Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Personality Disorders
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Parenting a teenager with a personality disorder can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Studies indicate that nearlyone in five young individuals has a personality disorder. These disorders can negatively affect your teenager’s physical, emotional, and overall well-being.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand how hard it can be to support a teenager with personality disorders. We are dedicated to supporting families through these trying times. This article will explore the nature of personality disorders in teenagers, their impact, and the benefits of inpatient treatment. If your teen is struggling, don’t wait for things to get worse. Reach out to us at Nexus Teen Academy today. Let’s work together to give your teen the chance to thrive.
What to Expect from Inpatient Treatment for Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders have severe negative impacts on teenagers’ lives. If left untreated, it could lead to mental health issues and other co-occurring disorders. To encourage healing and well-being, enrolling your teenager in a treatment facility is the best decision to make. Here are some of the things to expect when enrolling your teen for treatment in an inpatient facility.
Initial Assessment and Admission Process
Before admission, your teenager will have to go through an assessment procedure to test your teenager’s symptoms and to learn about their behavioral health struggles. Since most disorders usually have overlapping symptoms, an assessment procedure rules out all the possible conditions.
Based on the evaluation, an individualized treatment plan is developed that outlines your teenager’s conditions and the kind of therapy and activities they will be participating in. Most treatment plans are tailored to meet your teenager’s unique needs, thus encouraging recovery.
Structure of an Inpatient Treatment Program
Teen residential treatment centers have a defined structure to promote stability among enrolled teenagers. Their daily routine may include personal grooming and attending therapy sessions, such as individual and group therapy. Some facilities also provide activities such as games to help teenagers bond with one another.
Since teenagers are in the facilities full-time, mental health providers play a crucial role in ensuring they have all they need. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses help provide guidance and monitor progress throughout the treatment process. In case of an emergency, the health care providers provide 24/7 help to prevent symptoms from escalating.
Therapy Approaches Used in Inpatient Care
Several treatment modalities are used in the treatment of teen personality disorders. Some of the commonly used include DBT, CBT, group therapy, and family therapy.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a treatment approach that focuses on a teenager’s emotional regulation and distress tolerance. According to therapy,DBT treatment influences positive treatment outcomes among teenagers with personality disorders. This makes it an effective approach for teenagers. If your teenager’s Personality disorders are intense, DBT may be the best treatment approach for them. It can help them manage their intense emotions and impulsive behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Teen CBT is a talk therapy that focuses on helping teenagers identify and challenge their negative thoughts and emotions. Your teenager struggling with personality disorders is likely to experience negative thoughts. This can influence their decision-making process. During CBT, therapists work with teenagers to help them identify their triggers and react positively to them. Teenagers are taught positive problem-solving and coping skills to manage their symptoms.
Group Therapy
Teen group therapy is a participatory therapy that encourages teenagers to bond with peers who are facing the same problem. According to research, group therapy reduces symptoms among teenagers with personality disorders, including depression. When teenagers share with other teenagers going through the same problems, they feel less alone. This can help promote self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
Family Therapy
The family plays an important role in their teenagers’ treatment process. According to research, teenagers whose families are involved in treatment are likely to have positive outcomes. During this session, families work together to improve communication, rebuild trust, and address dysfunctional dynamics. This can strengthen familial relations and help you understand your teenager’s needs.
Benefits and Challenges of Inpatient Treatment for Teen Personality Disorders
Inpatient treatment for teen personality disorders offers both significant benefits and notable challenges. Understanding these aspects can help families and teens make informed decisions about care.
Benefits of Inpatient Care
One of the primary benefits of inpatient treatment is providing a safe environment for crisis stabilization. Your teenager will work directly with mental health experts, facilitating swift responses during a crisis. If your teenager is experiencing intense symptoms of self-harm or suicidal ideation, inpatient treatment should be your number one treatment choice. Apart from crisis stabilization, inpatient treatment has intensive therapeutic interventions for teenagers. Despite your teenager’s personality disorder severity, inpatient treatment provides modified treatment modalities. These structured therapies promote gradual, consistent progress and help teens develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite its benefits, inpatient care has disadvantages. One common issue is teens’ resistance to treatment Most teens feel overwhelmed, leaving their daily routines to enroll in a treatment facility. The loneliness that comes with changing locations can make your teenagers less receptive to treatment. To address this, it is important to educate teenagers on the benefits of therapy and why they should consider inpatient treatment.
Additionally, adjustment to the structured environment can be difficult. Teens may struggle with adhering to routines or engaging in therapy. To make the process of fitting in easy, encourage your teenager to participate in the facility’s activities. Celebrate their milestones, however insignificant. When your teen feels encouraged and seen, it can make the process easier.
