Depression is a serious mental health issue affecting millions of adolescents worldwide. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, or worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning and lowers the quality of life. Teen depression can also lead to risky behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm, or suicide attempts.

If your teen struggles with depression, you may feel helpless and overwhelmed. You may wonder what caused it, how to help them, and where to find the best treatment. You are not alone. Many parents face the same challenges and questions when their teens are depressed.

Fortunately, there is hope. Adolescent residential treatment centers offer specialized care for teens with depression and other mental health challenges. These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment where your teen can receive individualized therapy, medication management, educational support, and life skills training. Residential treatment can help your teen overcome their depression and regain happiness and confidence. 

One of the top-rated residential treatment centers for teenage depression is Key Healthcare Adolescent Treatment in Los Angeles, California. Key Healthcare residential program is a 45-to-60-day program specializing in dual diagnosis treatment for teens. This means they can treat both mental health and substance abuse issues at the same time. Key Healthcare uses evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help teens change their negative thoughts and behaviors and develop a positive outlook.

In this article, we will explain adolescent residential treatment, how it works, and how to choose the best facility for your teen’s needs.

Adolescent Residential Treatment for Teen Depression

  • Adolescent residential treatment is intensive mental health care for teens struggling with depression and other mental health difficulties. Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects how a teen feels, thinks, and acts.
  • It can interfere with their daily functioning, relationships, school performance, and self-esteem. Depression can also increase the risk of suicide and substance abuse.
  • There are many possible causes of teen depression, such as genetic factors, environmental stressors, trauma, abuse, neglect, attachment issues, or other mental health problems.
  • Sometimes, depression can be triggered by a specific event, such as a loss, a breakup, or a conflict. Other times, depression can develop gradually over time without a clear cause.
  • Adolescent residential treatment for teen depression aims to address the underlying factors contributing to their emotional distress and help them develop healthy coping skills and resilience.
  • In residential treatment, teens live in a safe and supportive environment, receiving individualized care from a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
  • They participate in various therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or experiential therapy.
  • They also engage in educational activities, recreational activities, social skills training, and medication management if needed.

Importance of Finding the Best Treatment For Teen Depression

Residential treatment for teen depression has several advantages over other forms of treatment:

  1. It provides a high level of supervision and structure to help teens stay safe and focused on their recovery.
  2. It offers a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses not only the symptoms of depression but also the root causes and the impact on the teen’s overall well-being.
  3. It allows teens to interact with peers facing similar challenges and form supportive relationships that foster healing and growth.

The duration of residential treatment for teen depression varies depending on the needs and goals of each teen. However, research suggests that long-term treatment (at least 30 days) is more effective than short-term treatment in reducing depressive symptoms and improving functional outcomes.

Therefore, it is important to find the best residential treatment center for teen depression to provide adequate time and quality care for the teen’s recovery.

Teen Depression

Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that affects how teenagers think, feel, and behave. It can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. Teen depression can interfere with school performance, social activities, family relationships, and physical health. It can also increase the risk of substance misuse, self-harm, and suicide.

Causes of Teen Depression

There are many possible causes of teen depression. Some of the most common ones are:

Change in Brain Chemistry

  • Depression can be linked to changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
  • These chemicals affect mood, motivation, and pleasure. They can also influence other bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and energy.
  • Some teens may have a genetic predisposition to depression, meaning they inherit genes that make them more vulnerable to chemical imbalances.

Change in Brain Structure

  • Depression can be associated with differences in the structure and function of certain brain areas that regulate mood, cognition, and behavior.
  • For example, some studies have found that people with depression have a smaller hippocampus (a part of the brain important for memory and learning) than people without depression.
  • Also, experts have found that people with depression have lower activity in the prefrontal cortex (a part of the brain involved in planning, decision-making, and impulse control) than people without depression.

Childhood Trauma

  • Traumatic events in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or abandonment, can have lasting effects on the developing brain.
  • They can alter the way the brain responds to stress and emotions. They can also damage the sense of trust and safety essential for healthy relationships.
  • Teens who have experienced childhood trauma may have difficulty coping with normal challenges and feel worthless or helpless.

