Carlsbad Inpatient Teen & Adolescent Depression Treatment

Compassionate Care for Teens with Depression

Key Healthcare is one of the best teenage depression treatment centers in California because we recognize that teen depression treatment doesn’t follow one approach. Some teens pull away from family and friends, while others may act out or seem constantly overwhelmed. That’s why our depression treatment program for teens in Carlsbad is anything but generic; it’s designed around each teen’s personal experiences, emotional needs, and developmental stage.

Our expert team of pediatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers collaborates closely to get to the root causes of your teen’s struggles. We don’t just manage depression symptoms, we dig deeper to understand the issue and help your teen build a solid foundation for long-term healing.

By personalizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques, we support teens in developing healthier healing methods, emotional strength, and day-to-day coping skills. And once treatment ends, the care doesn’t stop there. We build a personalized aftercare plan and provide a list of trusted professionals in Carlsbad, so your teen can continue making progress with confidence and support.

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

At Key Healthcare, we work with most major insurance providers to make sure your teen in Carlsbad gets access to our depression treatment program. 

Insurances We Accept

We may accept additional California insurance plans

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Knowledge and Expertise is Key

Our Accreditations and Affiliations

Knowledge and expertise are key to the success of our adolescent depression treatment program. That’s why we seek and renew various accreditations, affiliations, and certifications related to our offerings. This aims to give both patients and families peace of mind. Knowing that they’re receiving the highest standard of care.

Teen Depression Treatment for Carlsbad, California

What to Expect During Our Carlsbad Teen Depression Treatment Program

As a parent, knowing what to expect during a teen depression treatment program can help ease your apprehension and make it easier to support your teen through the same feelings. But how?

  • It all starts with us providing you with clear details about the program, treatment philosophies, and admission process.
  • After the initial orientation, we move toward the assessment and pre-admission stage.
  • Here, we thoroughly evaluate your teen’s medical history and cultural background. We also conduct psychological tests to understand their mental health and behavior.
  • As a parent, you are a key part of this process, sharing insights about your teen’s struggles.
  • The results of this assessment will help us create the best treatment plan for your teen.
  • Once your teen is accepted, the admission process begins. Here, we will guide you through all the steps, including paperwork, finances, and logistics.
  • Our Carlsbad teen depression treatment program will be tailored to meet your teen’s specific needs, addressing the condition they are being treated for.

However, during their stay with us, here’s a list of common therapies your teen will participate in.

A therapist and a client engaged in a one-on-one individual therapy session in a bright and comfortable setting. This image represents Key Healthcare’s dedication to providing evidence-based individual therapy for adolescents, addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse through personalized treatment plans and compassionate care.
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INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Teens will have an individual therapy session with a skilled counselor every week. During these individual therapy sessions, they'll be able to analyze their emotions, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, and how they can break their negative thinking pattern.

A group therapy session with a supportive and diverse group of individuals seated in a circle, sharing and smiling in a bright, welcoming space. This image represents Key Healthcare’s commitment to providing group therapy for adolescents, focusing on shared experiences, emotional growth, and peer support as part of their evidence-based mental health and recovery programs.
A circle of teens bonding and supporting each other, reflecting the community and healing atmosphere of Key Healthcare's residential treatment

GROUP THERAPY

Group therapy is a core component of our treatment program. During these group therapy sessions, teens can share their experiences and learn from their peers in a safe and supportive environment.

A therapist engaging with a young child in a bright, playful space filled with toys and sensory activities. This image represents Key Healthcare’s holistic and recreational therapies, emphasizing creative, play-based approaches to foster emotional well-being, build confidence, and support mental health recovery for adolescents.
Surf Therapy for Teen Development

HOLISTIC AND RECREATION THERAPIES

We don't just rely on conventional treatment. We take it a step further by offering a mix of holistic and experiential therapies such as yogaart therapysurf therapy, hiking, music therapy, and equine-assisted therapy. These activities are specially designed to help teens manage their stress, find a sense of self, build confidence, and uncover new passions.

Two individuals engaging in outdoor exercise, performing lunges under natural sunlight. This image represents Key Healthcare’s focus on incorporating nutrition and exercise into adolescent mental health recovery, promoting physical fitness, healthy habits, and emotional well-being as part of a holistic approach to treatment.
A teenager focused on creative work in a therapeutic setting, symbolizing the integrative approach of Key Healthcare's residential treatment for teens

NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

We integrate the essentials of nutrition and physical activity into each day. With daily access to 3 nutritional meals, healthy snacks, and exercise resources, we ensure every aspect of a teen's health is nurtured. It's about empowering them to take steps toward lasting wellness.

