Nexus Academy | Personalized Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Anger Disorders

Teen receiving counseling during inpatient treatment for anger disorders at Nexus Teen Academy.

Many parents see teenage anger as a normal part of life. However, intense and unmanageable anger can be a sign of an anger disorder. Leaving anger disorders untreated can have disastrous consequences on your teen’s life, such as delinquency, risky behavior, and problems with law enforcement. As a parent or guardian, you should seek inpatient treatment for teens exhibiting anger disorders. Depending on the severity of your teen’s anger disorders, they may require different levels of care. Inpatient treatment is essential for teens whose anger makes them a danger to others or themselves. 

This article will guide parents through what to expect in inpatient treatment and highlight the benefits and challenges of inpatient treatment for anger disorders. Additionally, it will offer factors to consider when choosing an inpatient treatment program. If you would like more information, contact Nexus Teen Academy today. 

Signs of Anger Disorders That Require Inpatient Treatment

Teen displaying intense anger and defiance, a potential sign of anger disorders that may require inpatient treatment.

The following are signs and symptoms of anger disorders: 

  • Frequent, extreme, uncontrollable, and intense episodes of anger that last longer than usual
  • Destructive and violent behavior 
  • Physical aggression, such as hitting and kicking family members and friends 
  • Self-harming behavior, such as teen cutting 
  • Anger outbursts that cause trouble in their daily lives 
  • Getting into fights in school 
  • Suspensions and expulsions due to aggressive behavior 
  • Problems with law enforcement 
  • Vandalism 
  • Risky behavior 
  • Difficulty calming down after an angry outburst
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • No improvement in outpatient treatment 
  • Co-occurring conditions such as drug and substance abuse

What to Expect in an Inpatient Treatment Program for Teen Anger Disorders

Supportive group therapy session showing positive interaction during inpatient treatment for teen anger disorders.

The first step to finding a teen inpatient treatment program is research. As a parent or guardian, you should conduct thorough research to ensure the program you choose will help your teen address their anger. You need to contact as many facilities as you can and prepare the necessary documentation for admission. 

The following are some steps you can expect to encounter in an inpatient treatment program: 

Admission and Evaluation Process

Before your teen is admitted into an inpatient program, they need to be evaluated. They will receive evaluations that will help the clinical team develop a tailored treatment approach. Your teen will be asked several questions about their mental state. This will also help to determine whether they qualify for inpatient treatment. A physical evaluation will also be conducted to rule out illnesses that can better explain your teen’s anger. 

After successfully completing the evaluation process, the facility will verify your insurance. Nexus Teen Academy accepts most private insurance providers to reduce out-of-pocket costs. After insurance verification, we will provide you with the appropriate resources to help communicate your teen’s challenges to their school and friends. We will also provide a list of things your teen should bring when they come in for admission. 

Structured Daily Routine in an Inpatient Facility

Teens with anger disorders benefit from a structured daily routine. Structure helps them control their emotions better since it is predictable, reducing triggers and anxiety. Additionally, clear boundaries and rules help teens become disciplined. They learn what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions. Self-discipline can help teens manage their anger better. 

Therapy Approaches for Anger Disorders

Anger disorders are mainly treated using psychotherapy. The following are the primary treatment approaches used in inpatient treatment: 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Teen CBT is widely used to treat anger disorders. It helps teens identify and modify negative thought patterns. More often than not, your teen’s anger stems from a negative and distorted thought process. For example, your teen may become angry because they tend to blow things out of proportion. By helping your teen understand that their thoughts are distorted, CBT helps them modify their negative thought patterns. Teen CBT helps teens learn emotional regulation and appropriate coping mechanisms. 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Teen DBT focuses on helping teens develop emotional regulation skills. The main practice taught under DBT is mindfulness. It allows teens to slow down their thoughts and focus on their current experiences. It also teaches them distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are crucial when developing teen anger management techniques
  • Group Therapy: This type of therapy is used to help teens with similar mental health conditions. It will help your teen know that they are not alone and that their experiences are not unique. By bringing several teens together, Teen group therapy improves their communication and interpersonal skills. Individuals in the group also feel emotionally supported, which can help them overcome their struggles. 
  • Family Therapy: Sometimes, family members may help treat anger disorders. Family therapy focuses on improving family dynamics by addressing how family members interact. It can help address problematic behaviors that may be the cause of your teen’s anger management issues. 

Medication Management for Anger Disorders

Medication management can be an important part of anger disorder treatment. Although there are no FDA-approved drugs for anger management, certain medications may help. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help stabilize your teen’s mood. 

Benefits and Challenges of Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Anger Disorders

Inpatient treatment can have several benefits and challenges, including the following: 

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Anger Disorder

  • Inpatient treatment offers a safe and structured environment where your teen can focus on treatment. Your teen is more likely to overcome their anger management issues as they will be away from daily situations that may trigger their anger. 
  • It offers comprehensive care that caters to your teen’s needs. 
  • Instead of focusing on specific issues, inpatient treatment seeks to treat the entire person. It explores the patient’s history and treats co-occurring conditions. 
  • Inpatient treatment equips teens with appropriate coping mechanisms to manage their anger management issues. 

Challenges of Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Anger Disorders

  • Teens often resist inpatient treatment because it will separate them from their friends and family for an extended period. Many teens do not want to be away from home and often resist treatment. Similarly, they see inpatient treatment as a disruption of their daily lives. They worry that they will fall behind in school or be isolated because they were hospitalized. 
  • Teens also resist treatment because of stigma. They do not want to be labeled as a ‘crazy’ person. 
  • Adjusting to a structured environment is not easy. This can make it difficult for teens to accept treatment. 
  • Long-term treatment can make it difficult for teens to transition back to their everyday lives. 

Transitioning from Inpatient Care to Home

a teen getting inpatient treatment for anger disorders

After successfully completing treatment, your teen can transition home to begin their new chapter. Careful planning is required to ensure that teens receive continuing care after discharge. As a step down from inpatient care, teens can transition to a partial hospitalization or outpatient program, such as those offered at our sister program, NexStep Teen Academy

We offer ongoing support through follow-up appointments to help teenagers stick to their goals. We also offer periodic check-ins to help ease the transition. At Nexus Teen Academy, we will go above and beyond to connect your teen with local and school counselors and ensure they don’t fall behind in their education.

Inpatient Treatment for Teen Anger Disorders at Nexus Teen Academy

Nexus Teen Academy is a purpose-driven inpatient mental health treatment facility that provides tailored treatment for teens. We offer comprehensive treatment through individual, group, and family therapies. Our talented team of experts works tirelessly to help teens with anger disorders manage their emotions.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we allow teens to reflect on their behavior by offering a safe and serene environment. We believe that all teens deserve a new chapter filled with limitless possibilities. Our residential treatment center ensures that teens are comfortable while learning to overcome their mental health struggles. 

If you would like more information about our residential or inpatient treatment, contact us today and learn more about the benefits of anger management for teens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Inpatient treatment can either be short-term or long-term. Short-term residential treatment usually lasts between 30 and 90 days, while long-term stays take over six months.

Yes, many facilities encourage family involvement during treatment. This enables teens to feel connected to their families as they receive treatment. 

Your teen should bring the following for inpatient treatment: 

  • Clothes such as sleepwear, activewear, and other comfortable items. Avoid articles with laces and drawstrings.
  • Toiletries and hygienic products such as toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, and deodorant. 
  • Required documents such as health insurance cards, prescription information, legal guardianship documents, identification documents, and school transcripts.
author avatar
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin