The remedial treatment of children and adolescents suffering from mental or substance use disorders or exposure to trauma, require high levels of expertise, sensitivity, compassion, patience and skill. Their moods are more fluid and their interests, experiences, circumstances and general characteristics vary significantly from adult profiles. In the past their predicaments were often neglected or mismanaged, but there has been an upsurge of concern and specialist programs for them.
Help for children and adolescents
With our experience and outreach we can advise you about child and teen treatment programs and sources for further assistance.
A new dawn for teenagers
Historically, the impact and effects of dysfunctional families and other social stressors on children and teenagers were largely ignored or harshly suppressed. However, today there are many programs, specifically aimed at effectively healing and coping with unhealthy social and environmental factors, childhood trauma, and behaviour or substance use disorders in the early stages of life.
Treatment for fluid young minds
On their way to adulthood, young people undergo dramatic physical and mental transitions. They are constantly testing new skills and adapting to new challenges. Inexperience and rapid brain development make them vulnerable to maladaptations, such as behaviour and substance use disorders. Fortunately, adaptations can be changed by means of therapy and a natural process called neuroplasticity.
Juvenile programs and adult concerns
Caretakers may resist seeking mental counselling for children and teenagers. They often worry about stigmas and instinctively want to deny any disorders. They also struggle to separate normal juvenile behaviour from disorders. However, when in doubt, consulting a counsellor experienced in youth psychology is essential. If needed, a counsellor can refer caretakers to safe treatment facilities.
Why adolescents need special treatment
Young people are not only influenced by their caretakers – they also observe what their peers and society in general have to offer. In adolescence they hanker for independence and are compelled to test their own ideas, as well as the observed concepts. Some of their experiments can lead to serious complications.
Modern life, with its complexities, opportunities, technologies, temptations and social problems, exposes impressionable young people to many influences and entrapments. It can cause numerous emotional, behaviour and substance use disorders. In some cases mental disturbances can develop without any obvious aggravating causes.
It requires specialist psychological expertise to identify core issues and design treatment plans that fit the unique, often inconsistent, characteristics of children and adolescents. During treatment, they require separation from adult patients and special rules for their protection. Additionally, being in their own peer groups will stimulate their participation in group activities. The entire recipe must also fit the patient’s own intellectual level.
Psychotherapy, based on integrated techniques tailored to individual patient requirements, is generally regarded as the best treatment type, whilst post-treatment relapse prevention can benefit from traditional mutual-support groups found in most communities.
Psychotherapy is offered by psychiatric and psychological practitioners in private consultation rooms, clinics, and rehabilitation centres. Rehabilitation centres offer inpatient and outpatient programs. The latter is often better for students to maintain normal scholastic routines.
Most outpatient programs can be attended on a full day basis, with patients attending the normal inpatient program during the day and returning home in the evenings. It may be possible to arrange therapy for specific times of the day with the patient shuttling between normal scholastic classes and therapy sessions during the day. Many rehab centres offer evening programs for those who are unwilling to interrupt their normal daytime routines.
Treatment programs and facilities differ significantly. It can be daunting for the uninformed to select a suitable method and facility. It is better to consult an experienced counsellor for advice and referral.
Call us about teen rehab programs
Parents and caretakers may be uncertain about the viability of consultation or treatment for a teenager. However, obtaining discreet, reliable advice about a condition that causes concern is actually a responsibility. Dial us for confidential advice about issues affecting children and adolescents. We can also provide referrals to reliable resources for further assistance.
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