Nexus Academy | Personalized Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Mood Disorders

Teen girl talking with therapist, highlighting inpatient treatment for teenage mood disorders at Nexus Teen Academy.

Teenage mood disorders are on the rise. Globally, nearly one in seven 10-19-year-olds struggles with a mental disorder. Despite this problem, early intervention and inpatient treatment for teen mood disorders can change your teen’s future.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we can help your teen take early steps to achieve long-term healing. Our inpatient treatment offers your teen a controlled setting where qualified professionals will guide every step they take. Your teen will learn new skills, and you will see improvement quickly. We also work with families to ensure holistic healing. 

To learn more about our inpatient care plans, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What to Expect in an Inpatient Treatment Program for Teenage Mood Disorders

Group therapy session with teens and a counselor discussing mood disorders in an inpatient treatment program.

At Nexus Teen Academy’s teen inpatient mental health program in Arizona, we provide a caring and structured environment in which your teen can heal. Our approach is thoughtful and comprehensive. We welcome your teens, walk them through their daily routines, and use evidence-based therapies in treatment. Here’s what to expect when you bring your teen:

Admission and Evaluation Process

When you call to learn more about the admissions process, an expert will ask you different questions to assess your teen’s situation. This will help determine whether inpatient treatment is the best fit for your teen. At this stage, our experts will also listen to your teen’s feelings and learn about their struggles. They will also review your teen’s behavior and history to understand their unique needs.

The next crucial step during admission is to verify your insurance. We work with various insurance providers, but also allow out-of-pocket payment options. Ensure you choose what works best for you to support your teen fully. Next, our experts will help you identify what to pack for your teen in preparation for their healing journey.

Daily Routine and Structure in a Teen Inpatient Facility

A steady routine is a crucial component of an inpatient treatment program because it offers hope and stability. A day in a teen inpatient treatment program for teenage mood disorders entails a mix of therapy, schoolwork, and recreation. Therapy helps your teen explore how they feel and develop new habits, whereas education keeps them active in preparation for a smooth transition back to school. Recreational activities are vital for breaking and building social skills.

Types of Therapy Used in Inpatient Treatment

An effective teen inpatient treatment program uses different therapeutic models to ensure holistic healing. Our program uses evidence-based therapies to ensure the safety of your teen. One of the therapies commonly used in teen inpatient treatment is teen cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It allows your teen to reflect on their negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. It also improves your teen’s self-worth and enhances their resilience.

Dialectical behavioral therapy is the other type of therapy we use in our treatment approach for teenage mood disorders. It improves your teen’s emotional regulation, allowing them to manage distress. It also helps them develop healthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills.

Teen Group therapy is also recommended because it brings teens together. Your teen will know that they are not alone in the struggle. They will have a chance to learn from people with similar challenges while receiving invaluable peer support. Moreover, we incorporate family therapy to strengthen the bond between you and your teen. With family therapy, your family will learn better communication and trust, allowing them to understand and respond well to your teen’s mood disorders.

Medication Management in Mood Disorders

Medication complements therapy in teenage mood management. The common medications used for mood disorders are antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. However, a careful review of your teen’s needs must be done before medication is prescribed. Once your teen is put on medication, our expert psychiatrists will monitor their intake and the effects closely and make necessary adjustments suitable for your teen’s progress. This careful management will keep your teen stable and safe throughout the treatment.

Benefits and Challenges of Inpatient Treatment for Teen Mood Disorders

Mother on phone appearing concerned while teen girl looks withdrawn, illustrating stress before inpatient mood disorder treatment.

Inpatient care for teen mood disorders can make a real difference in your teen’s life. It offers a focused and safe space for healing. Below are the key advantages of inpatient treatment for teen mood disorders:

Key Benefits of Inpatient Care

  • The primary advantage is immediate crisis intervention and stabilization. Delayed response and assistance can reduce the quality of care and likely increase the risks of further harm.
  • Your teen will also learn emotional regulation techniques and practical coping skills. This is achievable through simple and proven methods to manage mood swings and stress. These skills help your teen to face their challenges confidently with adequate preparedness.
  • Similarly, your teen will benefit from focused and intensive therapeutic support. We use proven therapies that mix expert care and personal attention. These will guide your teen toward healthier thinking and help them develop enhanced emotional regulation.

Challenges of Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient care for teenage mood disorders can also present real challenges. For instance, being away from home, family, and school can make your teen feel lonely and anxious. A break from familial routines may also cause stress, making your teen feel isolated from daily life.

Some teens also resist the idea of hospitalization. They may see treatment as a loss of control or feel afraid. This can make it difficult for them to cope during the first days in care. As a result, it is common to see teens express withdrawal or anger as they try to adjust to the new environment.