A happy family of four entering a warm and welcoming home, symbolizing Key Healthcare’s focus on family-centered treatment. This image reflects the importance of engaging parents, guardians, and siblings in adolescent mental health recovery through family therapy, support, and collaborative care plans tailored to each teen’s unique needs.
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FAMILY CENTERED TREATMENT

The entire family plays a crucial role in our teen depression treatment program. Our experienced therapists help families address communication issues between their teens, build healthy boundaries, and learn new ways to cope. These steps are crucial in supporting their teen's long-term recovery.

FDA Approved Drugs for Teen Depression Treatment
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FDA APPROVED DRUGS

Anti-depressants are proven effective for treating clinical depression. If a teen is going through the early depression stage, they are recommended for FDA-approved drug treatments. But the teen needs to be closely monitored throughout treatment about their behavioural changes and occurrence of suicidal thoughts in the early weeks of treatment.

Teen Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our Depression Program for Carlsbad Teenagers

At Key Healthcare, we provide different levels of care for teens to address the underlying causes of their depression. During our depression treatment program, you can expect your teen to attend individual and group therapy sessions, participate in family counseling, receive academic support, and participate in social activities. Throughout their program, your teen will learn to understand the causes behind their mental health condition and develop the coping skills to effectively manage them.
Supportive Teen Treatment Environment at Key Healthcare

Intensive Outpatient

Our adolescent intensive outpatient program (IOP) is for teens who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require the intensive level of care provided by PHP. This program provides structure and support that helps teens build healthy habits and become independent in their recovery.

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Partial Hospitalization

Our adolescent partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a step down from residential treatment that helps teens transition back into the community. This program provides intensive therapy services as well as academic support and social activities to help teens reintegrate into their home and school environments.

A family enjoying time together with a laptop, representing the supportive role of loved ones in a teen's journey through depression recovery

Residential Treatment

Our teen residential treatment program takes place over 45-60 days. This dual-diagnosis program helps teen overcome their addiction and mental health issues through the use of evidence-based therapies. Our compassionate care allows teens to focus on their recovery in a safe and supportive environment fit for positive change.

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES ALL ACROSS THE U.S.

About Key Healthcare

Teen Healing Insights

Key Healthcare is an amazing teen residential treatment program. Our son was struggling with marijuana addiction, serious anxiety, depression, was not listening, and had no motivation. We have tried 2 other teen therapy options, but Key Healthcare is what our son has responded to the best by far. Their teen inpatient program has a really cool and inviting environment, with really great therapists, and the staff were all very friendly, and caring. The family therapy sessions were very valuable to our family as well. My son didn’t feel like he was going to therapy when he was at key healthcare. They provided educational structure for him to get his schoolwork done and he took part in group therapy which he spoke positively about.
 
key healthcare residential program reviewer justin b
Really great therapists and staff at this teen treatment program. Very nice inpatient facility, I highly recommend Key Healthcare for families of teenagers dealing with mental health issues or depression.
key healthcare residential treatment program california reviewer
I highly recommend key healthcare to any family that has a teen struggling. Friend of mine sent their teen to the teen residential program, which drastically helped their son, and family life. We ended up sending our daughter to key healthcare’s iop as well and she got an extremely high level of therapy, which she resonated with. We saw a huge shift in our daughter after she completed their teen rehab.
As a treatment professional, I am so grateful for the team at Key! My students have found the mentoring/coaching services to be so incredibly supportive. The mentors are so good at connecting with students, engaging them in positive healthy activities and steering them towards building healthy skills. The parent coaching adds such a strong element. When combined with inpatient therapy. Thanks to all the team at Key!

Meet the Team

We believe that the effectiveness of the treatment program relies heavily on the bond between the teen and their therapist, rather than solely on the clinical modalities and various therapeutic techniques employed. That is why our staff members are relatable, resourceful and fearless when it comes to finding creative solutions for each client.

Leadership Team

Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh is a highly experienced clinical psychologist and the Executive Director of Key Healthcare. With a deep commitment to adolescent mental health, Dr. Mayeh brings a wealth of expertise in program development, clinical leadership, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

Beverly Reader, MD

Beverly Reader, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with 15 years of experience specializing in adolescent mental health and dual diagnosis treatment.

Ryan Blivas

Ryan Blivas is a behavioral healthcare entrepreneur and teen mental health advocate who is passionate about finding solutions to combat the teen mental health crisis in America.

