According to the National Center for PTSD, about 14% to 43% of teens have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime. It is important to understand that not all trauma can lead to teen PTSD. Some statistics indicate that about 3%-15% of girls who have experienced trauma develop PTSD. The number is a bit lower in boys, with 1%-6% developing PTSD. PTSD is a complex emotional response to highly distressing events, causing teens to become frightened of certain people or situations, leading to long-term issues and developmental problems. As a parent or guardian, you might wonder what the best treatment for PTSD is.
This article seeks to guide parents and caregivers on inpatient treatment for teen PTSD. If your teen has PTSD, contact Nexus Teen Academy today for more information.
What is Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD?
Teen PTSD treatment can be a long and harrowing journey. Seeking professional help is the first step towards overcoming PTSD. Due to PTSD’s complexity, it can be difficult to treat and manage. As a parent or guardian, seeking professional help can prevent the long-term effects of PTSD. This is where inpatient treatment comes in.
Residential treatment centers (RTCs) have become a popular way of treating severe mental health conditions as they offer a high standard of care by providing high-quality and comprehensive treatment. Since they require teens to be committed to the facility, they provide long-term care for PTSD.
Teens who have experienced repeated traumatic events are more likely to be enrolled in inpatient care due to the long-term negative consequences that can come from teen PTSD. If left untreated, it can impair your teen’s life. As a parent or guardian, you should consider inpatient treatment for teens with PTSD.
Key Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Care
Inpatient and outpatient care have several differences. These include the following:
Outpatient Treatment is More Flexible: It does not require teens to reside at the facility, making it suitable for teens with less severe mental health conditions. Teens in inpatient care live in the facility and receive treatment throughout the day.
Inpatient Care Offers a More Comprehensive Treatment Approach: Since teens are at the facility all day, they can be treated more comprehensively. Outpatient treatment is less comprehensive because teens need to continue with their daily lives while they receive treatment.
The Cost of Inpatient Treatment is Higher than Outpatient Care: Inpatient treatment is resource-intensive and will generally cost more than other forms of care.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD
Inpatient treatment has many benefits. These include the following:
Intensive Therapy and Support
Inpatient treatment is great for teen PTSD treatment because it offers a more comprehensive treatment plan. During enrollment, your teen will undergo a thorough assessment. The assessment includes an interview to collect all medically relevant information. Additionally, your teen will undergo a physical evaluation to rule out physical conditions that can cause or exacerbate their symptoms. After that, the therapist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan offering different treatment techniques that may benefit your teen. It also includes realistic targets that your teen should meet during treatment.
Teens in RTC programs are treated using various treatment approaches. For example, evidence-based and holistic methods are used to ensure thorough treatment. Since your teen’s time is not limited to a few hours a day, they can experience more intense therapy sessions. This approach also treats any co-occurring disorders your teen may have.
24/7 Supervision
Inpatient treatment for teenage PTSD provides around-the-clock treatment for teen PTSD, where most of the day is scheduled for various activities that will help them overcome PTSD. For example, teens with PTSD may be required to engage in art therapy to help with emotional regulation.
Specialized Treatment
RTC facilities offer specialized treatment. Since your teen is in the facility all day, therapists can use specialized approaches to help them overcome PTSD. For example, teens with PTSD can benefit from exposure therapy. RTC facilities are suitable for prolonged exposure sessions since your teen does not have to return home every day.
Your teen’s specialized treatment is fully customizable and tailored to cater to their specific needs.
Peer Support
One of the most important aspects of inpatient treatment for teen PTSD is peer support. Many parents fear that their teen is alone while receiving treatment. However, RTC programs offer peer support with other teens enrolled in the same program. This gives them a sense of community and encourages them to work toward a shared goal. Shared activities promote mental well-being as teens unite to support each other’s healing journey.
What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD
When you enroll your teen in a residential treatment center, you can expect the following:
Initial Comprehensive Evaluation
When you enroll your teen in a teen PTSD inpatient treatment program, they will undergo a thorough initial assessment. First, your teen will complete a questionnaire that will be used to develop a treatment plan. They will also be interviewed to collect their medical history, expectations, and goals. Additionally, they will undergo a physical assessment to rule out physical conditions that can explain their symptoms. The purpose of an initial evaluation is to develop a tailored treatment plan. The treatment plan will shape your teen’s stay at the facility. It will guide practitioners on the appropriate treatment approach and remind them of your teen’s unique needs.
