Adolescence can be a difficult time—for both teens and their parents. It’s tough to know whether your child is just going through the typical physical and cognitive changes that come with adolescence, or if they are struggling with an anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition.
Figuring that out, and finding mental health services for teenagers when they need them, can be a challenging and confusing process. At Newport Academy, we are dedicated to helping families access the best teen mental health treatment, so parents can see their child start to thrive again.
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The need for teen mental health treatment has been increasing over the past decade, and even more so since the pandemic began. Research shows that 15 percent of US teens suffer from depression, and 40 percent have symptoms of anxiety. And a 2022 survey found that nearly three-quarters of public schools have seen a rise in the number of students seeking mental health services.
Furthermore, emergency room visits for mental health issues in teens have increased by more than 30 percent in recent years. That’s because there is a limited number of professionals providing mental health therapy for teens. When families are unable to access adolescent mental health treatment, the ER is often the last resort.
How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues
With a growing number of teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma, thousands of parents are seeking information. Families want to understand how to deal with teenage mental health and how to know when mental health problems require treatment. And it can be difficult, if not impossible, to figure that out on your own.
The best way to help teens with mental health problems is to access professional support. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation with a child mental health specialist. The assessment will cover your teen’s emotional, behavioral, medical, educational, and social needs. Then the doctor or clinician can recommend options for therapy or a specialized treatment center for teen mental health.
Does your teen have a mental health concern? Take our teen mental health quiz to see if there is a concern.
Types of Teen Mental Health Treatment
Weekly Therapy
Outpatient Care
Some adolescents need the support and structure of outpatient programming to effectively regain lost ground in terms of mental health, executive functioning, and academics. The number of days and hours per day of programming is based on the client’s clinical needs as well as their personal goals and the goals of the family.
Inpatient Treatment
Residential Teen Mental Health Treatment
For more severe diagnoses, residential mental health services delivered in a homelike setting are often the most effective option for achieving sustainable healing. Experts recommend longer stays in residential treatment in order to achieve successful outcomes. That’s because it takes time to uncover and heal the root causes of behavioral issues, especially when teens have co-occurring disorders like substance abuse or eating disorders (known as a dual diagnosis).
Benefits of Teen Mental Health Treatment
Short-Term Benefits of Mental Health Services for Teenagers
- Enhanced interest in activities and social connections
- More energy and greater ability to relax and rest
- Improved concentration
- Better sleep and appetite
- Fewer feelings of worthlessness
- Significant reduction in suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Stronger emotional regulation and executive functioning skills
Long-Term Benefits of Teen Treatment for Mental Health
- Ability to build authentic, trusting connections with self, peers, family, and their larger community
- Heightened sense of purpose and meaning, motivating engagement in academics and career planning
- Greater trust and support within the parent-child relationship
- Enhanced resilience and self-compassion
- Healthy coping and self-care skills
5 Questions to Ask When Researching Teen Mental Health Treatment
1. Is your facility accredited by any organizations?
A program’s recognition by national accrediting bodies is a clear signifier of treatment quality. Look for accreditation from organizations such as The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest healthcare accreditation body. Affiliations with respected organizations in the field also indicate that a treatment program is trustworthy and is held accountable.
2. Does insurance cover your programs?
Many individuals and families don’t realize that insurance covers teen treatment for mental health. At Newport Healthcare, we work with most major insurance companies, both In-Network and out of network.
3. Will my child be able to earn academic credits while in treatment, and graduate on time?
Teens should have the opportunity to stay on track with their academic goals while in treatment. Newport Academy’s educational program is fully accredited and provides enhanced tutoring within a therapeutic environment, with individualized educational plans.
4. Do you measure the success rates of your treatment?
The highest-quality mental healthcare programs rigorously track and analyze their treatment outcomes, utilizing a third-party research organization, and publish their results annually. Newport’s outcomes research shows that our teen mental health treatment leads to significant improvements in well-being, anxiety, and depression measures, as well as parent-child relationships and academic engagement.
5. Are your staff licensed and credentialed?
Insurances We Accept
And more
Teenage Mental Health Treatment at Newport Academy
Newport offers a safe, nurturing space for teens and their families to heal. We serve adolescents ages 12–18 with results-driven treatment for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and/or co-occurring issues, such as substance use, self-harm, and disordered eating. We don’t just treat the symptoms. Our clinical model addresses the underlying trauma that catalyzes mental health issues and destructive behavior. This integrated approach ensures long-term sustainable recovery.
At Newport, each teen who comes to us receives an in-depth assessment that informs a tailored treatment plan. We draw from the best evidence-based practice in child and adolescent mental health to create a plan of action that meets the treatment goals of each teen and their family.