Evan Powell

Evan Powell is one of the co-founders of Key Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired by his own treatment journey, he and Ryan set out to change the narrative for clients, and help them find a brighter path.

Clinical & Medical Team

Helena Nyhart, MA, AMFT, APCC

Originally from the East Coast, Helena began her career in the tech industry before finding her passion in adolescent mental health. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University…

Amber Gentry

Amber began her academic journey studying criminal psychology before discovering her true passion in the fields of addiction and mental health. She went on to complete a two-year program in substance abuse counseling and spent…

Jason Sobel CADC-III

Jason is committed to Keys’ holistic and integrated approach to treatment and is passionate about supporting teens facing substance use and mental health challenges with a creative, compassionate style informed by years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of care coordination.

Abby Heifitz

Born and raised in Chicago, Abby Heifitz recently relocated to Los Angeles and earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Chanelle Catuogno,  ACSW

Chanelle specializes in trauma therapy, trained in ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) and brings years of experience from private practice to her role at Key Healthcare.

Rocky Trombetti, MA, AMFT

Rocky serves as a family and group therapist within the adolescent treatment programs at Key Healthcare, specializing in supporting teens through their journey to recovery.

James Wilcox, MA, AMFT

James Wilcox is a dedicated family and group therapist within the Teen Treatment Programs at Key Healthcare, providing specialized support to adolescents as they navigate their path to recovery.

Jordan Werner, AMFT

Jordan possess particular expertise in treating borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and trauma-related experiences.

Matt Cox, CADAC -I

Matt is an experienced operations expert with a vast knowledge of both Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

Henry Dafoe

Henry Dafoe, a Mentor at Key Healthcare, holds a Master’s in Behavioral Health from Tulane University and brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his work.

Community Relationship Manager

Mehrsa Javanmard

A UCLA graduate, Mehrsa brings over 10 years of experience in mental health treatment to her role. Her expertise spans both clinical and operational aspects of the field, including leadership positions as a Program Manager and Operations Director.

Education

Stacie O’ Farrell, MS

Stacie is an educator with five years of experience and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, she is committed to fostering environments where students can thrive through continuous learning. Encouraging a growth mindset is central to her approach in supporting students

Our Teen Rehab Facility

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Carlsbad Teen Therapist & Counselors

Each therapy session is a meaningful step forward for your teen toward healing, emotional growth, and lasting balance. Our skilled therapists help teens understand their emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and build healthy ways to navigate life’s ups and downs.

We use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy, both proven to be highly effective in treating adolescent depression. These methods not only ease symptoms but also help teens create real, lasting change in their lives.

And when your teen completes our program, the support doesn’t stop. We’ve carefully curated a list of trusted therapists in Carlsbad, licensed professionals with Psychologists and LCSWs credentials, so your teen can continue receiving compassionate, expert care close to home.

Note: We aren’t affiliated with these therapists. But all of them are licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), ensuring your teen gets top-notch care close to home.

We’re Here for Carlsbad Families

Resources and Support Carlsbad, CA

Emergency Response/Hotlines Information for Carlsbad Adolescents
A signpost with green directional signs labeled 'Help,' 'Support,' 'Service,' 'Assistance,' 'Guidance,' and 'Advice,' set against a clear blue sky. This image symbolizes Key Healthcare’s comprehensive mental health and recovery services, offering personalized support, guidance, and assistance for adolescents and their families.

In moments of crisis, having immediate access to the right hotlines can make a difference in your teen’s mental health. At Key Healthcare, we specialize in providing long-term mental health care for teens. But we also believe that parents should be prepared for every stage of their teen’s mental health recovery journey.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of emergency hotlines and services in Carlsbad so that families and parents can have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively. But before you move forward, here are some guidelines on what to do if your teen is in immediate danger:

