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According to the Department of Health, 49.5% of teens in the US have struggled with a mental health problem, yet under half have received treatment. Teenagers have an increased risk of developing mental health or substance abuse problems as they go through transitions, change biologically, and explore who they are.
A common treatment program that can help with their mental health and prevent future challenges from arising is outpatient treatment. Explore what outpatient therapy is, how it can benefit your teen, and some of the therapy options that exist that are designed to support mental health.
What is Outpatient Mental Health for Teens?
Outpatient treatment is a flexible approach for teens to receive mental health services. Usually, teens will go to a center, office or even get on Zoom to meet with a mental health therapist. It is a lower level of care, often used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of mental health disorders. It’s common for teens in outpatient to participate in therapy services 1-2 times a week.
Outpatient care is an effective option for teens who are struggling with their mental health yet aren’t at risk to themselves or others. It is often recommended to prevent symptoms from escalating that can lead to being placed into a higher level of care such as a residential center.
What Can Outpatient Treatment Help Teens With?
Outpatient supports teens with a range of mental health disorders, life stress, and can even be a part of a recovery regimen from substance abuse. Outpatient can be more individualized than higher levels of care, with teens receiving 1 on 1 attention from their therapist each week. Some common mental health disorders and problems outpatient therapy can support teens with include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- Mood Disorders
- Substance abuse recovery
- ADHD
- Autism
- Eating Disorders
- Trauma
- Grief & loss
- Academic pressure and stress
- Low self-esteem
Types of Outpatient Therapy
There are several therapies that exist on an outpatient level. Almost any therapy one can receive at an inpatient treatment center can also be offered on an outpatient basis. Some of the most common forms of outpatient therapy for teens include:
CBT | Break negative thinking patterns, set goals, build positive coping skills |
DBT | Regulate emotions, distress tolerance, mindfulness |
EMDR | Process traumatic memories and emotional distress through guided eye movements |
Family Therapy | Address issues in the home, develop effective communication skills, build a support network and crisis plans |
Group Therapy | Connect with other teens who share similar struggles |
Music Therapy | Uses sounds, rhythms, and harmony to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and accomplish goals |
Art Therapy | Process emotional distress and negative thoughts through creative expression |
How Does Outpatient Services Work?
Most outpatient programs meet 1-2 times a week for 1-2 hours at a time. This can vary based on insurance, the individual needs of your teen, and how much improvement they are making during sessions. One of the most important parts for outpatient therapy to be effective is that your teen feels comfortable with their therapist.
Some teens may benefit from a typical talk therapy such as CBT, while others may benefit from an experiential therapy such as Music or Art. Parents can find teen outpatient therapists by speaking with their primary care provider, contacting a local mental health center, or searching online.
Is It Effective? The Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient therapy is an effective way to both treat mental health symptoms and prevent future problems. Outpatient counseling can also help with life challenges such as academic pressure, bullying, grief, and loss.
Some of the benefits of outpatient therapy for teens include:
- It is flexible
- Insurance tends to cover it
- Safe space to vent and work through life stress
- Teaches healthy coping skills
- Can treat a range of mental health disorders
- Part of a successful treatment in long-term recovery from substance abuse
- Sessions can be personalized for individual needs
Outpatient Therapy in Texas
If you identify warning signs that your teen is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to get them the treatment they need. At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of teenage mental health disorders and are here to help.
We offer flexible outpatient therapy for teens who need mental health counseling. Contact our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Mental Health for Adolescents. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
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.