A Whole-Person, Integrated Approach
Every teen's struggle is unique, which is why treatment plans are tailored to address every aspect of their well-being. Healing mental health issues in teens requires focusing not just on psychological needs. Teens also need support with relationship skills, learning abilities, physical health, and emotional regulation. We surround every client with a team of behavioral health experts, including psychiatrists, medical doctors, family therapists, individual therapists, recovery counselors, nurses, dietitians, experiential therapists, yoga teachers, and more. Services may vary depending on treatment location.
Family as the Key to Healing
Newport’s teen mental health treatment recognizes that family involvement is key to successful outcomes and for healing the family dynamic . Our clinical model shifts the focus from the patient as the “problem” to the family as the solution. Strengthening authentic connections with self and others is at the heart of our treatment approach. And that includes healing disruptions in the parent-child bond and providing effective communication tools they can use long after treatment.
Academic Advancement During Treatment
Our accredited academic program helps adolescents close proficiency gaps and build study skills, executive functioning, time management, and motivation. Teen mental health treatment at Newport Academy includes a minimum of 30 hours of clinical and experiential therapy each week. Plus, teens spend 20 hours in academic study and tutoring. We partner with schools to optimize success for our clients, so they can continue to progress in their educational and career or college goals while receiving the treatment they need.
A Typical Treatment Plan for Teen Mental Health
Effective Therapies for Teens with Mental Health Problems
Clinical Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Family therapy using Attachment-Based Family Therapy
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques
Experiential Modalities
- Yoga and mindfulness exercises
- Music and art therapy
- Mixed martial arts and fitness activities
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Adventure Therapy
- Culinary and horticulture therapy
- Healthy device management
Levels of Care Offered
To support each family in accessing the appropriate level of teen mental health treatment, Newport Academy offers a full continuum of care at locations around the country. Our mental health services for include teen RTC programming as well as various adolescent IOP options. After treatment, our Continuing Care program provides ongoing support for both clients and families. In addition, our robust Alumni Programming keeps teens connected to their peers and also provides parent support.
Teen Residential Treatment
Residential mental health services for adolescents have been shown to provide the support, structure, and caring community that teens need to heal. Each adolescent’s individualized residential treatment plan incorporates clinical, experiential, and academic elements to address teenage mental health problems.
Partial Hospitalization Program
The PHP level of teen mental health treatment offers outpatient programming all day, five days a week, for teens who need more than weekly therapy but who do not qualify for a residential level of care. A PHP offers comprehensive clinical care and a stabilizing routine, and teens return home to their families at the end of each day.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Teen Residential
Teen Residential Treatment
Residential mental health services for adolescents have been shown to provide the support, structure, and caring community that teens need to heal. Each adolescent’s individualized residential treatment plan incorporates clinical, experiential, and academic elements to address teenage mental health problems.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial Hospitalization Program
The PHP level of teen mental health treatment offers outpatient programming all day, five days a week, for teens who need more than weekly therapy but who do not qualify for a residential level of care. A PHP offers comprehensive clinical care and a stabilizing routine, and teens return home to their families at the end of each day.
Intensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient Program
Our Teen Mental Health Treatment Centers
Newport’s teen mental health treatment programs are located nationwide. We have residential and outpatient locations in states including California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Our mental health services for teenagers serve families from around the country. And we are continually expanding to provide more access to mental health therapy for teens and families, particularly in areas where there are a limited number of treatment centers for teen mental health.
At Newport Academy, we understand the importance of the teen mental health treatment environment. Therefore, our locations are in serene and beautiful settings and feature comfortable, home-like living spaces. Program locations features amenities like on-site gardens, art and music studios, gyms, and peaceful spaces for yoga and meditation. Our Learning Labs for academic and life skills education are outfitted with the latest technology.
More About Mental Health
Signs & Symptoms
Our Accreditations
Newport holds the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest healthcare accrediting body, and is affiliated with a wide range of national organizations and certification bodies.
How to Support a Child with Mental Health Issues
Open and caring communication is critical when dealing with mental health issues in teens. Parents need to ask questions and avoid making judgments about their child’s behavior. Pay attention to what’s beneath their actions or rebellious attitude. Is your teen telling you they need support in the only way they’re able to right now?
Moreover, punishing teens with mental health problems for their behaviors will not make things better, and may make them worse. Start with love and understanding. Let your child know that they are not alone, and that you will find a solution together. Talk to them about the benefits of teen mental health treatment and how it can help them feel better and enjoy life more. Most important, take action to make sure teens get the care they need as quickly as possible.
Browse Our Teen Mental Health Articles
To support both parents and professionals, our extensive library of resources provides a wide variety of information on how to deal with teenage mental health. Explore the latest research on teens and mental health, read interviews with our clinical experts, and find tips for how to support teens with mental health problems.
How to Do a Teen Mental Health Temperature Check
How Parents Can Support Emotional Regulation for Kids and Teens
How to Navigate a Teen Mental Health Emergency Room Visit
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