Genetics and Hormones

  • Depression can run in families, meaning some teens may inherit genes that make them more prone to depression. However, having a family history of depression does not mean a teen will become depressed.
  • Many factors can influence whether a teen develops depression, such as their environment, personality, and coping skills.
  • Furthermore, puberty is a time of major hormonal changes in the body. These changes can affect mood and emotions in different ways. Some teens may experience mood swings, irritability, or anxiety due to hormonal fluctuations.
  • For some teens, especially girls, hormonal changes may trigger or worsen depression. 

Environmental Factors

  • Various environmental factors may cause a depressive episode or the beginning of a depressive condition.
  • If there is a genetic predisposition then a single life event may activate depression.
  • These life events could be the loss of a family member, the end of a relationship, moving house or country, academic struggles and failure, family conflict, etc.
  • These are some of the main causes of teen depression. However, it is important to note that depression is a complex and multifaceted condition with different causes and manifestations for different people.
  • There is no single cause or explanation for why some teens become depressed and others do not.

Symptoms of Teen Depression

Depression is a serious mental health problem that affects how teenagers feel, think, and behave. It can cause persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. It can also interfere with their school performance, social activities, family relationships, and physical health.

Teen depression is not a sign of weakness or something that willpower can overcome. It requires professional treatment to help teens recover and prevent future episodes. Some of the symptoms of teen depression are:

Emotional Outburst

  • Depression can often cause teens to feel hopeless and cry frequently. But they may not always show sadness.
  • They may also express their depression through irritability, anger, and agitation. These symptoms can be more noticeable than sadness.

Irritability and Hyperarousal

  • Teens with depression may be easily annoyed, frustrated, or angry over small matters. They may have frequent outbursts or conflicts with family and friends.
  • They may also be more sensitive to criticism or rejection.

Suicidal Thoughts

  • Teens with depression may have thoughts of death, dying, or suicide. They may express these thoughts verbally or in writing or act on them by harming themselves or attempting suicide.
  • Suicidal thoughts are a medical emergency and need immediate attention.

Loss of Interest

  • One of the key characteristics of depression is a loss of interest in everything that you once found interesting or exciting.
  • If your teen suddenly withdraws from activities that they previously enjoyed, it may be a symptom of depression.

Negative Thoughts

  • Having constant negative thoughts and self-beliefs are common with depression. It is very hard for a teen with depression to see the bright side or find a solution to a problem.
  • Rather, they feel trapped in the murky darkness of self-doubt and helplessness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your teen, talk to them and seek professional help. Depression is treatable, and your teen can improve with the right support.

How to Identify if your Teen is Struggling with Depression

Teenagers are especially vulnerable to depression due to the hormonal changes, social pressures, and academic challenges they face during adolescence. However, many teens may not recognize or admit that they are depressed and may try to hide their symptoms from their parents or caregivers.

This can make it difficult for parents to identify if their teen is struggling with depression and needs professional help. Some signs that may indicate that your teen is depressed include:

Mood changes

  • Your teen may seem more irritable, angry, or tearful than usual. They may also express feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.

Changes in behavior

  • Your teen may withdraw from their friends, family, or hobbies. They may also lose interest in schoolwork, sports, or other activities that they used to enjoy.
  • They may show signs of self-harm, such as cutting or burning themselves, or engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or sexual activity.

Changes in physical health 

  • Your teen may experience changes in appetite, weight, sleep patterns, or energy levels.
  • They may also complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical pains without apparent cause.

Changes in thinking

  • Your teen may have trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
  • They may also have thoughts of death or suicide or make plans or attempts to end their life.

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, you should talk to them and express your concern and support. You should also seek professional help from a doctor or a mental health counselor who can diagnose and treat your teen’s depression.

Risks and Consequences of Untreated Teen Depression

Depression can harm many aspects of a teen’s life, such as their personal, social, academic, and physical well-being. Some of the risks and consequences of untreated teen depression are:

Suicide

  • Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide among teens. According to the World Health Organization, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for 15-29-year-olds.
  • Teens with depression may feel hopeless, worthless, and trapped in pain. They may also have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, such as self-harm, planning, and attempting suicide.

