Nexus Academy | Personalized Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Teen Therapy: Understanding Adolescent Therapy Treatment
From the COVID-19 pandemic to the reduced stigma of mental health, we have seen a strong shift in teen and adolescent mental health over the past few decades, with more and more teens admitting that they are struggling with various conditions.
A 2021 study that examined teen mental health trends found that teen feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and thoughts of suicide had all increased (some significantly) over a 10-year period. The current teen mental health crisis can lead to many parents searching for answers and help for their sons and daughters. For some, this can mean residential teen treatment centers. For others, it may mean the help of a teen therapist. Teen therapy comes in many different styles and can aid adolescents with whatever specific mental health condition they are struggling with.
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen treatment program in Arizona that offers both inpatient and outpatient services to help teens restore meaning and purpose to their lives as they work through their conditions. To learn more about how Nexus can help, contact our team today.
What is Teen Therapy?
Teen therapy, also called talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a type of treatment for mental health conditions that works to help an adolescent locate and identify the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that are triggering their poor mental health or a specific condition.
This type of treatment is done through a licensed mental health professional and the individual or may include other clients as part of a group therapy program.
Different Types of Adolescent Therapy
When seeking out adolescent treatment programs, it is important to learn the different types of therapies they can offer. Let’s get a better understanding of the various forms of adolescent therapy.
Individual Counseling
To put it simply, therapy can be separated into two categories: individual counseling and group counseling. Let’s take a look at some of the common forms of individual teen counseling before looking over some of the group options.
Teen CBT
Teen cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the gold standard for talk therapy for mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is used to treat problems such as depression or anxiety. It works by having the clinician and client work to identify the negative stimuli that lead to harmful thought processes and replace those disruptive thoughts with something more productive.
Teen DBT
Teen dialectical behavior therapy is a form of therapy developed to treat borderline personality disorder but was adapted for other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dialectical behavior therapy, DBT, is structured around four pillars, all with the goal of helping clients better manage and regulate their emotions.
Motivational Interviewing
Teen motivational interviewing is a type of individual counseling that is especially effective for teens struggling with poor self-esteem.
Adolescent Group Therapy
Along with these common types of evidence-based individual counseling, there are group options as well that can be beneficial. While at a teen inpatient or outpatient treatment program, clients will be around each other regularly, and group therapy gives them a chance to interact and discuss the specifics of their conditions and what they have done to better themselves.
Teen group therapy sessions will not only allow adolescents to learn from others, it also serve as a reminder that other people out there are struggling with similar problems that they are. This can help them feel less alone, reducing the isolation they may feel. It also gives them a chance to practice social skills, which can be great, especially for those dealing with social anxiety.
Family Therapy
While peer group therapy can be immensely helpful, another staple of adolescent treatment is family therapy. During family therapy, guided by mental health professionals, clients will work directly with their parents and/or siblings to address any tensions or strains in the relationships. During this time, parents and siblings will also get a chance to learn more about their loved one’s mental health condition and discover ways they can support them following the treatment process.
What to Look For In A Teen Therapy Program
If you are worried about your son or daughter, teen therapy can be a strong option for mental health disorders. That said, you may not know where to look or even what to look for when searching for a teen therapy program. To help you, let’s take a look at some important boxes to check when looking into a treatment program.
Expert Clinical Team
When looking into treatment centers, you should evaluate the credentials of the facility and ensure that whatever program you are checking out has proper licenses. One specific credential that you should look for is the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission which indicates that the facility goes above and beyond to offer advanced treatment and ensures client safety during their treatment.
Variety of Treatment Options
Another thing to look into is the clinical team and who will be providing treatment to your teen. Evaluate their clinical director as well as relevant therapists or case managers to ensure that they have proper licenses and experience working in the adolescent mental health space. You can also look into other team members, such as academic advisors, executive chefs, or family involvement personnel, to see what other options these centers provide.
Family Involvement
When it comes to adolescent mental health care, it is vital to find a program that offers assistance on the family front. Things like family therapy and treatment updates to parents can go a long way toward helping parents and teens stay up-to-date and informed on their son or daughter’s situation.
Arizona Teen Therapy at Nexus Teen Academy
If you are looking for a teen therapy program in Arizona, Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health treatment program that offers an array of therapy services. From evidence-based to holistic treatment services, Nexus is proud to be able to provide a comprehensive program that can suit the needs of any teen who comes through our doors.
Along with these options, family treatment is a cornerstone of what we provide. We want to make sure that parents, caregivers, and siblings all feel informed on the treatment progress and a part of the healing process. To aid in this, we offer various forms of family therapy as well as regular family visits and treatment updates.
To get a more in-depth analysis of your son or daughter’s situation and determine the best plan forward, contact our team. If you tell us a bit about your teen’s struggles, we can provide expert advice on how you can get help. Call now to learn more.