  • When your teen is caught in the grip of an overdose or a mental health crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, your calm presence and quick thinking can make a real difference.
  • In times like these, every second counts. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you suspect an overdose or if the symptoms of their mental health are getting worse. Once you call, the police dispatcher answers your call and will transfer your call to the Fire Department or Paramedics, if required.
  • Your quick action could be the difference between your teen’s life and death.
  • The CalHOPE warm line connects you as a parent for your teen with people who have persevered through what it's like to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed because of everyday challenges or triggers.
  • These peer counselors, who have faced similar struggles, listen with genuine empathy and zero judgment.
  • They offer caring support and guide your teen to resources that bring hope and help them cope. Reach out to them and find the light together.
  • Call or text the CalHOPE Warm Line: (833) 317-HOPE (4673)
  • Website: https://www.calhope.org/pages/current-services.aspx#cs2
  • The 988 Lifeline is a quick and easy way to remember  3-digit number to get help for your teen during a mental health crisis. 
  • By calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org, you or your teen can connect with a professional at Lifeline who provides support.
  • Website: https://988lifeline.org/
  • Is your teenager dealing with anxiety or depression that is affecting their friendships and relationships? Have they ever expressed fears about being alone or shown other symptoms of distress?
  • If yes, then it's time to get aid. Text HOME to 741741 to speak with a volunteer crisis counselor.
  • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
  • For the last 34 years, CA Youth Crisis Line has been the trusted lifeline for teens and families across California, including Carlsbad. They discuss issues like suicide, depression, bullying, health and identity concerns, and trauma.
  • And the best part is that their crisis counselors offer a safe and non-judgmental space to talk. They don’t give advice but listen with understanding and care.
  • If your adolescent is dealing with any teen-related problem, call them at 1-800-843-5200. They also provide translation services for many languages.
  • Website: https://calyouth.org/cycl/
A signpost with green directional signs labeled 'Help,' 'Support,' 'Service,' 'Assistance,' 'Guidance,' and 'Advice,' set against a clear blue sky. This image symbolizes Key Healthcare’s comprehensive mental health and recovery services, offering personalized support, guidance, and assistance for adolescents and their families.
Support Group for Carlsbad Adolescents

Research indicates that approximately 30% to 65% of adolescents may experience a recurrence of depressive symptoms following treatment. This highlights the importance of ongoing support during the transitional phase after formal care ends.

Fortunately, Carlsbad is home to several reputable support groups specifically designed for teens managing depression. These groups provide structured guidance in coping with common challenges such as low mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, and difficulty concentrating.

More than symptom management, these support groups foster a safe, understanding environment where teens can develop confidence, process complex emotions like guilt or sadness, and engage with peers who share similar experiences. This sense of connection can be a crucial element of sustained emotional well-being.

To support long-term recovery, we have compiled a curated list of trusted, teen-focused depression support groups located in Carlsbad. Our goal is to ensure that every adolescent has access to the continued care they need to recover from depression, because recovery doesn’t end with treatment, and no teen should face it alone.

If your teen is dealing with mental health issues, NAMI Connection is here to help. This 90-minute support group is led by people who know what it's like to live with mental illness.

  • They've been there.
  • They want to create a safe, confidential space where your teen can share their experiences and learn from others who understand what they're going through.

NAMI Connection is open to anyone with any type of mental health condition. NAMI trains its peer facilitators, and they use special techniques like the principle of support to ensure everyone feels supported and empowered. What you share in the group stays in the group, so you can feel comfortable opening up.

Website: https://namisandiego.org/services/support-groups/

Youth Development Program for Carlsbad Adolescents

We know that overcoming depression takes more than just treatment—it takes ongoing support. That’s why we’re with your teen every step of the way. We help them understand their emotions, manage tough thoughts, and learn healthy ways to cope.

What happens after the program ends? We keep supporting their growth. We provide a list of local youth programs in Carlsbad that help teens continue practicing what they’ve learned, like building emotional strength and staying connected with others. This way, the progress they’ve made lasts, and they’re less likely to face depression again.

So, if your teen is feeling lost or struggling with depression, don’t be afraid to reach out and get them involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad before or after our depression in-person program. They do not turn away any child due to their inability to pay. They are the key to opening your teen’s full potential and setting them up for a bright, happy future. Remember, teens matter and deserve all the support and guidance needed to thrive.

Community Recreation Centers and Reading Programs for Teens In Carlsbad, CA

Recreational and community centers hold the key to several godsends that improve the quality of a teen’s life in your community in Carlsbad. Regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, socioeconomic status, or race, there are different valuable programs for instance, summer classes, aquatic programs, creative camps, and summer reading adventure – at your recreation center at Carlsbad for little to no cost.

However, to realize the great value of community recreation centers, our teens need to be actively involved to make the most of them. This means they must invest time, effort, and monetary resources. These centers aren’t just buildings but vibrant spots where teens can grow, learn, and connect. On top of that, these centers come with a myriad of benefits for teens:

  • Increases longevity.
  • It makes teens resilient against the stresses of modern living.
  • Has a major impact on juvenile crime.

According to the Harvard Family Research Project, they reap a host of benefits in certain areas like health, academic, social, and prevention.

High School Counseling Resources for Carlsbad Adolescents

High school counselors do more than just help with class schedules or college plans, they’re often the first to notice when a teen might be struggling emotionally. With their training in mental health, counselors can spot early signs of depression and other challenges.

