Table of Contents
Updated and Fact-Checked July 2024 by: Mike Carter
Update list:
- Updated Intervention approaches based on new research
- Added a how-to section to help parents identify at-risk teenagers.
Teens that are at-risk face unique challenges compared to their peers and may need interventions and professional support to ensure their emotional well-being and success for the future.
Understanding what makes a teen at-risk and recognizing the warning signs can help parents intervene, provide support and in some cases get their teen professional treatment.
Understanding the At-Risk Teens
At-risk teens are in situations, have behaviors or face certain circumstances that can stunt their development and decrease their success for the future.
Usually, at-risk teens have multiple risk factors impacting their lives at once, and it is important to be patient and support them to overcome these obstacles. Situations or circumstances that can put a teen at-risk include:
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders
- Physical health problems
- Trauma
- Family instability
- Involvement in risky behaviors
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing these signs early on is important for parents to provide proper intervention and support. By staying vigilant and observant, we can pick up on these indicators and provide the necessary help before the situation worsens. These signs may manifest in different ways, and include:
- Academic decline
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in behavior or appearance
- Sudden mood swings
- Participating in high-risk behaviors
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Intervention Strategies
There are a number of ways parents, educators and community health professionals can support at-risk teens. Strategies to help at-risk teens can have different forms and take place at different levels (in the home, school, community, etc).
By creating a supportive and safe environment, at-risk teens have the chance to grow and be just as successful as their peers who are not at-risk.
Family Intervention
Family plays a large role in at-risk teens. Family-based interventions see the impact that relationships in the home make on at-risk teens.
These interventions may include counselors or home-based therapists to work with parents or guardians. They will help create healthy communication, boundaries and provide emotional support.
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for the teen to express their emotions, seek guidance, work through self-destructive behaviors and receive the necessary support is essential to overcome their challenges.
School Intervention
Schools play a large role in supporting at-risk teens. They can provide screening, and educate teachers to recognize the signs. Guidance counselors can play a large role in supporting students to become successful, regardless of the barriers they face.
Community Intervention
Community programs offer support outside of the school setting. It is important for the community to support teens outside of the home & classroom. At-risk teens are often isolated from their community. This can increase their self-destructive behaviors.
Community interventions provide at-risk teens with activities for growth and development. These can include support groups, events, or peer mentoring.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key to preventing long-term negative outcomes for at-risk teens. The sooner we identify and address their struggles, the better chance we have at redirecting their paths towards healthier and more fulfilling lives.
When it comes to at-risk teens, early intervention plays a crucial role in ensuring their well-being and success. By intervening at the earliest signs of trouble, we can provide them with the necessary support and guidance to overcome their challenges.
This proactive approach not only helps them navigate through difficult times but also equips them with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the future.
One of the primary benefits of timely intervention is that it offers at-risk teens the opportunity to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
By identifying their struggles early on, we can intervene with targeted strategies and interventions that promote resilience and emotional well-being. This can include therapy sessions, counseling, and support groups tailored to their specific needs.
Benefits of Timely Intervention
Prior to the conversation, parents should educate themselves about the effects of drugs and alcohol, the prevalence of substance use among teenagers, and the warning signs of abuse.
This knowledge will enable parents to provide their children with accurate information and help them understand the potential risks associated with substance use.
Understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind is a complex task.
Parents should take the time to research different substances, their short-term and long-term effects, and how they can impact an individual’s physical and mental health.
By having a comprehensive understanding, parents can confidently address any questions or concerns their children may have during the conversation.
Additionally, parents should familiarize themselves with the prevalence of substance use among teenagers. By knowing the statistics and trends, parents can emphasize the importance of making informed decisions and highlighting the potential consequences of engaging in substance abuse.
This knowledge will also enable parents to discuss peer pressure and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
Challenges in Early Detection
Early detection of at-risk behaviors can be challenging. Some teens may mask their struggles or be resistant to seeking help.
Limited access to mental health resources and the stigma surrounding mental health can also hinder early detection efforts. Despite these challenges, it is crucial to persist in our efforts to reach out to those in need.
Identifying at-risk behaviors in teenagers can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Adolescence is a time of rapid changes, both physically and emotionally, making it difficult to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and signs of distress.
This is further complicated by the fact that some teens may go to great lengths to hide their struggles, fearing judgment or rejection.
Moreover, limited access to mental health resources can pose a significant barrier to early detection. In many communities, there is a shortage of mental health professionals, making it challenging for at-risk teens to receive timely support.
Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health can discourage teenagers from seeking help, further delaying intervention efforts.
Despite these challenges, it is essential for parents, educators, and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying at-risk behaviors.
By creating a safe and supportive environment where teens feel comfortable expressing their concerns, we can increase the likelihood of early detection and intervention.
Ultimately, early intervention is a critical component in ensuring the well-being and success of at-risk teens. By addressing their struggles early on, we can provide them with the necessary support, guidance, and resources to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify signs that your teen is at-risk, it’s important to reach out for support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of mental health problems in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