To overcome such challenges, youth need to educate and prepare their teenagers before enrollment. Teach them what to expect and the positive coping skills they can use when they feel overwhelmed. After their treatment is done, they are likely to feel as lost as they felt while starting treatment. Create an aftercare program to continue the support they received during treatment. This ensures that the progress made during treatment continues beyond the facility.
Life After Inpatient Treatment: Transitioning Back to Daily Life
Transitioning back to normal life after inpatient treatment is a significant milestone for most teenagers. Teens may feel overwhelmed going back home after getting accustomed to the facility’s environment, staff, and peers. Your teen may show signs of distress, even wishing they still had more time at the facility. However, each teenager’s experience is different, and your teen may have a different reaction to transitioning back home.
Discharge Planning and Aftercare
Treatment does not end after your teenager transitions back home. Most facilities provide discharge and aftercare planning programs to continue treatment. Your teen going from rigorous supervision to a less strict environment can take time to adjust. During this period, most teenagers can relapse back to bad habits, highlighting the importance of aftercare. At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer aftercare programs for continued treatment and support through our sister program, NexStep Teen Academy.
Additionally, a robust treatment is crucial for long-term success. This may involve collaborating with school counselors, mentors, or community resources to ensure ongoing emotional and social support. The transition process is smoother when your teen feels understood and supported by the people around them.
Outpatient Therapy and Support Groups
Many teens benefit from continued DBT and CBT sessions to reinforce the skills they learned during inpatient care. Weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions help them maintain emotional regulation, impulse control, and healthy thinking patterns.
Peer support groups can also be invaluable. These groups offer a safe space where teens with personality disorders can share experiences, gain encouragement, and develop stronger social skills. We recommend local or online support groups tailored to teens’ unique needs.
Family Involvement in Long-Term Recovery
Family plays an irreplaceable role in supporting teenagers after treatment. Since your teenager shifts from a treatment facility back home, their environment matters significantly. It is important to encourage and remind your teenager of the positive coping skills they learned in therapy. Promote open communication and provide emotional support to make your teen feel more loved and supported. Recognizing early warning signs of relapse, such as withdrawal or negative thought patterns, can help you address potential setbacks before they escalate.
Choosing the Right Inpatient Treatment Facility
Selecting the right inpatient treatment facility for your teen is a critical decision that can significantly impact their recovery journey. Before choosing the right one, you need to consider factors that ensure your teen receives appropriate, high-quality care.
Factors to Consider
When evaluating treatment facilities, accreditation and licensing should be top priorities. Accredited centers adhere to established standards of care, ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment.
It’s also important to choose a facility with a specialization in teenage personality disorders. Programs like Nexus Teen Academy are designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by teens, using evidence-based therapies such as DBT and CBT.
Additionally, consider the facility’s family involvement and visitation policies. Treatment that encourages parental participation and open communication tends to yield better, longer-lasting results.
Questions to Ask Before Admitting Your Teen
Before making a decision, ask key questions to gauge the facility’s suitability:
What therapies and treatments are offered? Ensure they provide approaches proven effective for personality disorders, such as DBT, CBT, and family therapy.
How is progress measured? Understanding their assessment methods helps you track your teen’s development.
What are the rules and expectations for residents? Knowing the structure and routines can help you prepare your teen for the transition.
Nexus Teen Academy’s Inpatient Program for Teen Personality Disorders
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer treatment to teenagers battling mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders. For teens with personality disorders, our therapists perform a rigorous assessment to ensure that teenagers are only treated for the mental health disorder they have. Our approach to treatment includes evidence-based therapies like CBT combined with holistic approaches like mindfulness.
If your teenager shows symptoms of underlying distress, we are here to help. Our inpatient treatment facilities offer teenagers the treatment and support needed for recovery and overall well-being. Since we understand the importance of family involvement in therapy, we provide family therapy sessions during treatment. If your teen needs help, reach out to us immediately. Let us help and walk you through the solutions to your teenager’s physical and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How do inpatient facilities ensure my teen's safety?
At Nexus Teen Academy, we prioritize safety through 24/7 supervision, structured routines, and secure environments. Our trained staff monitors your teen's well-being and implements crisis intervention protocols when needed.
What happens if my teen refuses treatment?
Our compassionate team uses gentle, motivational approaches to encourage participation. We work closely with families to adjust treatment plans and ensure your teen feels supported.
How is medication used in treating personality disorders?
Medication is carefully prescribed to manage symptoms like mood swings or impulsivity, particularly when co-occurring conditions are present. At Nexus, we tailor treatments to fit your teen's unique needs and closely monitor progress.