Because they see students regularly, counselors become a steady source of support. They’re a key part of your teen’s care team, staying connected with parents, teachers, and even peers to make sure your teen feels supported both in school and beyond. Their role matters, before, during, and after mental health treatment.

To help families stay informed and involved, we’ve created a list of Carlsbad high schools along with their counseling contact details. Working closely with your teen’s school counselor gives you helpful updates on their schoolwork, emotional well-being, and more, all important for a strong recovery and a successful school experience.

School Counseling Details
Carlsbad High School Counseling Information
Sage Creek High School Counseling Information

Note: The schools mentioned above are solely for informational purposes. Key Healthcare is not affiliated with them. In curating our list of schools, we considered a wide array of factors, including test scores, equity, feedback from parents, and the school curricula.

Find Your Teenager's Fitness Flow in Carlsbad, CA

A unique and powerful part of our teen depression program is surf therapy. The calming rhythm of the ocean, combined with the focus and energy required to ride the waves, helps teens reconnect with themselves in deep and meaningful ways.

But it’s more than just being out on the water. Surfing teaches teens how to manage anxiety, cope with tough emotions, and build self-confidence. It reminds them they’re capable of overcoming challenges, and that resilience can grow with practice.

To keep that momentum going, we encourage teens to stay active after treatment, whether through continued surf therapy, yoga, dance, or other fitness routines. Physical movement is a key part of emotional stability and long-term recovery. That’s why we’ve put together a list of teen-friendly wellness and fitness options in Carlsbad, so teens can continue to thrive, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Note: All these centers are paid.

Fitness Spot Official Website
La Costa Super-Sport https://www.24hourfitness.com/gyms/carlsbad-ca/la-costa-super-sport
Planet Fitness Carlsbad https://www.planetfitness.com/gyms/carlsbad-ca/
Evoke Dance Movement https://www.evokedancemovement.com/
North County Martial Arts https://northcountymartialarts.net/
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MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

Our programs help treat a variety of adolescent mental health conditions.

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AVAILABLE THERAPIES

We utilize various evidence-based therapies to treat your teen’s condition.

Key Healthcare Teen Treatment Program - Comprehensive Care for Adolescents in a Supportive Environment

VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE

We accept most private health insurance plans.

FAQs about Teen Depression Treatment:

Which age group experiences the highest rate of depression?
According to the studies and revealed data, adolescents aged between 12-17 years have the highest rate of depression, i.e., 14.4%, followed by young adults aged between 18-25 years with 13.8%.
My child’s school mentor asked me to get some advice for Teen Depression Treatment for my son. Can you please suggest to me the best center or program for teens in Carlsbad?
If your child is experiencing some early signs of depression, then Key Healthcare's Carlsbad Teen Depression Treatment program will help improve their situation through evidence-based care and life skills.
Is it necessary to go for antidepressants during depression treatment?
Teen Depression is a severe medical condition that requires urgent clinical attention. A combination of medication and therapies can dramatically help a teenager improve their life within the least possible time, saving the adult years of your teen’s precious life.
Can a teen recover from depression without getting teen depression treatment?
Once a teen experiences depression, there's a good chance they might face it again in the future. If not addressed early, untreated depression can lead to severe consequences. And in some cases, it can be fatal. That's why treating depression is crucial for preventing these dangerous outcomes.
What can happen if major depression in teens is left untreated?
If major depression is left untreated, it persists for weeks, months, or even years. It affects not just a teen's emotions but also their behavior, physical health, and relationships. This problem can worsen when a teen is also dealing with other mental health challenges, such as conduct disorder or substance use disorder. Boys in their teen years are especially vulnerable to these risks.
How can I help prevent major depressive disorder (MDD) in my teen?
As a parent, you may not be able to prevent major depressive disorder (MDD) in your teen. But there are steps you can take, as suggested by our therapists, to reduce the symptoms. Begin by creating a safe and supportive environment at home. Know what are the risk factors of MDD. Spot them early. Help your teen develop healthy habits, including stress management, self-care, regular exercise, and a good sleep schedule. Encourage open and honest conversations, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if the symptoms persist or worsen.

We are Here to Help

Contact Us

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Key Healthcare, fill out our contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.

OUR TEEN TREATMENT CENTERS

Our Locations

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Key Healthcare Adolescent Outpatient Program

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Key Healthcare Corporate Office

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Key Healthcare Adolescent Extended Care

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Key Healthcare Adolescent Residential Treatment Center

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