Needham Acts - Teens: What can help?

What can help?

Therapy

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that can help teens and families understand and resolve problems, modify behavior, and make positive changes in their lives. There are several types of psychotherapy that involve different approaches, techniques and interventions. At times, a combination of different psychotherapy approaches may be helpful. In some cases, a combination of medication with psychotherapy may be more effective.

To learn more about the different types of mental health therapies, go to the Mayo Clinic web site.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/psychotherapy/MH00009

Medications

Medication can be an important part of treatment for depression in teens. Parents and guardians should be provided with complete information when psychiatric medication is recommended as part of their teen's treatment plan. You should be included in the discussion about medications.

Hospitalization

Hospitalization of an individual is necessary when that person has attempted suicide or has serious suicidal thoughts and intentions or a plan for suicide. A hospital can provide a safe place to begin to recover from the issues that lead to the suicidal action or thinking. At a hospital, a teen would receive treatment from professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses. The hospital would have other teens also receiving treatment for a variety of mental health issues. A teen might participate in group therapy with other patients who have similar problems. Each teen would also have his/her own therapist for individual therapy. At the beginning of hospitalization, a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor with advanced training in mental health, would assess the teen and determine what therapy would be helpful. Medication may be advised for depression or other mood related problems. Most hospitalizations are for a couple of days or a week at the most. Teens return home when there are feeling better and have a follow up mental health treatment plan with a therapist in their community.

Day Treatment

Day treatment provides most of the services that are provided at a psychiatric hospital. The difference is that you go home after a full day of mental health treatment. Day treatment programs often have similar hours when compared to a school day. Teens that are not at risk to hurt themselves, but need a full day of mental health treatment often participate in a day treatment program.