In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing your teen’s mental health and steering them toward mental wellness has become incredibly essential. Neglected mental health can lead to severe issues in later stages of life, and it’s important to ensure our youth get quality mental health treatment. This includes getting quick and efficient access to care — especially for those with complex needs. But how do parents and caregivers approach this goal?
Are you trying to understand your teen’s condition and need support and guidance? Reach out to Beyond Healthcare and speak with an expert today.
Acknowledging Warning Signs
Parents need to be vigilant and look out for warning signs that might require further evaluation and mental care support. Changes in behavior, a sudden lack of interest in activities, shifts in grades, or isolation could be red flags. Ultimately, a clinical evaluation can then be sought to determine the appropriate level of care required.
Additional warning signs may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior, demeanor, or personality.
- Loss of interest or withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.
- Noticeable shifts in academic performance or grades.
- Increased isolation or avoidance of social interactions.
- Expressions of hopelessness, sadness, or despair.
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Engaging in risky behaviors.
- Frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of suicide.
- Substance abuse or experimentation with drugs/alcohol.
- Complaints of physical symptoms without apparent cause.
- Lack of energy or motivation to engage in daily activities.
- Experiencing intense anxiety or panic attacks.
- Persistent feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Please note that if any of these warning signs are observed, it’s essential to seek professional help and guidance to ensure the well-being of your teen.
Recognizing the Need for Intensive Care
Once you’ve recognized the warning signs, calling to get an assessment scheduled is the next step. From there, you can meet with a clinician who will gather information about your child and their experiences — and then formulate and explain their treatment recommendations. There are different levels of care for mental health treatment, and we will help identify which is right for your child.
While individual therapy may suffice for some, others might need more intensive treatment. At Beyond Healthcare, we offer two main programs tailored for intensive care: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These programs are designed to effectively and efficiently treat and support youth with moderate to severe mental health conditions.
Promoting Belonging and Purpose
Like all humans, a sense of belonging and purpose is crucial for youth mental health. Beyond Healthcare aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where teens feel accepted for who they are. By encouraging activities that bring joy and induce a sense of belonging, we help to build the essential foundation of positive self-identity in teens, thereby improving their mental health.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: We prioritize creating an inclusive environment where teens feel valued and accepted, and their unique identities are celebrated. This sense of inclusivity promotes a feeling of belonging, which is essential for positive mental well-being.
- Encouraging Joyful Activities: Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment is key to nurturing a sense of purpose in teens. At Beyond, we encourage teens to participate in activities they enjoy, whether it’s sports, creative arts, or community service, and help them discover their passions and interests.
- Positive Self-Identity: We support teens in developing a positive self-identity. When teens feel accepted for who they are, they are more likely to embrace their strengths, values, and unique qualities — and this ultimately leads to improved mental health outcomes.
- Building Connection: Promoting belonging and purpose also involves building connections with others. We facilitate opportunities for teens to connect with peers, mentors, and supportive adults, and this helps to forge meaningful relationships that contribute to their sense of belonging and purpose.
Taking a Holistic Approach
At Beyond Healthcare we use a holistic approach, supporting your child as a whole person, not just their mental health needs. We know mental health is impacted by all areas of life. This means we’re taking their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being into consideration when developing their treatment plan. Basic needs like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare can have significant impacts on overall well-being.
At Beyond Healthcare, we help provide connections to community resources, physicians, and other specialists to help meet your child and family’s individual needs and improve well-being.
The Importance of Family Involvement
Beyond Healthcare recognizes that the family is a critical element in a teen’s healing process. Family involvement includes not just participation in the child’s care, but also, equipping parents with the necessary skills to ensure their child’s mental health. Building trust and creating a therapeutic bond with the child and their family is a crucial aspect of our method.
Family involvement helps with the following:
- Enhanced Support System: Family involvement provides a strong support network for the teen, ensuring they have a reliable source of encouragement, understanding, and care throughout their healing journey.
- Holistic Care Approach: By involving the family, Beyond Healthcare can address various aspects of the teen’s life, like basic needs, and home and school life, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
- Skill Development: Equipping parents with the same understanding of the skills their child is learning empowers them to play an active role in their child’s mental health and well-being beyond the treatment setting. This involvement works to build long-term resilience and coping strategies within the family unit.
- Trust and Therapeutic Bond: Family involvement promotes trust and strengthens the therapeutic bond between the teen, their family, and the healthcare professionals. This bond is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and progress in the healing process.
- Long-Term Success: Research shows that family involvement in mental health treatment significantly improves outcomes for teens. By actively engaging the family, Beyond Healthcare helps to increase the likelihood of sustained progress and positive long-term outcomes for the teen’s mental health and overall well-being.
Give Your Teen the Support They Need at Beyond Healthcare
Supporting your teen’s mental health journey is a collaborative effort that extends beyond individual therapy sessions. At Beyond Healthcare, we recognize the critical role that family involvement plays in the healing process. By equipping parents with essential skills, promoting trust, and building therapeutic bonds, we create a supportive environment where teens can thrive. Together, we can empower your teen to overcome challenges, build resilience, and embrace a brighter future.
Ready to give your teen the support they need? Reach out to Beyond Healthcare today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier tomorrow. Our compassionate team is here to provide mental health services with personalized care, guidance, and resources to help your teen navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience. Let’s work together to ensure your teen receives the support and care they deserve.
Are you ready to take the first step toward your teen’s mental wellness? Contact us today and schedule a consultation.
