Teen & Adolescent Treatment Programs: Teen Outpatient Treatment for Behavioral Health and Mental Health Issues

Depression in young people can look different from how it presents in adults. Common signs include:

• Changes in sleep patterns, such as excessive sleeping or insomnia
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Persistent feelings of guilt over things outside their control
• Low energy levels and constant fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, both at home and in school
• Changes in appetite, leading to noticeable weight gain or loss
• Increased irritability or restlessness in situations that wouldn’t typically cause distress

Anxiety disorders in adolescents, teens, and young adults show up in different ways, depending on the type of anxiety they are experiencing. Panic attacks, one of the more severe symptoms of anxiety, can be distressing but are manageable if identified early. Signs of a panic attack may include:

• Sudden onset of chest pain, often described as sharp or tight
• Rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing
• Excessive sweating and trembling
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, often accompanied by a sense of impending doom

Although bipolar disorder is less common in young people than other mental health conditions, its effects can be substantial. Young people with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood shifts between depressive episodes and manic periods. Signs of mania include:

• Unusually high energy levels and restlessness
• Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts
• Inflated self-esteem or unrealistic beliefs in their abilities
• Impulsive and risky behaviors, such as excessive spending or reckless decision-making

Eating disorders can manifest in various ways, each with distinct warning signs. Anorexia nervosa is often characterized by significant weight loss, strict food restrictions, eating very small portions, and excessive exercise. Some individuals may also experience hair thinning or loss due to malnutrition. Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Signs of bulimia may include dental problems, damaged fingernails from frequent purging, and dehydration.

Binge eating disorder is another serious condition in which a child frequently consumes large amounts of food in a short period, even when they are not hungry or are already uncomfortably full. Unlike bulimia, binge eating does not involve purging or excessive exercise to compensate for calorie intake, which often leads to weight gain over time. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) differs from other eating disorders in that weight loss is not due to a desire to be thinner but rather an aversion to certain foods. This avoidance may stem from sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies, making it difficult for a child to eat normally at home, school, or social gatherings.

Without early intervention, eating disorders can lead to serious health complications, including heart problems, organ damage, and long-term nutritional deficiencies. Many children and teens struggling with these disorders may not recognize or admit they have a problem, making early detection crucial. Since weight fluctuations can be a key indicator, regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help track changes and provide early insight into whether professional treatment may be needed.

Residential treatment, also referred to as inpatient treatment, provides 24/7 behavioral health care in a structured setting, making it an ideal choice for children and teens dealing with severe mental health conditions. This level of care is often recommended by primary care physicians or mental health specialists when a young person requires intensive support for crisis stabilization or to support long-term recovery.

Residential treatment programs typically focus on therapeutic services, psychiatry, medication management, and skill-building activities that help children, adolescents, teens and young adults regain stability and develop healthy coping strategies. Many residential programs work closely with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and licensed therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment approach, tailored to the needs of each individual.

If you are seeking residential treatment for a child, adolescent, teen or young adult, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) webpage here, local clinics, and national advocacy organizations. While our behavioral health treatment center does not offer residential treatment in house, we can connect you with trusted partners who do. To learn more about residential treatment for children, adolescents, teens and young adults, contact us at (877) 592-2102.

Outpatient treatment allows children and teens to continue their daily activities, such as attending school or spending time with family, while still receiving the care they need. This option is flexible, with different levels of treatment designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This is an intensive full-day treatment program that offers structured care while allowing adolescents and teens to return home each evening. It is most suitable for those who need intensive care but do not require 24/7 supervision.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A step down from PHP, IOP provides several individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions each week while still allowing individuals to manage school, work, or other personal responsibilities.
• Standard Outpatient Program (OP): The most flexible option for adolescent and teen treatment, standard outpatient care typically involves weekly or biweekly counseling sessions from an experienced team, which help maintain progress and provide ongoing support to manage mental health issues.

Many young people who experience mental health concerns may also face substance use disorders, making their recovery more challenging. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often increase the likelihood of substance abuse in teens and young adults, as some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with untreated emotional pain. Self-medicating can worsen the cycle of addiction and mental health issues, making recovery difficult.

Adolescent and teen treatment for dual diagnosis is specifically designed to treat both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time, ensuring that both issues are addressed comprehensively. By focusing on the connection between mental health and addiction, individuals gain a better understanding of how each affects the other, leading to more effective and lasting recovery. Outpatient and residential treatment programs for dual diagnosis take an integrated approach, using evidence-based therapies to support long-term healing and address underlying trauma, emotional regulation, and the impact of substance abuse on mental health.

Telehealth treatment offers a convenient and accessible way for children and teens to receive mental healthcare from the comfort of their own home. Whether through virtual therapy sessions or online support groups, telehealth removes many barriers, including travel time and long waits for appointments, making it an ideal solution for those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or limited access to in-person comprehensive care.

Telehealth for teen mental health treatment is offered through qualified professionals and is particularly beneficial for family involvement in the treatment process. People and their families can receive counseling and guidance to support their loved ones as they navigate their behavioral and mental health recovery together.

Anxiety disorders can make it difficult for young people to focus in school, engage in social activities, or feel comfortable at home. Treatment often involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help them manage overwhelming thoughts, panic attacks, and fears. For those with more severe symptoms, medication management may be considered as part of a well-rounded approach to care.

Depression in children and teens can show up in different ways, from ongoing sadness and withdrawal from friends and family to physical symptoms like fatigue or changes in appetite. Treatment often includes psychiatric care, family therapy, and strategies to help with emotional regulation, giving young people the tools to manage their feelings in a healthy way. Many treatment centers focus on evidence-based care to support long-term healing and help build resilience.

Regardless of the age group, when young people face substance use challenges, the right treatment program can help them break free from harmful patterns by addressing the emotional triggers that contribute to their behavior. Outpatient and residential treatment centers often use a combination of behavioral health therapies, peer support, and coping skills training to promote long-term recovery. For those dealing with both mental health issues and addiction, dual diagnosis treatment center programs provide an integrated approach to treating both conditions at the same time.

Children and teens who have gone through trauma, abuse, or violence may struggle with lasting emotional distress, sometimes developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a trauma-informed treatment center, therapies like DBT skills training, EMDR, and experiential therapies are used to help them process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Many programs also incorporate therapeutic activities to promote emotional healing and build healthy coping mechanisms.

Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) can have serious physical and emotional effects, requiring specialized care. Many outpatient and residential treatment programs provide a balanced approach through nutritional counseling, group counseling, individual therapy, and family therapy to help young people develop a healthier relationship with food and body image. These programs focus on both physical recovery and the emotional healing needed for long-term well-being.

Children and young adults who have difficulty with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or behavioral issues often benefit from structured socialization support. Many residential programs and outpatient centers incorporate therapeutic activities designed to build confidence, improve communication skills, and help individuals form meaningful connections in a supportive environment.

Excessive gaming can take a toll on a teen’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall mental well-being. Teen treatment programs for gaming addiction help individuals set healthy boundaries, address the underlying causes of their behavior, and explore new hobbies and interests. Many adolescent residential treatment centers and outpatient treatment center programs offer specialized support to help teens regain balance in their daily lives.

Many treatment centers provide dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both substance use and mental health issues like borderline personality disorder, self-destruction, and suicidal thoughts. These evidence-based treatment programs take an integrated approach, helping individuals develop self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and psychiatric care to support long-term recovery and overall well-being.