Everyone has a different mental health journey, and the solutions that work for one person may not work for another. This is true for children, teens and adults. As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to see your teen struggling with their mental health. It can also be frustrating when traditional treatments like individual therapy just don’t seem to work. The good news is that you can still find a path forward.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for teens are designed to provide intensive, tailored treatment. These programs typically utilize a range of techniques and modalities, including group therapy, family counseling and one-on-one sessions with mental health professionals. The goal of an IOP is to provide structured short-term care while still allowing your teen to live life as usual. If standard therapy is not working but you don’t think your teen needs residential care, an IOP may be the best option. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you and your teen figure out the best next steps.

Signs that your teen’s current treatment isn’t working

Not sure whether it’s necessary to take the next step in treatment? Monitoring your teen’s condition can help you get a better sense of their trajectory. Here are some signs that their current treatment plan may not be effective:

• Lack of improvement — Mental health improvement does not happen at the same rate for everyone. Sometimes it might seem like your teen is making significant progress, and at other times their improvement may slow down. While it is important to set realistic expectations, you also want to recognize when something isn’t working. If your teen is not experiencing any improvements during their course of treatment, it is likely time to find more effective solutions.

• Increased risky behaviors — When their current treatment plan isn’t effective, your teen may look for other ways to cope. Teens often turn to unhealthy or risky behaviors to keep their symptoms under control. One common example of this kind of behavior is substance use. Your teen may feel that using alcohol or other drugs is the best way to alleviate their distress. Risky behaviors like substance use tend to be counterproductive, leading to worsened mental health symptoms. They can also pose a serious risk of physical harm. A teen struggling with their mental health may also start to engage in self-harming behaviors. If you think your teen may be self-harming, taking immediate action is vital. A more intensive approach to mental health treatment may be the best way to get your teen the help they need and prevent them from hurting themselves.

• Resistance to treatment — If they feel that their treatment is not helpful, your teen may start to avoid care. If your teen is in therapy, for example, they may start to miss sessions or communicate less with their therapist. Resistance and avoidance can be key signs that your teen’s treatment needs an adjustment. If therapy alone does not seem to be working, it might be time to look for a different approach. For many patients, the most effective approach is one that combines traditional therapy with other forms of treatment. Therapy is not the only kind of treatment your teen might resist, though. They may also show reluctance when it comes to taking prescribed medications. If your teen refuses to take medications prescribed for their mental health, try to understand their reasoning. Maybe they feel like their symptoms aren’t improving. Maybe they are worried about adverse side effects. It is important to address these concerns and work with your teen to find a solution.

Top mental health services for teens

When therapy alone isn’t enough, your family may want to consider other effective options. Two of the best program types for teen mental health are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Following a thorough assessment, a qualified mental health professional can help determine what level of care best suits your teen.

• Intensive outpatient treatment — An IOP provides structured support without requiring hospitalization. This means your teen can receive intensive care while still living at home. With intensive outpatient treatment, your teen’s symptoms will be addressed through a range of evidence-based techniques. Treatment typically involves several therapy sessions each week. With an IOP geared toward adolescents, your teen can get care tailored to their needs.

• Partial hospitalization — Think your teen may need extra support? With constant monitoring and highly targeted care, a partial hospitalization program can be a great option. A PHP is designed to meet patients where they are and build them up. This kind of treatment can be a great way for your teen to address their symptoms and build coping skills as they transition back to their regular daily life.

Embrace U can help your family take the next steps

Are you exploring the next steps on your teen’s treatment journey? Embrace U is here to help. With our guidance and comprehensive treatment programs, we can help your teen make strides toward lasting improvement.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.