Finding A Teen Anxiety Treatment Center: What You Need to Know

 

No teen can avoid the occasional bout of anxiety during adolescence, and some may experience anxiety more frequently than others. Typical teenage anxiety, though is often perceived as intense, is fleeting and young people without an anxiety disorder are easily able to bounce back and recover from their anxiety. However, young people that experience severe and chronic anxiety to the point of it interfering with their ability to function in their daily lives may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” Hence, anxiety is an umbrella term with many different subsections. The most common types of anxiety disorders that can arise in teenagers include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety, panic disorder and social phobias. Every teen is different and will require a tailored treatment plan when it comes to recovering from an anxiety disorder. 

What To Look For

There are a plethora of different treatment centers for teenagers struggling with anxiety disorder, all with the same overarching priority: to help teenagers learn tools and techniques to effectively cope with anxiety, many of which will likely be useful throughout one’s entire life. It is of utmost importance to do one’s due diligence when selecting a treatment center so as to make an informed decision. Consider the following factors to help you with your search:

• What treatment modalities are offered? Does the program incorporate a variety: talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), creative arts therapies, etc.

• What level of licensure does clinical staff members, group leaders, and residential staff members have? When looking at an anxiety treatment center, it is important to know who makes up the therapeutic and the residential staff. Find out the accreditation of the facility itself as well as the clinical staff. 

• What does a daily schedule look like? The answer to this question will help you understand if the program provides customized treatment plans.

• Is it common to have family play a role in treatment? If so, what? Depending on your preference, this answer can help you decide if the program offers too much family inclusion, not enough, or an amount that feels comfortable to you. 

• What aftercare support and follow-up services does your center provide? 

• Is there a waitlist? Making sure the program has open availability is imperative. 

Selecting a teen anxiety treatment center that will best suit your teen’s needs may feel like an overwhelming feat. As a parent, you are charged with safeguarding your child’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing until they reach an age that they are able to care for themselves. 

For Information and Support

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.