Minimized Contact
At the treatment facility, your teen will have reduced contact with home. You will only interact with your teen during family therapy sessions. Many parents find it difficult to cope with their teen’s absence. This approach helps teens focus on treatment rather than being distracted by outside events. It also helps them focus on personal growth as they receive treatment. Many facilities limit the amount of time teens spend on their mobile devices. However, you will periodically be appraised about your teen’s progress.
Various Treatment Approaches
RTC treatment utilizes various trauma-focused approaches to help teens. These approaches include the following:
Trauma-Focused CBT
TF-CBT is a special type of bognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) used specifically to treat PTSD. It is used to teach teens about their trauma. Your teen will get to unpack their emotions and address negative reactions. Additionally, TF-CBT helps teens reframe their negative thoughts into more positive ones. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of their trauma, they learn to shift their focus onto the positive aspects of their life. This can be a good way to cope with distressing memories. Similarly, TF-CBT gradually exposes teens to the cause of their trauma, helping them build emotional resilience by learning to tolerate negative stimuli.
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility in Arizona. We offer high-quality mental health treatment to teens aged 12 to 17. Our residential treatment center provides comprehensive mental health treatment for conditions like PTSD, substance abuse, and teen depression. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a family-centered treatment approach where we focus on improving family dynamics. Parents can also actively participate in their teen’s treatment.
Nexus Teen Academy uses evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches to ensure teens overcome their trauma. We are happy to help, and we invite you to contact us today for more information about our programs and services.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
PE is a specialized trauma-focused treatment used for teens with PTSD. It gradually exposes teens to the cause of their trauma to reduce their emotional reactions. It teaches teens that confronting their fears is better than avoiding them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBTcan be used to treat PTSD by helping teens regulate their emotions effectively. It equips them with appropriate emotional regulation skills to help them become emotionally resilient.
Family Involvement
RTC treatment encourages families to be involved in the healing process through family therapy. Family counseling is important because it helps family members learn how to support teens during treatment effectively. Family counseling allows families to provide emotional support to teens during treatment.
Additionally, it also addresses negative family dynamics that can hinder treatment. Family counseling recognizes that family members are the primary support structure for teens. It helps them learn to be more supportive and empathetic towards teens receiving treatment.
Academic Expectations
RTC facilities, like Nexus Teen Academy, often offer academic support. They help teens stay up-to-date on schoolwork during their time in treatment. Academic support is pivotal as it prevents teens from falling behind as they receive treatment.
Aftercare and Transitioning Out of Inpatient Care
After successfully completing treatment, your teen may require aftercare and transitioning services. Transitioning from inpatient treatment can be difficult for many teens. As a result, they need a lower level of care to help them reintegrate into society. Most RTC facilities offer outpatient treatment to help teens transition back to their everyday lives.
At Nexus, we have a sister program, NexStep Teen Academy, that offers outpatient support services, including teen PHP, teen IOP, and general adolescent outpatient programs that can help teens continue with their recovery after inpatient care. To learn more about our outpatient options, contact NexStep today.
How to Choose the Right Inpatient Treatment Program for Teenage PTSD
Accreditation: Choose a facility that is accredited to offer mental health treatment. Some facilities are not certified by the relevant bodies and can do more harm than good. It is important for you to choose a certified facility to ensure your teen receives appropriate treatment.
Staff Qualifications: look into the facility’s staff qualifications. Ensure the staff is qualified to provide mental health treatment. You should also ensure the staff has experience working with teens. Teenagers have unique needs that need to be catered to.
Treatment Approach: Different facilities offer different treatment approaches. Choose a facility whose treatment approach aligns with your values.
Cost: Mental health treatment can be expensive. Check your insurance coverage to ensure you reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility in Arizona. We offer high-quality mental health treatment to teens aged 12 to 17. Our residential treatment center provides comprehensive mental health treatment for conditions like PTSD, substance abuse, and teen depression. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a family-centered treatment approach where we focus on improving family dynamics. Parents can also actively participate in their teen’s treatment.
