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Identifying a Mental Health Crisis in Teens

parents were able to identify a mental health crisis in their teen and get help with a crisis intervention program and counselor

Teenagers face a wide range of new experiences that can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing. If they don’t have someone to talk to about any troubling thoughts or feelings, it can cause a mental health crisis in teens that can lead to depression, PTSD, or addiction. Fortunately, several treatment options can reduce the risk of a crisis turning into a serious mental health disorder. A crisis intervention program for teens can help your teenage son or daughter cope with any crisis they face today and in the future.

At Imagine Seattle, our outpatient treatment programs are designed around each patient’s unique symptoms to give them the best support for their mental health. Teen boys and girls aged 12-17 will participate in group and private therapy and talk about any crisis they face, and develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms. Teens in severe crisis will begin medication to minimize any symptoms that are interfering with their recovery. Call 888.346.0473 today to learn more about our crisis intervention program for teens and how it can support them through their teenage years.

Getting Help for Teens in Crisis

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between normal teenage growing pains and when they are in a crisis. Teenagers will struggle to express themselves as they develop their personalities, and sometimes their thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming and scary. If you suspect your teen is experiencing a crisis, the best thing you can do is enroll them in a therapy program to talk about any issues that are bothering them.

Teens in crisis who enroll in a crisis intervention program will participate in various programs to learn how to cope with the crisis and get help managing their symptoms. A typical treatment program may include the following:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Holistic therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Family therapy

At Imagine Seattle, we use the latest treatment techniques for treating teens who are experiencing a crisis caused by relationship issues, trouble at home, or a mental health disorder. Teens will work in group and private therapy to build healthy coping skills and learn that it is OK to talk about their feelings.

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis in Teens

As a parent, you want to give your teen the best chance at leading a healthy and happy life. Learning how to recognize the signs of a crisis in teens will alert you to any potential problems before they get out of control. You don’t have to wait until they are in a full-blown crisis to enroll your teen in a crisis intervention program.

If you suspect your child is nearing a crisis, here are some of the signs to look for:

  • Poor performance at school—Teens who struggle with their mental health will have trouble concentrating and will spend most of their time daydreaming or obsessing about any troubling thoughts or experiences. Their grades will begin to fall, they will lose interest in any afterschool activities, and they may start skipping classes or an entire day of school.
  • Behavioral changes—Your teen’s personality is beginning to develop and will change as they grow. Teens in a crisis can develop unhealthy behavioral traits such as becoming easily agitated, acting out or rebelling against parents and teachers, and hanging out with new friends that encourage bad behavior. Other indications of a crisis include depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior.
  • Physical changes—Your teen may begin to lose interest in caring for their physical appearance and will start skipping showers and dressing haphazardly. If they turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, they can experience extreme weight changes, develop tooth decay and gum disease, worsening acne, and other serious problems.

Recognizing a mental health crisis in teens is imperative to get them the support they need to get through this difficult time in their lives. The skills they learn will help them through their current crisis and any future stressful moments that can occur.

Imagine Seattle Helps Teens in Crisis

At Imagine Seattle, our team will work one-on-one with your teen son or daughter to support them through the crisis and beyond. We use evidence-backed behavioral therapy along with medical support to give your teen the best chance at leading a healthy and productive life.

If you are concerned for your teen’s mental well-being, call 888.346.0473 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.