Substance Use

  • Teens with depression may use alcohol or drugs to cope with their negative emotions or escape their problems.
  • This can lead to substance abuse or addiction, which can worsen their depression and increase their risk of overdose, accidents, legal troubles, or other health issues.

Decline in School Performance

  • Depression can affect teens’ ability to concentrate, remember, and learn. It can also reduce their motivation, interest, and participation in school activities.
  • As a result, teens with depression may experience a decline in their academic performance, attendance, and grades.
  • They may also drop out of school or fail to graduate. This can limit their future opportunities and career prospects.

Additional Health Issues

  • Depression can also affect teens’ physical health and well-being. It can cause changes in appetite, weight, sleep, and energy levels.
  • It can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections and chronic diseases.
  • Moreover, depression can co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder.
  • These conditions can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of depression and worsen its outcomes.

Types of Adolescent Residential Treatment for Teen Depression

Depression can interfere with a teen’s academic performance, social relationships, and physical health. Fortunately, different types of residential treatment programs can help teens overcome depression and regain their well-being. Here are some of the most common ones:

Inpatient Treatment

  • Inpatient treatment involves staying in a hospital or a psychiatric facility for a short period, usually a few days to a few weeks.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens who have severe depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other co-occurring mental health issues that require intensive care and monitoring.
  • Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervision, medication management, and various forms of therapy, such as individual, group, and family therapy.

Outpatient Treatment

  • Outpatient treatment involves regular sessions with a therapist or a psychiatrist in an office or a clinic.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens with mild to moderate depression or who have completed an inpatient program and need ongoing support.
  • Outpatient treatment allows teens to continue their normal activities, such as school and hobbies while receiving professional help.
  • Outpatient treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy, or medication.

Partial Hospitalization

  • Teen partial hospitalization is an outpatient treatment offering more intensive and structured services than regular outpatient treatment.
  • It involves attending a program several hours a day, usually five days a week, at a hospital or a specialized center.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens who have moderate to severe depression and do not require inpatient care but who need more support and supervision than regular outpatient care.
  • Partial hospitalization may include individual, group, and family therapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and recreational activities.

Residential Treatment Centers

  • Residential treatment centers provide long-term care for teens with depression and other mental health issues.
  • They offer a home-like environment where teens live with peers and staff members for several months or longer.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens with chronic or complex depression that does not respond to other forms of treatment or who have other co-occurring issues that affect their functioning, such as substance abuse, trauma, or behavioral problems.
  • Residential treatment centers may offer various forms of therapy, medication management, family-centered treatment, holistic recreation therapies, and academic support.

Wilderness Therapy

  • Wilderness therapy is a type of experiential therapy that involves spending time in nature with trained guides and therapists.
  • It usually lasts several weeks or months and involves camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens who have depression and other mental health issues related to low self-esteem, poor coping skills, or lack of motivation.
  • Wilderness therapy may help teens develop confidence, resilience, communication skills, and positive relationships.                 

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

  • Therapeutic boarding schools combine academic education with therapeutic intervention for teens with depression and other mental health issues.
  • They offer a structured and supportive environment where teens live with peers and staff members for the school year.
  • This type of treatment is suitable for teens who have depression that affects their academic performance or behavior at school or who need more guidance and supervision than regular schools can provide.
  • Therapeutic boarding schools may offer various forms of therapy, medication management, academic support, extracurricular activities, and aftercare planning.

Finding the Best Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers for Teen Depression

If your teen is struggling with depression and other mental health issues, you may be looking for a residential treatment center to provide them with the care and support they need. Residential treatment centers offer 24/7 supervision and therapy for teens with severe emotional and behavioral problems. They can help teens overcome challenges and learn new skills to cope with their condition.

Here are three centers that have received high ratings from experts and patients alike:

Key Healthcare

  • This center offers a holistic approach to treating teen depression, combining evidence-based therapies, medication management, academic support, and family involvement.
  • Key Healthcare has a team of licensed professionals specializing in adolescent mental health and providing individualized care for each patient.

