Mental Health Treatment for Teens
Ridge RTC offers extensive, individualized mental health treatment for teens, with cognitive and behavioral health services rooted in today’s most effective evidence-based practices. Learn more about what we treat, and contact us today for information on how we can help empower your teen with the tools they need for a bright future!
- Mental Health Conditions We Treat
- How We Treat
- Teen and Adolescent Mental Health Treatment Modalities
- Positive Youth Development
- Specific Signs Indicating Your Teen Needs Residential Treatment
- Tips for Parents Considering Residential Mental Health Treatment for Teens
- Other Mental Health Resources
- Take the First Step
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
Our counseling and residential therapeutic services can be a lifesaver for adolescents struggling with one or more mental health conditions. Each of our RTC mental health facilities for teens employs skilled professionals who can guide your child as they navigate challenges, such as:
Persistent and severe worries, irritability, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Includes generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and acute stress disorder.
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control.
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Trauma-related symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Alternating episodes of mania and depression.
Intense emotional instability, difficulty in relationships, and impulsive behavior.
Anorexia, bulimia, and other disordered eating patterns.
Persistent patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress
Persistent pattern of defiant, hostile behavior toward authority figures.
Serious behavioral problems including aggression and rule violations.
Compulsive gaming that interferes with daily functioning and relationships
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks.
Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance.
Deliberate self-injury or thoughts of suicide.
Dependence on alcohol or drugs, or problems with consumption.
How We Treat
At our residential treatment centers for teens in Maine and New Hampshire, patients receive compassionate mental health services and a safe, nurturing environment where they can work toward healing. Our approach to mental health treatment for teens places heavy emphasis on family involvement, meaning we also provide parents and caregivers with all the ongoing resources they need as they invest in future health and happiness for their loved one post-treatment.
Key features of our approach include:
Family Involvement: We place a strong emphasis on including parents and caregivers, providing them with ongoing resources to help support their loved one’s health and happiness both during and after treatment.
Personalized Care: Each teen receives dedicated attention tailored to their individual needs, strengths, and challenges.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies: Our treatment plans incorporate a range of proven therapeutic practices, such as:
A multi-phased approach that supports teens through each stage of recovery.
- Skill-building: Our patients learn vital emotional and behavioral skills and maintain a portfolio that helps document their progress.
- Controlled practice: Teens apply newly acquired skills in a controlled environment, reinforcing their learning.
- Real-life application: Our teens continue to utilize these lessons in their daily lives.
Ridge RTC also emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition from our program into post-treatment life. Our specialized transition curriculum helps teens maintain their progress while preparing for future challenges. We’re honored to work alongside families as they guide their loved ones on the path to success.
POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Ridge residential mental health facilities for teens encourage and empower residents throughout their healing journey. By focusing on their existing strengths and developing healthy new skills, we create an environment where our patients can truly thrive. This includes a comprehensive approach to teenager mental health treatment based on therapeutic support, physical activities, and personal hobbies.
Examples of extracurricular activities include hiking and art, both of which are known to improve mental health. By offering a well-rounded experience, we aim to foster the growth and well-being of our teens, setting them up for success in all aspects of their lives.
Specific Signs Indicating Your Teen Needs Residential Treatment
Many parents struggle with knowing when their teens’ difficulties have progressed beyond what outpatient therapy can address. Consider residential treatment if your child is experiencing any of the following:
Safety Concerns:
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts
- Self-harm behaviors that are escalating or frequent
- Threats of violence toward others
- Reckless behaviors that put them or others at risk
Severe Functional Impairment:
- Complete school refusal or inability to function academically
- Isolation from all friends and family members
- Inability to perform basic self-care tasks
- Significant sleep or eating disruptions
Failed Outpatient Treatment:
- Multiple unsuccessful attempts at outpatient therapy
- Inability to engage meaningfully in treatment
- Symptoms that continue to worsen despite intervention
- Family dynamics that interfere with progress
Before committing to residential treatment, make sure you’re aware of your teen’s psychological and educational needs. Consult with a primary care physician, therapist, or other mental health professional if you need to.
Look for programs with Joint Commission accreditation, memberships, and state licensing. Staff should be properly credentialed, experienced in their fields, and trained to provide evidence-based care as well.
Ask about treatment approaches, length of stay, family involvement, daily structure, academics, safety protocols, and anything else relevant to your teen’s needs.
If possible, visit the residential facility in person. Tour the grounds, meet the staff, and take note of the overall atmosphere. If an in-person visit isn’t an option, take virtual tours, speak directly with staff, and check reviews or testimonials from past patients and families. Above all, trust your gut about whether it feels like a safe, supportive, and appropriate environment.
Other Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Treatment FAQs
Mental Health Resources for Teens and Parents
Finding the Right Teen Mental Health Treatment
Mental Health Tips for Parents and Family Members
Take the First Step
Our approach to residential mental health treatment for teens is multi-faceted and rooted in evidence-based therapies. We encourage clients and their families to fully engage as partners in the creation and implementation of individualized treatment plans, and welcome active collaboration with therapists or treatment professionals your child may already be working with. To learn more, contact Ridge RTC today.
Drop us a line. We’ll call you right back.
What is mental health treatment for teens?
Mental health treatment for teens refers to therapeutic programs designed to treat mental health conditions in teenagers, and often differs from adult programs in terms of focus and approach.
How does residential mental health treatment work for teens?
Residential treatment provides round-the-clock mental health care for teens in a safe, home-like environment. Daily programming varies but typically includes individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy, with most stays lasting 30-60 days.
When is residential care recommended for teen mental health?
Residential mental health care is recommended for teens who have not had success with lower levels of care or who are struggling with safety issues or unmanageable behaviors in their home environment.
What mental health conditions do teens receive treatment for?
Mental health treatment addresses a wide range of conditions in teens, including depression, anxiety, trauma disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorder.
Does teen mental health treatment include family therapy?
It depends on the program. However, we believe that effective mental health treatment for teens should include family therapy and other types of family involvement.