• Nick

In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General put out an advisory on an urgent public health issue–youth mental health.  The data from 2019 showed that one in three high school students had reported “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” a 40% increase from just 10 years before. In 2022, among adolescents aged 12 to 17, nearly one in five (19.5%) had a major depressive episode according to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). A major depressive episode is defined as 

1. Having at least one period of 2 weeks or longer in the past year when, for most of the day nearly every day, they felt depressed or lost interest or pleasure in daily activities; and 
2. They also had problems with sleeping, eating, energy, concentration, self-worth, or having recurrent thoughts of death or recurrent suicidal ideation. 

Additionally, emergency department use among youth for mental health problems has been increasing. In 2021, 20% of high school students seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide. 

A critical response to this crisis is acute mental health treatment for teens. This article will define acute mental health treatment care for teens, describe some of the common settings, and explain some of the goals of treatment.

Acute Mental Health Care for Teens

Acute mental health treatment for teens is intensive, short-term care provided to teens experiencing a mental health crisis or severe symptoms that require immediate attention. Examples of symptoms of a mental health crisis that may be resolved by acute mental health treatment include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harming behaviors
• Anxiety, including panic attacks, phobias, or obsessive behaviors
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma-related psychological concerns such as nightmares and flashbacks

Goals of Acute Mental Health Treatment for Teens

Acute mental health treatment for teens has several goals. A primary, short-term goal is stabilizing the teen and addressing any immediate risks or acute symptoms. This may include health system functions such as emergency medicine, trauma care, pre-hospital emergency care, acute care surgery, critical care, and urgent care. 

Once a teen is stabilized, programs and treatment providers will focus on treating mental health issues. Services often include individual, group, or family therapies, experiential therapies (art, music, outdoor), and medication management. Treatment should take a holistic approach and focus on the teen’s physical, social, and emotional well-being in addition to their psychological well-being. 

Acute mental health treatment for teens is a critical step towards long-term recovery. The length of time a teen spends moving through the various treatment options will vary depending on the individual, their condition, and the type of treatment program. 

Aftercare Planning Following Mental Health Treatment For Teens

Recovery is ongoing, so establishing a plan to continue treatment is critical. At Willow Hills, we work with teens and their families to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that often includes therapy, support groups, and strategies to maintain the strides made during treatment. Involving parents and guardians is also important to a teen’s ongoing success, and we provide all of the education and tools needed for a smooth transition back to everyday life. 

Willow Hills Wellness and Acute Mental Health Treatment for Teens

Willow Hills Wellness offers acute mental health treatment for teens. Our facility was designed to give teens a safe environment to focus on their recovery. Our treatment providers help teens develop healthier coping mechanisms, address trauma, and build emotional resilience. We are committed to helping teens treat current symptoms and equipping them with valuable skills to manage their mental health in the long term, preventing future crises and fostering healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Not sure exactly what treatment you need? That’s okay. We understand that every teen is unique and no family is the same. Our treatment plans are individualized and created with this in mind. Contact us today to learn how our program can support your family during this difficult time, and beyond.