The Village

  • This center is located in a serene setting that promotes healing and recovery. The Village uses a variety of modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, experiential therapy, and art therapy, to help teens cope with their depression and develop healthy coping skills. The Village also offers aftercare services and alumni support to help teens maintain their progress after leaving the center.

Newport Academy

  • This center is known for its compassionate and comprehensive care for teens with depression and other mental health issues.
  • Newport Academy follows a trauma-informed model that addresses the root causes of depression and helps teens heal from their emotional wounds.
  • Newport Academy also incorporates wellness practices, such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, and exercise, into their treatment program to enhance the well-being of their patients.

These are just some of the best adolescent residential treatment centers for teen depression that you can find in the country. Each center has a proven track record of helping teens overcome their depression and regain their happiness and confidence. You can learn more about their treatment programs and methodologies by visiting their websites or contacting them directly. You can also read some success stories and testimonials from past patients who have benefited from their services.

Therapies and Techniques for Treating Teen Depression

Fortunately, various therapies and techniques can help teens overcome depression and regain their happiness and confidence. Here are some of the most common and effective ones:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • This type of psychotherapy helps teens identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their depression.
  • CBT also teaches teens coping skills and strategies to deal with stressful situations and emotions more positively and constructively.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • This modified form of CBT focuses on helping teens regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and improve their interpersonal skills.
  • DBT also incorporates mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, to help teens become more aware and accepting of their thoughts and feelings.

Psychodynamic Therapy

  • This type of psychotherapy explores the unconscious influences and conflicts that may underlie teen depression.
  • Psychodynamic therapy helps teens understand how their past experiences, especially those in childhood, affect their current mood and behavior.
  • It also helps teens resolve any unresolved issues or traumas holding them back.

Group Therapy

  • This is a type of therapy that involves meeting with other teens who have similar problems or challenges.
  • Group therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for teens to share their experiences, feelings, and insights.
  • It also helps teens learn from each other’s perspectives and feedback and develop social skills and a sense of belonging.

Adventure Therapy

  • This type of therapy involves engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, or kayaking.
  • Adventure therapy helps teens boost their self-esteem, confidence, and resilience by overcoming physical and mental challenges.
  • It also helps teens connect with nature, which can have a calming and healing effect on their mood.

Medication

  • This type of treatment involves taking prescribed medication to help balance the brain chemicals that affect mood.
  • Medication can help reduce the symptoms of depression, such as sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, or irritability. However, medication alone is not enough to treat teen depression.
  • It should be combined with other forms of therapy to address the underlying causes and factors of depression.                       

Life After Treatment

  • If your teen has been diagnosed with depression and has completed a treatment program, you may wonder what comes next. How can you help your teen maintain their recovery and prevent relapse?
  • How can you support them as they integrate into their daily routines and school? Here are some tips to help you and your teen navigate life after treatment.

Aftercare Plans

An aftercare plan is a set of guidelines and recommendations that your teen’s therapist or doctor will provide after they finish their treatment program. The aftercare for teens may include:

  • Continued communication after a treatment plan is complete.
  • Outpatient therapy and counseling.
  • Follow-up appointments or phone calls.
  • Referral to community support groups or organizations.
  • Drug testing (if your teen has a substance use disorder).
  • Family therapy for parents and siblings.
  • Coordinated communication with schools or law enforcement (if needed).

The aftercare plan is designed to help your teen stay on track with their recovery goals and address any challenges or issues that may arise. It is important to follow the plan as closely as possible and to regularly keep in touch with your teen’s therapist or doctor.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse is a common occurrence in depression, especially among teens. Relapse means that your teen’s symptoms return or worsen after a period of improvement. Various factors, such as stress, trauma, life changes, substance use, or medication changes can trigger relapse.

To prevent relapse, your teen should:

  • Stick to their treatment plan and take their medication as prescribed.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can worsen depression and interfere with medication.
  • Seek help if they notice signs of relapse, such as low mood, loss of interest, hopelessness, irritability, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Learn coping skills to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies.
  • Build a support network of friends, family, peers, or mentors who can offer encouragement and assistance.
  • Identify and avoid triggers that may cause them to feel depressed or anxious.

