Treatment Programs for Depressed Teens

Treatment Programs for Depressed Teens Depression Childhood Depression Print Treatment Programs for Teens Experiencing Depression Depressed teens sometimes need residential treatment to heal By Amy Morin, LCSW facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our editorial policy Amy Morin, LCSW Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 02, 2019 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Tetra Images / Getty Images Symptoms of depression often become apparent during adolescence, though teenage depression may look different from depression in adults. A normally active teen may become lethargic. Or a teen who used to enjoy socializing may suddenly become withdrawn. Depression is very treatable with the help of professional intervention. Left untreated, however, depression can get worse and it may affect all areas of your teens life. Their grades may decline, they may stop spending time with friends, and they may have trouble meeting their responsibilities.  Its important to be on the lookout for warning signs that your teen may be depressed. If you recognize warning signs, its essential to get professional help which may include outpatient therapy or treatment programs.   Overview of Teen Depression Outpatient Therapy Outpatient therapy is often a very effective treatment for depression. Talk therapy may involve helping your teen change the way they think or it could involve changing some of their behavior that reinforces their feelings of depression (like sleeping all day on the weekends).   Therapy may also involve the family. A therapist may want to address issues that affect the entire family, like divorce ongoing family conflict.   Most of the time, therapy is very helpful in reducing symptoms of depression. Occasionally, however, symptoms dont get better. And they might even get worse. If therapy doesnt work, a teen may need a higher level of care. Why Family Therapy May Be a Good Option for Your Teen When to Consider a Treatment Program It may be time to consider a treatment program for a  depressed teen  when:They are actively suicidal.They are using drugs or alcohol.Their  depressive symptoms  significantly impact their ability to function in daily life.They are not responding positively to outpatient therapy or less intensive treatment options. Treatment Programs There are several different types of treatment programs available to teens. A therapist or your teens pediatrician will usually refer your teen to the best program for their case. Day Treatment Programs   Day treatment programs, which are ideal for teens who dont need 24-hour care, offer a structured, supportive environment during the day. They  can help a teen who is struggling in school or otherwise having significant problems in trying to cope on a daily basis with their depression. Teens may attend for the majority of the day and then return home in the evenings. Often, programs coordinate their school to allow the student to continue their normal daily routine while providing extra support. Day treatment programs offer a variety of services, including: Clinical assessmentIndividual, family, and group therapyRehabilitation activities Residential Programs   Residential treatment centers  and  therapeutic boarding schools are specifically designed to treat mental health disorders. They  are staffed to provide constant supervision and therapeutic support. These programs are set up to treat mental health disorders by providing the following services: Academic programmingAn individualized treatment planIndividual and group therapy  Psychiatric care, including medicationAlternative therapies, like art therapy or pet therapyDischarge planning Residential programs that may not be well suited for teens with depression, and which in some cases can worsen the symptoms, include  wilderness therapy  and  boot camps, as these programs may not provide adequate mental health support for the treatment of depression.   Hospital Programs A depressed teen who is suicidal may need to be admitted to a  psychiatric hospital  in order to ensure their safety. The primary goal in this setting is to decrease suicidal thoughts by providing structure, medication, and intensive therapy. Hospital stays are short, fast-paced, and intense and most teens need to transition to a residential program for further treatment. Sometimes the hospital treatment can be involuntary. During their stay, teens often participate in activities such as: Academic programsFamily therapy  Group therapy  Individual therapy  Multi-family groupsOccupational, recreational and art therapies  Psychological testing What You Should Know Psychiatric Hospitals for Teens Helping Your Teen Cope Don’t be surprised if your teen insists nothing is wrong or is resistant to treatment. Many teens are embarrassed, ashamed, afraid, or confused by the symptoms of depression. Be patient and do your best to explain to your teen that there is no shame in seeking help. Be available to listen to their concerns and encourage them to talk to you about any fears they may be having. If your  teen outright refuses to get help, you can talk to a therapist to come up with new ideas and skills for helping your teen better cope. The 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression