It is common knowledge that for parents, raising children, though rewarding, is often thought of as one of the most difficult challenges of adulthood. From the moment a child is born he or she will require external support to thrive. As a child continues to develop, the type of parental support a child will need will shift accordingly. There are certain stages of development that are marked by various milestones, and when met signify the typical stages of maturation. For example, adolescence is a time period in a young person’s life that is notoriously known as tumultuous as it is full of physiological changes, curiosity, excitement, frustrations and a newfound need for autonomy. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide common examples of milestones and social/ emotional changes that occur during adolescence, some of which include:
Young people often experiment with drugs and/ or alcohol. Adolescence is also a time when dormant mental health illnesses may begin to surface. Typically developing teenagers can be difficult to parent, and parents with children that have mental health complications are faced with exponentially increased demands. It is important to note that parental support is available.
Los Angeles, California is not only home to an abundance of mental health resources for young people in need but is also packed full of a wide variety of parental support groups. Requesting information and/ or recommendations from your medical network (e.g. asking your child’s pediatrician or your own primary care physician) can be an excellent place to start the search for a parental support group. Depending on one’s preferences there are certain platforms that provide curated lists of parental support groups, such as Meetup.com, which lists single parent support groups in Los Angeles.
Psychology Today has compiled a list of parenting support groups held in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) offers an array of parent resources, including access to parental support groups. Akin to the perpetually evolving needs of children, parents can benefit from different sources and types of support at varying times. Being a parent is a role that once assumed will carry through far longer than when one’s child is considered “grown.” Regardless of a child’s age, a parent’s love and continued support can be integral to his or her evolution.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