Tips for Easing Back into Daily Routines and School

Returning to normal life after treatment can be challenging for your teen. They may face difficulties such as:

  • Catching up with schoolwork and exams.
  • Reconnecting with friends and classmates.
  • Dealing with stigma or bullying from others who may not understand their condition.
  • Balancing their responsibilities and commitments with their self-care needs.

To help your teen ease back into their daily routines and school, you can:

  • Communicate with their teachers and school counselors about their situation and needs.
  • Help them create a realistic schedule that allows time for homework, rest, fun, and therapy.
  • Encourage them to join positive activities that interest them, such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work.
  • Praise their efforts and achievements and celebrate their progress.
  • Listen to their concerns and feelings without judgment or criticism.
  • Be patient and supportive as they adjust to the changes in their life.

Life after treatment for teen depression can be rewarding and fulfilling if you and your teen work together to maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. Remember that you are not alone in this journey and that many resources and people can help you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teen depression is a serious and common mental health issue affecting millions of young people worldwide. It can have devastating consequences on their academic performance, social relationships, physical health, and future prospects. 

As parents, you have a crucial role in recognizing the signs of depression in your children, providing them with emotional support and guidance, and seeking professional help with one phone call from experts like Key Healthcare when needed. You can also help them cope with stress, build resilience, and develop healthy habits. 

Remember that you are not alone in this journey and that many resources and services are available to assist you and your family. By treating teen depression early and effectively, you can make a positive difference in your child’s well-being and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Core FAQs

  • The best adolescent residential treatment programs provide comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based care for teens and young adults with mental health and substance use disorders and include aftercare services.
  • When looking for an adolescent residential treatment program, as parents, you want to find one that meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
  • One way to do that is to check if the program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as The Joint Commission or CARF International.
  • Accreditation means that the program has undergone a rigorous evaluation process and has demonstrated compliance with the best practices in the field.
  • Accreditation also ensures that the program is accountable, transparent, and committed to continuous improvement.
  • Therefore, accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing a treatment center for your teen.
  • The success rates of treatment centers for teen depression vary depending on the type and duration of treatment, the severity of symptoms, and the individual characteristics of each patient.
  • However, research shows that residential treatment is an effective approach to treating teen depression, especially when it takes an integrated approach that addresses all aspects of an adolescent’s well-being.
  • Parents can visit their teens in residential treatment for teen depression, depending on the policies and guidelines of each program.
  • Some programs may have specific visiting hours or days, while others may allow more flexibility.
  • The staff-to-patient ratio at the best adolescent residential treatment centers is typically low, meaning there are enough trained staff members to provide individualized attention and supervision to each patient.
  • A low staff-to-patient ratio can also ensure a safe and supportive environment for the patients.
  • Treatment plans are developed for each patient based on their needs, goals, preferences, and strengths.
  • Treatment plans may include various types of therapy, medication, education, experiential activities, and aftercare services.
  • Treatment plans are reviewed and adjusted regularly to monitor progress and outcomes.
  • The total cost of adolescent residential treatment for teen depression depends on several factors, such as the length of stay, the level of care, the type of program, and the insurance coverage.
  • Some programs may offer financial assistance or payment plans to help families afford treatment.
  • The amenities your teen will have access to while in treatment may vary depending on the program and location.
  • However, some common amenities include comfortable bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, recreational facilities, outdoor spaces, and academic resources.
  • You can communicate with your teen’s therapist while in treatment through various means, such as phone calls, emails, video calls, or in-person meetings.
  • Communication with your teen’s therapist can help you stay informed about their progress, provide feedback, ask questions, and receive guidance on supporting your teen at home.
  • After your teen completes residential treatment, they may transition to a lower level of care, such as outpatient therapy or a sober living program. They may also receive aftercare services from the residential program, such as follow-up calls, alumni events, or online support groups.
  • Aftercare services can help your teen maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.

