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Facilities That Treat Depressed Teens

Perhaps now more than ever teens face a wide variety of peer and societal pressures, including cyber bullying, cyber stalking and more. According to a study conducted by PBS and its partners, approximately 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression every year. Depression is treatable. More than 80 percent of sufferers do find relief with the right kind of help.

  1. Local Mental Health Division

    • Each state jurisdiction provides a state-funded mental health division that provides treatment and other resources for depressed teens. Treatment options may include outpatient services, screening and assessment, as well as individual and family therapy. Note that most states have a defined "priority population" criterion that the division must serve first. "Priority population" criteria may include those with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. As a result, your state may have a waiting list. Check with your state jurisdiction to find out more about available mental health services.

    Residential Treatment Center

    • When outpatient services and therapy are not enough, consider residential treatment centers. These centers provide inpatient services that not only address depression but other issues that may cause depression as well such as low self-image. A residential treatment center will evaluate your teen's symptoms and determine which kind of care will be best as well as how long the teen will stay in the treatment center. In addition to individual and group therapy, your teen may participate in experiential therapies such as art or yoga and thought-based psychotherapy such as cognitive--behavioral therapy.

    Psychiatric Hospital

    • A psychiatric hospital stay is recommended for teens whose depression symptoms are so severe that they are unable to take care of themselves or are in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others. A psychiatric hospital provides an array of therapies to treat the depressed teen. Therapies may include psychotherapy counseling, medical treatment, recreational therapy, intensive therapy and family involvement therapy. Psychiatric hospitals may also provide day treatment or partial hospitalization for teens with less severe depression.

    Family Services Organizations

    • Family services organizations, such as Catholic Charities, United Way or the Family Service Association, provide community-based services such as counseling and mental health services to those in need, regardless of their religious beliefs. These organizations provide outpatient counseling services as well as group counseling. Some organizations may charge a fee that is decided on the basis of your income level or family size, although others may work with your insurance company.

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