Adolescent or teenage rehab programs can be a frightening prospect for parents and caretakers. They may worry about safety, whether appropriate tests and treatment exists, and the effect it will have on a young person, or where to find reliable help. Fortunately, because most adolescent injuries are due to mental and behaviour disorders and accidents, a lot of research exists and many safe treatment options are indeed available.
We can help teenagers
With our network outreach and established knowledge of the industry, we can help you with advice and referrals for treatment.
Adolescent mindfulness
During the adolescent stage, young peoples’ brains are still growing and developing, both physically and cognitively, and are more susceptible to neural adaptations. These changes, whether healthy or not, can last a lifetime. On the bright side, because their brains are so pliable, unhealthy adaptations can be healed more easily than those of adults. Early intervention can set them on a healthier path to maturity and keep them from relapsing.
Adolescent secrecy
Teens affected by mental or behaviour disorders can be more secretive about it than adults. They are dependent on caretakers and may lack resources to exert their will when confronted, so instead of justification and defense, they focus on concealment. They also have unusually strong urges for privacy and independence. Additionally, interpersonal bonds can keep them from admitting a problem and possibly disappointing others.
Adolescent evaluation
Parents, who suspect a teen may have a disorder, often find it difficult to distinguish between the normal hormonal chaos exhibited by teenagers and conditions that require treatment. They may even downplay the severity to protect the teen and themselves from perceived blame. However, having a teen evaluated by a trained health worker, actually demonstrates responsible parenting and there are treatment options that guarantee privacy.
Rehab treatment for young people
Adolescents, young people between 10 and 19 years old, are in a natural phase of transition from childhood to maturity. It can be an extremely disruptive time, as the process of preparation for adulthood involves dramatic physical changes and rapid, ongoing mental readjustments.
As children progress, parents gradually relax their supervision and expect more self-regulation from their offspring. At the same time, young people instinctively start exploring their own ideas, rather than just taking instructions. This often leads to arguments and conflicts, but must not be confused with malicious disobedience. Within reason, it is part of their experimental preparations for the future.
Adolescents are sensitive to social influences, peer pressure, and the need to assert their rights, privileges and personal decisions. This opens them up to curiosity, harmful experimentation and maladaptations. In the process they can acquire mental and behaviour dysfunctions, like emotional anguish, drug usage and various other disorders.
Adolescents are not lost forever if they develop a disorder. They have very flexible brains and neural malfunctions can be healed by means of a natural process called neuroplasticity, in conjunction with rehabilitation therapy. Treatment options range from private consultation rooms to treatment centres.
During therapy, young people should be shielded from older patients, as they can be vulnerable to adult influences being imposed on them. They also have different interests and peer group interactions. Elements of treatment must focus on areas more relevant to them. This applies to personal therapy sessions, as well as groups, where they may be disinterested in adult topics and feel left out.
Treatment centres usually impose certain precautions for adolescents, including strict control of medication, restriction of physical contact between genders, limiting visitors to family members, and other safety precautions. Despite these requirements, there are many efficient, congenial and safe recovery options available.
Save a teen
When in doubt about the mental or behaviour symptoms of an affected adolescent or teenager, the best solution is to have them evaluated by an experienced, trained professional. We can assist you with confidential advice and referral to an appropriate person or treatment facility. All it takes is a phone call. Our phone number is listed on this page.
Disclaimer: Information about health issues provided on public platforms is generalised and aimed at broad public audiences. Individuals are required to obtain personal advice for their specific circumstances from a qualified health professional.