The mental health crisis among teens is real. If you have a teenager that is struggling with a mental health issue, don’t let it derail their life. In a crisis intervention program, teens work with a behavioral therapist one-on-one and in group therapy to address the crisis they are experiencing and work on effective ways to manage their symptoms. Give your teen the best chance at their future by enrolling them in a crisis intervention program. Contact the treatment team at Imagine Omaha today for more information.
What Is a Crisis Intervention Program?
A crisis intervention program involves certified behavioral therapists evaluating the crisis that someone is experiencing in a safe and supportive therapeutic setting. Therapists work with each individual to customize a treatment plan that works for their unique needs. Learning to cope with the feelings and emotions associated with a crisis can be a big hurdle to finding a way to recovery.
A crisis can come in many forms for a teen. This includes:
- Stress and anxiety associated with academic performance or relationships
- Bullying—in-person or online
- Depression
- Death of a loved one
- Lack of confidence in their preferred gender or sexual identity
- Adverse effects around family dynamics, such as divorce
In many cases, your teen may not understand why they are struggling and feeling the way that they are. They may start acting out or seeking a way to numb the symptoms of their mental health issues through drugs or alcohol. You can help them by seeking the help of an accredited treatment center like Imagine Omaha.
Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis In Teens
Recognizing the signs that your teen is dealing with a crisis can quite literally save their life. The next step is to find a crisis intervention program that can support your teen with therapy and coping skills to overcome the crisis and move on to a healthy and productive life in which they can be confident. Here are a few signs of crisis to be on the lookout for:
- Isolation – If you notice your teen withdrawing from their friends and spending more and more time alone, this could signal something is not right in their life.
- Uncharacteristic actions – This can include skipping classes at school, bringing home poor grades, or other rebellious behavior.
- Trouble expressing feelings – Teens going through a crisis can easily shut down because they do not know how to process the feelings they are experiencing.
- Erratic emotions – They may have extreme highs and lows, including obvious confusion, anxiety, agitation, fear, depression, and other mood swings.
- Substance abuse – Drugs and alcohol can be a crutch to numb the feeling they are experiencing. Unfortunately, this can lead to addiction and make the symptoms they are already experiencing worse.
- Sleep issues – Teens going through a crisis can experience a variety of sleep issues, including nightmares, insomnia, or sleeping too much to avoid responsibilities.
Teen Mental Health At Imagine Omaha
A crisis intervention program works directly to address the effects of a crisis situation. Long-term mental and physical effects are possible and must be addressed to prevent further damage. Certified therapists develop an individualized treatment plan that allows feelings and emotions to be openly shared. Developing practical coping skills that can be carried through to everyday life following a treatment program is critical. Ignoring the crisis and its ensuing effects is not a solution. Not addressing the situation will only lead to worsening mental and physical concerns as well as potential substance abuse.
Imagine Omaha offers a variety of therapeutic options for teens battling mental health disorders as part of our outpatient center. To learn more about crisis intervention and other mental health support for teens and their families, call us today at 888.306.2681 or reach out online.