaluation may be beneficial. Warning signs can include declining grades, frequent frustration, behavioral issues, or increased family conflict.
4. Can ADHD treatment help with school performance?
Yes. Effective ADHD treatment often improves focus, organization, time management, and emotional regulation, which can directly support academic performance. Many programs also include executive functioning and academic support services to help teens succeed in school settings.
5. Is medication required for ADHD treatment?
Medication is not required for every teen with ADHD. Some adolescents benefit from therapy and skills-based interventions alone, while others may benefit from medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Medication decisions are always made on an individual basis and monitored by qualified professionals.
6. Can ADHD occur with anxiety, depression, or other conditions?
Yes. ADHD commonly co-occurs with anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and behavioral challenges. When this happens, integrated treatment that addresses both ADHD and co-occurring conditions is essential for long-term progress.
7. How long does ADHD treatment for teens usually last?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the level of care needed, and individual progress. Some teens benefit from short-term structured programs, while others may require longer-term support to build and maintain coping skills.
8. Is ADHD treatment covered by insurance?
Many major insurance plans provide coverage for ADHD treatment, including residential and outpatient care. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s best to verify benefits directly with the admissions team.
CONTACT US TODAY
Get ADHD Treatment for Teens
At BNI Treatment Centers, we provide specialized ADHD treatment for teens in California, offering structured care that helps adolescents regain stability, confidence, and healthy routines.
For more details on any of our three locations, contact us today via phone, email, or our online message form. We’re standing by to guide you through the admissions and treatment process. Call (844) 440-1316 to speak with a teen ADHD treatment specialist today.