Adolescent Mental Health Treatment

For Teens in Orange County

Adolescents nationwide are in crisis. Even before the pandemic, rates of depression among teens rose more than 50% between 2005 and 2017. The sociocultural impact of COVID-19 ushered in even worse mental health indicators, with the highest-ever suicide rates among teens 15 and older. Despite heroic efforts, schools and community organizations are not equipped to deal with the mental health challenges our children are facing. Luckily, there is hope. Adolescents struggling with mental health challenges can forge a new path with their families at Sustain Recovery.

when is mental health treatment necessary?

It can be challenging for parents to differentiate between normal adolescent development and mental disorders. When is moodiness just “kids being kids” and when is it an indicator of something more serious, like depression? The straight answer is that only a professional can diagnose your child. If your child is showing signs of problems at school, in their relationships, or at home, reach out. Our caring admissions team can help you understand your situation and the appropriate step forward — whatever that may be.

what is dual-diagnosis mental health treatment?

Far too often, adolescents in pain will attempt to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. In one study of adolescents receiving mental health treatment, for example, more than 40% were found to also have substance use problems. At the same time, more than 60% were diagnosed with more than one mental disorder. No matter what your child is struggling with, it’s not simple. Our dually licensed team is equipped with the experience, training, and education to untangle your child’s unique mix of mental and behavioral health issues, and put together a plan to address them. Learn more about dual-diagnosis treatment at the link.

No matter how hard parents try to protect their children, trauma is a reality of modern life: One federal study found that more than two thirds of study participants had experienced a traumatic event prior to the age of 16. That doesn’t just include war, accidents, and abuse: It’s important to know that trauma is defined as any experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. With that as our lens, experiences like being a child of divorce, losing a pet, or struggling with a learning challenge like dyslexia can all leave emotional scars that fester into maladaptive behaviors.

Sustain Recovery clinicians are trauma-focused and deeply attuned to the needs of adolescent boys and girls. Slowly but surely, they’ll build the trust and create the buy-in needed to allow each member of our community to open up and begin to heal.