• Nick

Teens and adolescents face increasing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and rising suicide rates, which tripled for ages 10 to 14 from 2007 through 2018. The CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) revealed that in 2023, 40% of high school students stopped doing their usual activities because they had felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks. The data also shows disparities. An example is the high school-aged LGBTQ+ population, with 41% reporting they had “seriously considered” suicide in the last 12 months compared to 13% of their cisgender and heterosexual peers.

One possible treatment for these difficult mental health challenges is inpatient mental health facilities for teens. This blog will explain what they are, some of their benefits, and what to look for in inpatient mental health facilities for teens. 

What Is an Inpatient Mental Health Facility and What are Its Benefits?

An inpatient mental health facility for teens is a residential treatment center that provides supervision, care, and mental health support and treatment for teens experiencing severe mental health challenges. “Residential” means that those seeking treatment will live there for some time (a residence). Inpatient mental health facilities for teens stabilize immediate health crises that are causing symptoms such as self-harm or severe emotional distress. 

Some of the key features of an inpatient mental health facility for teens include:

24/7 Supervision. Teens are monitored round-the-clock to ensure their safety, particularly during times of crisis when a teen may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, psychotic episodes, or are likely to self-harm. Residential treatment can provide teens with a calm, structured space where they can safely get away from any triggers, social pressures, and toxic relationships from daily life that may be contributing to mental health challenges.

Crisis Stabilization. This is an immediate response to a crisis, and it may take up to 72 hours to de-escalate a situation. Teens may be experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or aggression, and reducing those symptoms as soon as possible is critical. Crisis stabilization often includes a crisis assessment, which lays the groundwork for an individual crisis plan. Some states require that the teen and parent(s) or guardian(s) actively participate in developing their crisis plan, along with the mental health facility.

Comprehensive Treatment for Mental Health. As the situation stabilizes, treatment providers will work collaboratively with the teen and their family to develop skills for long-term recovery. This will include experiential activities and therapy that build resilience and help teens learn strategies to better regulate their emotions for life at home. Individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy are likely to be a part of treatment. Medication management may play a role in the treatment plan for some teens.

What to Look for in Inpatient Mental Health Facilities for Teens

Like any important decision in life, there are many things to consider when choosing an inpatient mental health facility for your teen. Here are a few:

1. Accreditation. Make sure the facility is licensed and accredited by The Joint Commission or CARF. This will give you peace of mind as accreditation demonstrates a commitment to high quality of care and industry compliance.
2. Family Involvement. There is evidence that family involvement leads to better treatment outcomes. Parents and guardians can play an essential role in recovery for teens, including helping create a more supportive home environment after treatment. Consider finding a facility that will provide support and education to your teen as well as to you. 
3. Range of Therapies. Having various therapy options will ensure a holistic approach and likely lead to better outcomes. Make sure the facilities you are considering offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and a variety of individual, group, and family counseling options.
4. Staff. When you go to an inpatient mental health facility, you and your teen are entering into new relationships. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with you and your teen. Do they appear compassionate, competent, and experienced? Ask questions about the type of staff serving the facility, including licensed therapists, counselors, and medical staff. It also may be worth asking about staff-to-client ratios.

Willow Hills Wellness and Inpatient Mental Health Treatment for Teens

At Willow Hills Wellness, we understand that choosing the right inpatient mental health facility for your teen can feel overwhelming and scary. Taking this next step, whether in crisis or not, is courageous and the first step to healing. Our caring, empathetic, and knowledgeable staff are here to help you and your teen manage current symptoms and develop skills for long-term success. Contact us today to learn more and take steps towards a healthier, happier future.