Nexus Teen Academy uses evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches to ensure teens overcome their trauma. We are happy to help, and we invite you to contact us today for more information about our programs and services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if my teen has PTSD?
PTSD can have a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms include the following:
Flashbacks of distressing events
Night terrors
Regressive behaviors
Avoiding certain people or situations
Irritability and emotional outbursts
Social isolation
Intrusive thoughts
Constant fear
How long does inpatient treatment for PTSD last?
Inpatient treatment for PTSD can last for weeks, months, or years. It depends on the severity of the condition and your teen’s progress. However, many RTC facilities offer treatment for 8 to 16 weeks.
Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD
Published By nexus_admin
Published On April 22, 2025
Table of Contents
According to the National Center for PTSD, about 14% to 43% of teens have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime. It is important to understand that not all trauma can lead to teen PTSD. Some statistics indicate that about 3%-15% of girls who have experienced trauma develop PTSD. The number is a bit lower in boys, with 1%-6% developing PTSD. PTSD is a complex emotional response to highly distressing events, causing teens to become frightened of certain people or situations, leading to long-term issues and developmental problems. As a parent or guardian, you might wonder what the best treatment for PTSD is.
This article seeks to guide parents and caregivers on inpatient treatment for teen PTSD. If your teen has PTSD, contact Nexus Teen Academy today for more information.
What is Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD?
Teen PTSD treatment can be a long and harrowing journey. Seeking professional help is the first step towards overcoming PTSD. Due to PTSD’s complexity, it can be difficult to treat and manage. As a parent or guardian, seeking professional help can prevent the long-term effects of PTSD. This is where inpatient treatment comes in.
Residential treatment centers (RTCs) have become a popular way of treating severe mental health conditions as they offer a high standard of care by providing high-quality and comprehensive treatment. Since they require teens to be committed to the facility, they provide long-term care for PTSD.
Teens who have experienced repeated traumatic events are more likely to be enrolled in inpatient care due to the long-term negative consequences that can come from teen PTSD. If left untreated, it can impair your teen’s life. As a parent or guardian, you should consider inpatient treatment for teens with PTSD.
Key Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Care
Inpatient and outpatient care have several differences. These include the following:
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD
Inpatient treatment has many benefits. These include the following:
Intensive Therapy and Support
Inpatient treatment is great for teen PTSD treatment because it offers a more comprehensive treatment plan. During enrollment, your teen will undergo a thorough assessment. The assessment includes an interview to collect all medically relevant information. Additionally, your teen will undergo a physical evaluation to rule out physical conditions that can cause or exacerbate their symptoms. After that, the therapist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan offering different treatment techniques that may benefit your teen. It also includes realistic targets that your teen should meet during treatment.
Teens in RTC programs are treated using various treatment approaches. For example, evidence-based and holistic methods are used to ensure thorough treatment. Since your teen’s time is not limited to a few hours a day, they can experience more intense therapy sessions. This approach also treats any co-occurring disorders your teen may have.
24/7 Supervision
Inpatient treatment for teenage PTSD provides around-the-clock treatment for teen PTSD, where most of the day is scheduled for various activities that will help them overcome PTSD. For example, teens with PTSD may be required to engage in art therapy to help with emotional regulation.
Specialized Treatment
RTC facilities offer specialized treatment. Since your teen is in the facility all day, therapists can use specialized approaches to help them overcome PTSD. For example, teens with PTSD can benefit from exposure therapy. RTC facilities are suitable for prolonged exposure sessions since your teen does not have to return home every day.
Your teen’s specialized treatment is fully customizable and tailored to cater to their specific needs.
Peer Support
One of the most important aspects of inpatient treatment for teen PTSD is peer support. Many parents fear that their teen is alone while receiving treatment. However, RTC programs offer peer support with other teens enrolled in the same program. This gives them a sense of community and encourages them to work toward a shared goal. Shared activities promote mental well-being as teens unite to support each other’s healing journey.