Will my teen be in a facility with other teens with different disorders?
Yes, but at Nexus Teen Academy, treatment plans are individualized to address your teen's specific needs. Group therapy offers peer support and helps reduce feelings of isolation.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Inpatient Treatment for Teenage Personality Disorders
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On June 7, 2025
Table of Contents
Parenting a teenager with a personality disorder can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Studies indicate that nearly one in five young individuals has a personality disorder. These disorders can negatively affect your teenager’s physical, emotional, and overall well-being.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand how hard it can be to support a teenager with personality disorders. We are dedicated to supporting families through these trying times. This article will explore the nature of personality disorders in teenagers, their impact, and the benefits of inpatient treatment. If your teen is struggling, don’t wait for things to get worse. Reach out to us at Nexus Teen Academy today. Let’s work together to give your teen the chance to thrive.
What to Expect from Inpatient Treatment for Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders have severe negative impacts on teenagers’ lives. If left untreated, it could lead to mental health issues and other co-occurring disorders. To encourage healing and well-being, enrolling your teenager in a treatment facility is the best decision to make. Here are some of the things to expect when enrolling your teen for treatment in an inpatient facility.
Initial Assessment and Admission Process
Before admission, your teenager will have to go through an assessment procedure to test your teenager’s symptoms and to learn about their behavioral health struggles. Since most disorders usually have overlapping symptoms, an assessment procedure rules out all the possible conditions.
Based on the evaluation, an individualized treatment plan is developed that outlines your teenager’s conditions and the kind of therapy and activities they will be participating in. Most treatment plans are tailored to meet your teenager’s unique needs, thus encouraging recovery.
Structure of an Inpatient Treatment Program
Teen residential treatment centers have a defined structure to promote stability among enrolled teenagers. Their daily routine may include personal grooming and attending therapy sessions, such as individual and group therapy. Some facilities also provide activities such as games to help teenagers bond with one another.
Since teenagers are in the facilities full-time, mental health providers play a crucial role in ensuring they have all they need. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses help provide guidance and monitor progress throughout the treatment process. In case of an emergency, the health care providers provide 24/7 help to prevent symptoms from escalating.
Therapy Approaches Used in Inpatient Care
Several treatment modalities are used in the treatment of teen personality disorders. Some of the commonly used include DBT, CBT, group therapy, and family therapy.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a treatment approach that focuses on a teenager’s emotional regulation and distress tolerance. According to therapy, DBT treatment influences positive treatment outcomes among teenagers with personality disorders. This makes it an effective approach for teenagers. If your teenager’s Personality disorders are intense, DBT may be the best treatment approach for them. It can help them manage their intense emotions and impulsive behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Teen CBT is a talk therapy that focuses on helping teenagers identify and challenge their negative thoughts and emotions. Your teenager struggling with personality disorders is likely to experience negative thoughts. This can influence their decision-making process. During CBT, therapists work with teenagers to help them identify their triggers and react positively to them. Teenagers are taught positive problem-solving and coping skills to manage their symptoms.
Group Therapy
Teen group therapy is a participatory therapy that encourages teenagers to bond with peers who are facing the same problem. According to research, group therapy reduces symptoms among teenagers with personality disorders, including depression. When teenagers share with other teenagers going through the same problems, they feel less alone. This can help promote self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
Family Therapy
The family plays an important role in their teenagers’ treatment process. According to research, teenagers whose families are involved in treatment are likely to have positive outcomes. During this session, families work together to improve communication, rebuild trust, and address dysfunctional dynamics. This can strengthen familial relations and help you understand your teenager’s needs.
Benefits and Challenges of Inpatient Treatment for Teen Personality Disorders
Inpatient treatment for teen personality disorders offers both significant benefits and notable challenges. Understanding these aspects can help families and teens make informed decisions about care.
Benefits of Inpatient Care
One of the primary benefits of inpatient treatment is providing a safe environment for crisis stabilization. Your teenager will work directly with mental health experts, facilitating swift responses during a crisis. If your teenager is experiencing intense symptoms of self-harm or suicidal ideation, inpatient treatment should be your number one treatment choice. Apart from crisis stabilization, inpatient treatment has intensive therapeutic interventions for teenagers. Despite your teenager’s personality disorder severity, inpatient treatment provides modified treatment modalities. These structured therapies promote gradual, consistent progress and help teens develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite its benefits, inpatient care has disadvantages. One common issue is teens’ resistance to treatment Most teens feel overwhelmed, leaving their daily routines to enroll in a treatment facility. The loneliness that comes with changing locations can make your teenagers less receptive to treatment. To address this, it is important to educate teenagers on the benefits of therapy and why they should consider inpatient treatment.
