Mental Health Services for Teens

Diagnosing and treating mental illness in teens is challenging for parents. Teens can appear to be simply acting out when they're actually facing mental illness. Identifying and accessing appropriate services can prevent teen with a mental illness from hurting himself or others. Families can use services including school counselors, social workers, doctors and therapists, peer support, and hospitals and residential programs.

School Resources

• You must inform your teen's school of her mental illness. The school can then provide her with academic support and general counseling. The school counselor and social workers can refer your teen to resources in the community. You'll both visit the counselor regularly for guidance on personal and social issues in the school setting.

Doctors and Hospitals

• Your family doctor and local hospital can also provide information and support for your teen. Hospitals often run clinics and other services that provide education, medication, and other support for your teen. These services operate as outpatient clinics and are available to teens who live at home or in foster or group homes. Your child may enter the program immediately or join a waiting list, depending on the intake process and availability of services.

Psychiatrists and Therapists

• You and your teen may undergo private treatment by a psychiatrist or therapist. A psychiatrist has a medical degree and so can prescribe medication for your teen, while a therapist may not have this ability. Because there are many approaches to treating mental illness, interview several doctors and therapists before you choose one.

Hospitalization and Residential Programs

• For a teen at immediate risk of hurting himself or others or experiencing a severe episode, hospitalizing him or entering him in a residential treatment program provides the immediate help and support he needs. Hospitalization and residential treatment offer the securest care for teens who need continuous monitoring or immediate medical intervention. The patient lives onsite with other patients, and daily symptoms, medication compliance, and overall wellbeing are monitored. The goal of these treatments is reintegration. Teens are monitored when they return home or may be released to a care facility, if needed. Again, take time to assess the residential care programs you are presented with.