What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment for Teenage PTSD
When you enroll your teen in a residential treatment center, you can expect the following:
Initial Comprehensive Evaluation
When you enroll your teen in a teen PTSD inpatient treatment program, they will undergo a thorough initial assessment. First, your teen will complete a questionnaire that will be used to develop a treatment plan. They will also be interviewed to collect their medical history, expectations, and goals. Additionally, they will undergo a physical assessment to rule out physical conditions that can explain their symptoms. The purpose of an initial evaluation is to develop a tailored treatment plan. The treatment plan will shape your teen’s stay at the facility. It will guide practitioners on the appropriate treatment approach and remind them of your teen’s unique needs.
Minimized Contact
At the treatment facility, your teen will have reduced contact with home. You will only interact with your teen during family therapy sessions. Many parents find it difficult to cope with their teen’s absence. This approach helps teens focus on treatment rather than being distracted by outside events. It also helps them focus on personal growth as they receive treatment. Many facilities limit the amount of time teens spend on their mobile devices. However, you will periodically be appraised about your teen’s progress.
Various Treatment Approaches
RTC treatment utilizes various trauma-focused approaches to help teens. These approaches include the following:
Trauma-Focused CBT
TF-CBT is a special type of bognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) used specifically to treat PTSD. It is used to teach teens about their trauma. Your teen will get to unpack their emotions and address negative reactions. Additionally, TF-CBT helps teens reframe their negative thoughts into more positive ones. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of their trauma, they learn to shift their focus onto the positive aspects of their life. This can be a good way to cope with distressing memories. Similarly, TF-CBT gradually exposes teens to the cause of their trauma, helping them build emotional resilience by learning to tolerate negative stimuli.
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility in Arizona. We offer high-quality mental health treatment to teens aged 12 to 17. Our residential treatment center provides comprehensive mental health treatment for conditions like PTSD, substance abuse, and teen depression. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a family-centered treatment approach where we focus on improving family dynamics. Parents can also actively participate in their teen’s treatment.
Nexus Teen Academy uses evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches to ensure teens overcome their trauma. We are happy to help, and we invite you to contact us today for more information about our programs and services.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
PE is a specialized trauma-focused treatment used for teens with PTSD. It gradually exposes teens to the cause of their trauma to reduce their emotional reactions. It teaches teens that confronting their fears is better than avoiding them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT can be used to treat PTSD by helping teens regulate their emotions effectively. It equips them with appropriate emotional regulation skills to help them become emotionally resilient.
Family Involvement
RTC treatment encourages families to be involved in the healing process through family therapy. Family counseling is important because it helps family members learn how to support teens during treatment effectively. Family counseling allows families to provide emotional support to teens during treatment.
Additionally, it also addresses negative family dynamics that can hinder treatment. Family counseling recognizes that family members are the primary support structure for teens. It helps them learn to be more supportive and empathetic towards teens receiving treatment.
Academic Expectations
RTC facilities, like Nexus Teen Academy, often offer academic support. They help teens stay up-to-date on schoolwork during their time in treatment. Academic support is pivotal as it prevents teens from falling behind as they receive treatment.
Aftercare and Transitioning Out of Inpatient Care
After successfully completing treatment, your teen may require aftercare and transitioning services. Transitioning from inpatient treatment can be difficult for many teens. As a result, they need a lower level of care to help them reintegrate into society. Most RTC facilities offer outpatient treatment to help teens transition back to their everyday lives.
At Nexus, we have a sister program, NexStep Teen Academy, that offers outpatient support services, including teen PHP, teen IOP, and general adolescent outpatient programs that can help teens continue with their recovery after inpatient care. To learn more about our outpatient options, contact NexStep today.
How to Choose the Right Inpatient Treatment Program for Teenage PTSD
When choosing a residential treatment center, you need to make the following considerations:
Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment facility in Arizona. We offer high-quality mental health treatment to teens aged 12 to 17. Our residential treatment center provides comprehensive mental health treatment for conditions like PTSD, substance abuse, and teen depression. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a family-centered treatment approach where we focus on improving family dynamics. Parents can also actively participate in their teen’s treatment.
Nexus Teen Academy uses evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches to ensure teens overcome their trauma. We are happy to help, and we invite you to contact us today for more information about our programs and services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PTSD can have a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms include the following:
Inpatient treatment for PTSD can last for weeks, months, or years. It depends on the severity of the condition and your teen’s progress. However, many RTC facilities offer treatment for 8 to 16 weeks.