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The teenage years can be a difficult time fueled by transitions, mood swings, changing hormones, and heightened emotions. This sensitive stage of development is characterized by identity exploration and the stress of finding their place in the world.
Teens are known for more problematic and sometimes distressing behavior. However, when does this cross the line from everyday teenage problems to an out-of-control teenager?
Understanding the signs of an out-of-control teenager and programs designed to support positive development can help parents make an informed decision about how to help their teens.
What is An “Out of Control” Teen?
It’s normal for most teens to be more reckless, challenge authority at times, and have drastic mood swings. These behaviors, unique to teenage development, are often influenced by fluxing hormones, brain development, and self-exploration. However, some patterns of behavior that put themselves or others at risk of harm are a cause for concern.
An “out-of-control” teenager may struggle with basic respect towards authority figures, have strained relationships, and cannot function in daily tasks. Teens are at a higher risk of developing problems with their mental health and substance abuse, and an out-of-control teen is usually a sign that these behaviors need to be addressed with intervention from parents and adults.
Although taking risks is a normal part of adolescence, ongoing risky behaviors that go above and beyond what is typical can affect their safety, health, and long-term future in adulthood. Some of the warning signs of an “out of control” teen may include:
- Violence or aggression
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm
- Fighting with family, peers, teachers, etc
- Chronic isolation
- Drastic shifts in personality
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of pleasure or enjoyment in activities
- Negative changes in sleep or appetite that affect their physical health
- Lack of self-care or basic hygiene
Types of Facilities That Could Help Troubled Teens
As research around adolescent development grows, more centers are arising that are tailored to the unique needs of teenage mental health. There are a few kinds of facilities that exist, each with its own levels of care or programs that are designed to help teens recover from negative behaviors and build tools for long-term success. These include:
- Substance Abuse Treatment Centers are designed for teens with an addiction to drugs & alcohol. These help teens detox, get sober, and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
- Mental Health Treatment Centers focus on treating mental health disorders such as ADHD, autism, trauma, eating disorders, depression & suicidal ideation. They provide a space for teens to stabilize their mental health and focus on underlying thoughts that are driving their behaviors.
- Co-Occurring Treatment Facilities are designed to address both substance abuse and mental health problems in teens. These help teens detox and get sober while simultaneously addressing mental health problems that drive their substance abuse.
Programs for Troubled Teens
Within treatment facilities, there are several therapies and programs that exist to help support an out-of-control teen. These may provide different levels of care, scheduling, or therapies based on the needs of your teen.
Residential Treatment | Highest level of care offering 24/7 services in a structured and secure setting. | Ideal for teens with substance abuse problems, eating disorders, or mental illness with violent or suicidal behaviors |
Partial Hospitalization | Highly structured day program similar to residential except teens return home in the evenings. | Substance abuse problems, eating disorders, violent or aggressive behaviors. Also ideal for teens with Autism who need intense day support but need to return to their homes and routines. |
Intensive Outpatient | Flexible, but intensive treatment program where teens will meet for services 2-4x a week. Usually comes after residential or PHP to help teens transition back to the community. | Teenage substance abuse recovery or severe mental health problems that require a more intense approach than typical outpatient services. |
Outpatient Services | Typical outpatient program where teens will meet for therapy usually 1x a week. This may be individual sessions, group sessions, or weekly family therapy. | Helpful for teens with mild to moderate mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, grief, etc. May be used to treat a specific mental health disorder, help teens with transitions or stressful life events. |
CBT Therapy | Conventional form of talk therapy that addresses underlying thinking patterns and how they affect behavior. | Used for depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, etc. May be used on its own as a form of outpatient therapy or during a treatment program such as residential treatment. |
EMDR | Form of trauma therapy that focuses on bilateral stimulation through visual cues to help teens process traumatic memories and emotional distress. | Helpful therapy for teens with addiction or behaviors that are rooted in trauma. One of the best treatments for PTSD. |
Family Therapy | Used to help teens manage behaviors, build communication skills, and create a support network for their recovery. | Addresses conflict in the home that may be driving mental health problems. This can be a home-based intervention or used in higher-level treatment programs. |
Group Therapy | Allows teens to connect with others over shared experiences under the guidance of a licensed therapist. | Joint group sessions may cover drug & alcohol, grief & loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, etc. |
The Importance of Addressing Troubled Behavior Early On
The adolescent brain is incredibly flexible and more open to receiving new information than in adulthood. Research shows that early intervention is one of the biggest factors in preventing more severe problems from developing later in adulthood.
Addressing troubled behavior in youth may include parents, educators, and any other adults in the teen’s life. It will focus on identifying their strengths, needs, and goals. It will also help them break bad behaviors and replace them with positive ones. These plans should be individualized to the unique needs & experiences of your teen.
Aftercare & Support for Teens
If you identify warning signs that your teen is struggling with their mental health or a substance abuse disorder, it’s essential to get them the treatment they need. At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of out-of-control teens. We offer several levels of care, including residential treatment, PHP, and IOP services. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Developing Social and Behavioral Skills in Early Childhood: A TAPP Research Brief. Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools.
Children and Youth Statistics. Mental Health Foundation.
Christine received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography with a minor in Philosophy from Texas Woman’s University, a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Louisiana Tech University, and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Wesleyan University. Christine approaches clinical work from a systems and narrative perspective. Looking at how each person’s values and world view affect and interact with others. When not at work Christine enjoys viewing and making art, knitting, gardening.