Longtail Broad Questions

  • The duration of residential treatment varies depending on the severity of the depression, the individual’s needs and goals, and the availability of resources.
  • Typically, residential treatment for depression lasts between four and twelve weeks, but some programs may be shorter or longer.
  • Residential treatment for depression aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive comprehensive care and learn coping skills to manage their symptoms and prevent relapse.
  • Some common co-occurring disorders with teen depression are anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • They can affect treatment by requiring more specialized and integrated care, increasing the risk of relapse, and complicating medication management.
  • Some signs that a teen needs more intensive treatment than outpatient therapy are persistent suicidal thoughts or behaviors, inability to function at school or home, lack of response to previous treatments, or co-occurring disorders that need more attention.
  • Some signs that a residential treatment center is a good fit for a teen area are a safe and supportive environment, a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan, a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals, a family involvement program, and an aftercare plan.
  • Teens can communicate with their families while they’re in residential treatment for depression through regular phone calls, video calls, emails, letters, and visits, depending on the policies and schedules of the center.
  • If a teen wants to leave treatment early, they may be encouraged to stay and complete the program, offered incentives or rewards for staying, or involved in a discussion with their family and treatment team to weigh the pros and cons of leaving.
  • Insurance coverage for adolescent residential treatment for depression varies depending on the type of insurance plan, the benefits and limitations of the plan, the diagnosis and medical necessity of the patient, and the accreditation and licensure of the center.
  • It is advisable to contact the insurance company and the center before admission to verify coverage and costs.
  • Teens can continue their education while in residential treatment by attending on-site classes, enrolling in online courses, or coordinating with their home school to receive assignments and credits, this will vary depending on the policy of the treatment center.
  • Family members play a role in the treatment process by participating in family therapy sessions, providing emotional support and encouragement, learning about depression and its management, and following the treatment team’s recommendations.
  • Parents can support their teen during the transition from treatment to home life by creating a safe and stable home environment, monitoring their mood and behavior, communicating openly and respectfully, reinforcing positive coping skills, and collaborating with their aftercare providers.

PAA

  • Therapy is one of the ways that can help teens cope with depression.
  • Therapy is a process of talking to a trained professional who can listen, understand, and offer support and guidance.
  • Therapy can help teens learn more about their emotions, identify and challenge negative thoughts, develop coping skills, and set goals for recovery.
  • Therapy can also provide a safe and confidential space for teens to express themselves and feel heard.
  • Parents can help their teens cope with depression by being supportive, listening without judgment, encouraging healthy habits, and seeking professional help when needed.
  • Medications treat teen depression by balancing the brain chemicals that affect mood and emotions.
  • The most common medications are antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
  • Family therapy impacts the treatment of teen depression by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening family bonds.
  • Family therapy can also help parents and siblings understand and support the teen with depression.
  • Activity therapy benefits teens with depression by boosting their self-esteem, reducing stress, and increasing their physical and mental well-being.
  • Activity therapy includes sports, arts, music, dance, or other enjoyable hobbies.
  • Adolescent residential treatment centers are the best option for treating teen depression when the teen has severe symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors, substance abuse, or psychosis.
  • Residential treatment centers provide intensive and comprehensive care in a structured and supportive environment.
  • Teens with severe depression can benefit from wilderness therapy by experiencing nature-based challenges that foster personal growth, resilience, and self-reliance.
  • Through group activities and peer support, wilderness therapy can also help teens develop social skills, empathy, and trust.
  • Peer support plays a role in adolescent residential treatment for depression by providing a sense of belonging, acceptance, and validation.
  • Peer support can also help teens learn from each other’s experiences, share coping strategies, and motivate each other to recover.
  • Art therapy can be useful for treating teen depression by allowing teens to express their emotions creatively and nonverbally.
  • Art therapy can also help teens explore their identity, enhance their self-awareness, and improve their mood.
  • Parents can prepare for their teen’s return home after residential treatment by maintaining regular contact with the treatment team, following the discharge plan and recommendations, creating a supportive and stable home environment, and monitoring the teen’s progress and well-being.