Additionally, adjustment to the structured environment can be difficult. Teens may struggle with adhering to routines or engaging in therapy. To make the process of fitting in easy, encourage your teenager to participate in the facility’s activities. Celebrate their milestones, however insignificant. When your teen feels encouraged and seen, it can make the process easier.
To overcome such challenges, youth need to educate and prepare their teenagers before enrollment. Teach them what to expect and the positive coping skills they can use when they feel overwhelmed. After their treatment is done, they are likely to feel as lost as they felt while starting treatment. Create an aftercare program to continue the support they received during treatment. This ensures that the progress made during treatment continues beyond the facility.
Life After Inpatient Treatment: Transitioning Back to Daily Life
Transitioning back to normal life after inpatient treatment is a significant milestone for most teenagers. Teens may feel overwhelmed going back home after getting accustomed to the facility’s environment, staff, and peers. Your teen may show signs of distress, even wishing they still had more time at the facility. However, each teenager’s experience is different, and your teen may have a different reaction to transitioning back home.
Discharge Planning and Aftercare
Treatment does not end after your teenager transitions back home. Most facilities provide discharge and aftercare planning programs to continue treatment. Your teen going from rigorous supervision to a less strict environment can take time to adjust. During this period, most teenagers can relapse back to bad habits, highlighting the importance of aftercare. At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer aftercare programs for continued treatment and support through our sister program, NexStep Teen Academy.
Additionally, a robust treatment is crucial for long-term success. This may involve collaborating with school counselors, mentors, or community resources to ensure ongoing emotional and social support. The transition process is smoother when your teen feels understood and supported by the people around them.
Outpatient Therapy and Support Groups
Many teens benefit from continued DBT and CBT sessions to reinforce the skills they learned during inpatient care. Weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions help them maintain emotional regulation, impulse control, and healthy thinking patterns.
Peer support groups can also be invaluable. These groups offer a safe space where teens with personality disorders can share experiences, gain encouragement, and develop stronger social skills. We recommend local or online support groups tailored to teens’ unique needs.
Family Involvement in Long-Term Recovery
Family plays an irreplaceable role in supporting teenagers after treatment. Since your teenager shifts from a treatment facility back home, their environment matters significantly. It is important to encourage and remind your teenager of the positive coping skills they learned in therapy. Promote open communication and provide emotional support to make your teen feel more loved and supported. Recognizing early warning signs of relapse, such as withdrawal or negative thought patterns, can help you address potential setbacks before they escalate.
Choosing the Right Inpatient Treatment Facility
Selecting the right inpatient treatment facility for your teen is a critical decision that can significantly impact their recovery journey. Before choosing the right one, you need to consider factors that ensure your teen receives appropriate, high-quality care.
Factors to Consider
When evaluating treatment facilities, accreditation and licensing should be top priorities. Accredited centers adhere to established standards of care, ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment.
It’s also important to choose a facility with a specialization in teenage personality disorders. Programs like Nexus Teen Academy are designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by teens, using evidence-based therapies such as DBT and CBT.
Additionally, consider the facility’s family involvement and visitation policies. Treatment that encourages parental participation and open communication tends to yield better, longer-lasting results.
Questions to Ask Before Admitting Your Teen
Before making a decision, ask key questions to gauge the facility’s suitability:
Nexus Teen Academy’s Inpatient Program for Teen Personality Disorders
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer treatment to teenagers battling mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders. For teens with personality disorders, our therapists perform a rigorous assessment to ensure that teenagers are only treated for the mental health disorder they have. Our approach to treatment includes evidence-based therapies like CBT combined with holistic approaches like mindfulness.
If your teenager shows symptoms of underlying distress, we are here to help. Our inpatient treatment facilities offer teenagers the treatment and support needed for recovery and overall well-being. Since we understand the importance of family involvement in therapy, we provide family therapy sessions during treatment. If your teen needs help, reach out to us immediately. Let us help and walk you through the solutions to your teenager’s physical and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
At Nexus Teen Academy, we prioritize safety through 24/7 supervision, structured routines, and secure environments. Our trained staff monitors your teen's well-being and implements crisis intervention protocols when needed.
Our compassionate team uses gentle, motivational approaches to encourage participation. We work closely with families to adjust treatment plans and ensure your teen feels supported.
Medication is carefully prescribed to manage symptoms like mood swings or impulsivity, particularly when co-occurring conditions are present. At Nexus, we tailor treatments to fit your teen's unique needs and closely monitor progress.
Yes, but at Nexus Teen Academy, treatment plans are individualized to address your teen's specific needs. Group therapy offers peer support and helps reduce feelings of isolation.