We all want the best for our loved ones and to help them build strong futures. SUN Behavioral keeps its core values at the forefront to assist teens in Houston and the surrounding communities with therapeutic programs to meet their unmet needs.
According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, some potential red flags to consider during research to help your loved one include the following:
As they navigate the teen years, minor rebellion is very common. Professional help may be needed if problems continue for a period of time. For example, depression-type feelings of sadness and loneliness are common; however, if the symptoms are severe or last longer than two weeks, it is recommended to reach out to a professional.
Complicating the situation is the fact that there are multiple types of depression. And to make this even more complex, some of the mental health disorders may be linked to other disorders or physical ailments. This is where family members can oftentimes find themselves far out of their level of expertise and should seek help.
You may be thinking:Â Do other teens suffer from mental health disorders or is my child unusual?
Yes, other children across the country are working through various mental health issues, so âNo,â your child is not alone.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data from a survey on childrenâs mental health found  3.2% of youth ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with depression and 7.1% of youth have been diagnosed with anxiety. The CDC noted that it is not uncommon to have conditions that occur together.
The same survey showed the numbers growing each year
Talking with a therapist can help adolescents speak to someone privately who is not an authority figure in their life. Got it, Mom? Dad? And if you really think about it, you take your children to the dentist and the doctor for annual exams. Isnât a strong mind just as important?
A therapist is trained to help their clients work through their challenges and have a healthy mind balance. While you wonât be privy to details of the discussions, you would be made aware if your child was experiencing something other than normal teen behavior and might need some deeper treatment. who is not judgmental.
Mental health therapy for adolescents is approached differently than for adults for several reasons, including:
Teens may experience some of the same types of stress as adults, but also face a unique set of factors when considering mental health. Social media, bullying, family dysfunction, uncertain future pathwaysâthese are just a sampling of what your child might be thinking about at the dinner table while remaining silent.
One in every four boys and nearly 1 out of every 2 girls in Texas at the high-school level reported feeling periods of sadness lasting longer than two weeks, the typical time length where concern for depression is considered.
Eighteen percent in the same age group of both males and females said they considered suicided and 12% reported they attempted suicide one or more times.
These are very sobering numbers for any parent to hear.
Our Adolescent Program includes three service levels:
Inpatient Teen Therapy Program
In some situations, especially when teens are a danger to themselves or others, they may benefit from the comprehensive support and structure of inpatient care. During this period, they will receive the 24/7 attention and treatment necessary to get back on a path of wellness.
Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP might be appropriate for patients transitioning from inpatient care or who may need more intensive treatment in a time of crisis to prevent the need for hospitalization.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our teen IOP is designed for the individual who may be stepping down from partial hospitalization but still requires the support and structure IOP provides. It can also be appropriate for patients who may need more intensive treatment than offered by traditional outpatient care.
Key components of IOP treatment include:
Sun Behavioral wants to partner with you and your teen to make sure he/she keeps their mental health strong as he/she moves through such a meaningful time in their lives.
Adolescent therapy targets children and young adults ages 10 through early 20s during their growth from children to adulthoods. They work through their thoughts and feelings that shape behaviors with a licensed therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. The goal is to help them work through issues they will experience throughout life with a healthy mindset.
A great starting point to find a therapist for your teenager is through their family doctor or pediatrician. Recommendations can also be found through the childâs school guidance office or your family or friend network. Through your research, you will want to find a therapist who specializes in the age category of your child or underlying issues the he/she may have.
You may notice some changes in your childâs behavior, causing them to act out in a destructive manner or become unusually withdrawn. Changes in sleeping, eating and loss of interest in their normal hobbies may also be signs they would benefit from a therapist. In addition, thoughts of suicide or self-harm should not be ignored.
Anxiety, mood and behavior mental health disorders are at the top of the list for main stressors for adolescents. Suicide is the second-most common cause of death, behind accidents.
The capable team at SUN Houston has been serving our community for years. Reach out to begin your journey to recovery.