In latest revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) there are 157 listed mental health diagnoses. As the list of recognized mental health illnesses increased so too have the therapeutic modalities. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional is essential to the recovery process for any mental health illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain that “mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day.” Research has found that one teen out of every five teenagers has a diagnosable mental health disorder, in the United States. There is a plethora of different types of psychotherapeutic treatment modalities that are used to treat teenagers, the most common include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works by addressing a teenager’s thoughts. CBT is based on the notion that one’s thoughts govern one’s feelings, which in turn affects one’s behaviors. It focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies to problem solve effectively. Through short-term goals, cognitive behavioral therapy will help a young person shift his or her thoughts to change his or her feelings, resulting in healthier patterns of behavior.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) was developed in the 1970s. IPT is a therapeutic modality that is most often used to treat teenagers who suffer from anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, as well as other psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorder. Interpersonal therapy focuses on how a teen’s communications and interactions with other people affect his or her own mental health. Through interpersonal therapy a young person will learn to resolve and adjust unhealthy interpersonal problems, resulting in a symptomatic recovery.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy with a mindfulness-based approach. It is primarily used to treat young people who struggle with emotional dysregulation, also known as severe emotional instability (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, etc.). It is conducted in three different therapeutic settings (weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly group DBT skills sessions, and as-needed phone coaching) each with distinct goals. DBT relies on four main strategies to teach skills that help young people learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors. They include the following, as provided by Behavioral Tech:
Through DBT a teen will learn mindfulness-based skills to gain control over his or her emotions. This allows for healthier relationships and improves interpersonal skills.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs 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.