Transitioning back home can also be challenging. This is because your teen will be moving from a structured setting to a less predictable life. The new setting may trigger old moods or habits, and without clear routines, the risk of setbacks may be higher.

Transitioning from Inpatient Care to Home

Healthcare provider smiles while reviewing discharge paperwork with teen patient, supporting transition from inpatient care to home.

Your teen begins a new chapter when they return home. They join our care team to enjoy a safe plan for continued healing. Our approach helps your teen adjust to home life without significant challenges. Let’s see what the transition from inpatient care means:

Discharge Planning and Aftercare

To address the challenges of inpatient treatment for teenage mood disorders, at Nexus Teen Academy, we offer aftercare services to bridge the gap and provide ongoing support. We work with your teen to set clear goals and plan follow-up appointments. We also schedule ongoing therapy sessions and check-ins to ease your teen’s transition.

Your teen will thus receive ongoing guidance and peer support through our alumni platform. This helps your teen continue to progress after treatment.

Preventing Relapse and Maintaining Stability

Research suggests that up to 86% of teens relapse after leaving treatment facilities. To prevent relapse, we teach your teen to spot early warning signs of mood changes. They will also learn to identify triggers and develop new habits. As a parent, you must also reinforce the use of healthy coping strategies in daily routines. Encourage proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and ongoing self-care to promote and maintain stability.

Choosing the Right Inpatient Treatment Program

Choosing the best inpatient treatment program for your teen’s mood disorder is a great step toward their recovery. This decision requires careful consideration of different factors, including:

Factors You Should Consider When Seeking Inpatient Treatment

Accreditation and Credentials of the Facility

It is important to ensure the facility you choose is accredited by recognized organizations. For instance, in Arizona, accreditation from the Joint Commission shows the legitimacy of the services offered by the facility. Certification is crucial because it demonstrates adherence to the established standards of care. This basically means safety for your teen.

It would also help to verify the credentials of the therapeutic and medical staff at the facility. Confirm that they are qualified and experienced in dealing with teenage mood disorders.

Specialized Programs for Teenage Mood Disorders

Although teenage mood disorder symptoms may be similar in some teens, every teen’s situation is unique to them. As a result, the best facilities know how to tailor treatment to specific teenagers. An approach targeting your teen’s unique needs is likely to produce better outcomes. So, as you make your decision, study the facility’s approach and culture to be sure it is the best for your teen.

Family Involvement in the Treatment Process

Another factor to consider is whether the inpatient treatment facility for teenage mood disorders allows family involvement. Family participation is crucial because it allows the family to mend any relationship issues, setting your teen and family up for success. As a result, focus on a facility that encourages and facilitates family participation to support your teen’s recovery.

Questions to Ask Before Admission

Before committing your teen to a particular treatment facility, ask about the following:

  • Ask about the type of therapies employed. It is best to choose a facility that utilizes evidence-based modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
  • Inquire how the program ensures long-term recovery. Seek to know its aftercare planning and support systems post-discharge. A good program should incorporate strategies for preventing relapse and maintaining progress, such as through support groups or outpatient therapy.
  • Finally, ask about the rules surrounding family engagement and communication. Look at the facility’s policies on contact during treatment, as regular communication is crucial to keep you informed of your teen’s progress.

Inpatient Teenage Mood Disorder Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy

At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer an inpatient treatment program for teenage mood disorders. Our approach focuses on proven therapeutic modalities and medical care to help teens overcome the challenges of mood disorders. We have a qualified team of experts with skills and experience in dealing with adolescents.

Our team will work with your teen to prepare an individualized treatment plan to address your teen’s unique needs. If your teen has been recommended for inpatient treatment for a mood disorder, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The duration of inpatient treatment varies depending on the severity of the disorder and individual progress. Generally, programs range from a few weeks to several months. It's essential to discuss specific timelines with the chosen facility to set appropriate expectations.

Many inpatient programs incorporate educational services to ensure teens continue their academic progress. This support can include on-site schooling or coordination with the teen's home school to align curricula. Maintaining educational development is a priority during treatment.

Visitation policies vary by facility. Some programs encourage family visits to support the treatment process, while others may have restrictions to maintain a focused therapeutic environment. It is advisable to inquire about specific visitation guidelines before admission.

Inpatient facilities implement strict safety protocols, including supervised environments, secure premises, and trained staff to handle emergencies. These measures aim to provide a safe and supportive setting for recovery.

Successful transition involves comprehensive discharge planning, which may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and continuous communication with healthcare providers. This approach ensures that teens receive ongoing support as they reintegrate into their daily routines.

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Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin