Morro Bay Inpatient Teen & Adolescent Depression Treatment

Compassionate Care for Teens with Depression

Our Morro Bay teen depression treatment program is specifically designed for adolescents who are struggling with depression and other mental health concerns. Since every teen experiences depression differently, we offer different levels of care, from IOP to residential rehab. We’re committed to ensuring that each teen receives the most effective care at the right time.

While it’s easy to confuse depression with common teenage behaviors such as mood swings, irritability, or sadness, it’s important to note that when these symptoms last for over two weeks without any relief, they may be signs of major depression. Understanding this distinction is key to getting the help a teen needs. That’s why our licensed psychiatrists and mental health professionals work hand in hand to create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of these symptoms.

During our sessions, we use evidence-based therapies, track progress closely, and adjust medications so your teen is always moving toward recovery. And when it’s time to leave, we don’t leave your teen guessing. We build a personalized aftercare plan with trusted resources (of Morro Bay) so your teen continues feeling supported at home, school, and beyond.

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

We partner with leading insurance providers to make our depression treatment program more accessible for teens when they need it the most.

Insurances We Accept

We may accept additional California insurance plans

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Knowledge and Expertise is Key

Our Accreditations and Affiliations

The success of our adolescent depression treatment program lies in our deep understanding of the condition and its treatment. We seek and renew various accreditations, affiliations, and certifications to stay current with best practices. By doing so, we aim to earn and keep the trust of patients and their families.

Teen Depression Treatment for Morro Bay, California

What to Expect During Our Morro Bay Teen Depression Treatment Program

As a parent, knowing what to expect during a teen depression treatment center 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 Morro Bay teen depression treatment program will be tailored to meet your teen’s specific needs, addressing the particular 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 Morro Bay Teenagers

At Key Healthcare, we provide different levels of care for teens to address the underlying causes of their depression. During our 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 IOP program is a balanced option for teens who don’t need 24-hour supervision but still benefit from structured, expert-led (individual, group, and family) therapy for their depression. Unlike inpatient care, our IOP lets teens continue their schooling, keep up with their extracurricular activities, and return home after each session.

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Partial Hospitalization

Our adolescent PHP program (PHP) is a step-down level of care from inpatient care. The structure of this program ensures teens receive a concentrated level of care to manage their depression effectively while handling their daily responsibilities. We also include different components that tackle the physical, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.

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 45-60 days teen residential treatment program allows your adolescent to focus on their recovery, free from distractions. By addressing the underlying causes of their depression with evidence-based therapies, holistic treatments, and medication-assisted care. We ensure that your teen’s journey goes beyond symptom relief.

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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Morro Bay Teen Therapists & Counselors

Our therapists approach each session with your teen thoughtfully and purposefully. They focus on teaching healthier thinking patterns and actions that directly address their depressive symptoms. By doing so, they help teens feel more prepared in social settings, solve problems more easily, and gain lasting self-confidence.

While many therapies offer benefits, CBT and Interpersonal Therapy stand out in our practice for their proven effectiveness. However, the support shouldn’t end when our session does. That’s why we provide a list of local therapists in Morro Bay who are easy to contact and have the right credentials (LMFT, LPCC, & LCSW). To continue supporting your teen’s progress beyond our program.

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 medical care close to home.

We’re Here for Morro Bay Families

Resources and Support Morro Bay, CA

Emergency Response/Hotlines Information for Morro Bay 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 issues. At Key Healthcare, we specialize in providing depression treatment for teens. But we also believe that parents should be prepared for every stage of their teen’s mental health journey.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of emergency hotlines and services in Morro Bay 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 expresses suicidal thoughts:

  • In times like these, every second counts. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you suspect the symptoms of their mental health disorders 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.
  • Teen Line is managed by professionally trained teen counselors who provide immediate assistance to your teen during a crisis.
  • Their outreach programs aim to de-stigmatize and normalize mental health, creating a supportive environment for your teen.
  • They also offer help if your teen is facing loneliness, abuse, or suicidal thoughts by connecting them with appropriate local resources.
  • TEXT TEEN to 839863.
  • Phone Support: 800-852-8336.
  • Website: https://www.teenline.org/
  • The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support for your teen. Whether they choose to call, text, or chat, they can talk to a trained counselor about their mental health issues, including depression, without fear of judgment, as this can be a crucial step in getting the help they need.
  • Website: https://988lifeline.org/
  • They have a team of volunteer crisis counselors who support your teens via text on their secure online platform.
  • Teens can reach out if they are experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self‑harm, and eating disorders.
  • Text HOME to 741741.
  • Website: crisistextline.org
  • If your teen is struggling with mental health issues like depression, thoughts of suicide, or confusion about their identity, it's important to speak with someone who can help.
  • CYCL provides a safe, confidential space to talk without judgment. Their role isn't to give advice but to listen with care and understanding.
  • If your teen is facing these challenges, please reach out for support at 1-800-843-5200. Translation services are available to ensure every teen can get the help they need.
  • 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.

Youth Development Programs for Morro Bay Adolescents

Supporting Morro Bay teens suffering from mental health challenges and striving to achieve their goals requires more than just clinical care. It demands a balanced approach that we provide throughout our teen depression treatment program. We boost their confidence, offer guidance, and equip them with essential life skills like making friends, communicating clearly, solving problems effectively, and advocating for themselves.

By motivating your teens to speak up and follow their dreams, we help them manage impulsive actions, embrace responsibility, and set realistic, achievable goals. To support their recovery after our program, we’ve compiled a list of youth programs in Morro Bay. These programs give teens the chance to apply the lessons learned during our depression treatment, whether by making smarter health decisions or by exploring new career paths.

Rockies Teen Center

  • Rockies Teen Center offers a safe and fun place for teens with a skate park and after-school programs.
  • The center provides adolescents a space for skateboarding, biking and group activities that are free.
  • For teens, skating & biking improve focus and coordination, enhance blood flow to the brain to ease stress, and provide an opportunity to remain active with centers after-school programs.
  • Website: https://www.morrobayca.gov/306/Teen-Center-Skate-Park

Art Center Morro Bay

  • Art Center Morro Bay is a creative space that hosts art classes, workshops, and exhibitions. It also offers programs where teens can learn new art skills and share their work.
  • By participating, teens can explore various art forms to express themselves. Plus, taking part in art activities boosts their confidence and connects them with other like-minded peers.
  • Website: https://artcentermorrobay.org/

Parks, Libraries, and Community Centers for Teens In Morro Bay, CA

While clinical care is only one aspect of your teen’s recovery, it’s equally important for them to feel supported in Morro Bay via the community after completing our depression program. In this, places like parks, libraries, and community centers can help teens in their recovery progress. Here, teens can engage in new activities, forge new friendships, and transition seamlessly after our program.

Coleman & Tidelands Park
  • Coleman Park and Tidelands Park are two lovely outdoor spaces in Morro Bay. Coleman Park features green lawns, picnic spots, and open fields for sports, while Tidelands Park offers scenic waterfront views, walking paths, and relaxing areas.
  • Walking in a park calms teens’ minds by lowering stress and boosting their mood. The natural surroundings help them clear negative thoughts, improve focus, and even spark creativity, giving your teens a refreshing break from daily routines.
Morro Bay Public Library
  • Morro Bay Public Library is a quiet place where teens can borrow books, use computers, and attend library events. It offers a wide range of reading materials, digital resources, and study spaces for them. The library also hosts programs that encourage learning and creativity.
  • Overall, for teens, the library is a great spot to focus on homework and keep up with the school after our program.
Morro Bay Community Center
  • Morro Bay Community Center provides a wide range of programs and activities for adolescents. These offerings take place in well-equipped meeting rooms and dedicated spaces for classes and events.
  • It can be an ideal setting for your teens to explore new interests, form friendships, and develop valuable skills through activities such as sports, art workshops, and clubs. Spending time at the center helps build confidence and a strong sense of community.

High School Counseling Resources for Morro Bay Adolescents

High school counselors are trained to address more than just your teen’s academic or career concerns. They are trained in identifying the mental health issues that many teens face today. Their ability to spot early signs of depression or developmental struggles is invaluable in providing early intervention.

Now, these counselors don’t work alone. They keep teachers, parents (you), and even classmates in the loop for feedback on the teens’ condition. Their role is as vital as before or after leaving our teen depression treatment program.

That’s why we’ve provided a list of high schools in Morro Bay, along with their counselor’s information. We advise you to stay connected with them as they’ll keep you informed about counseling sessions and other helpful activities.

Note: The high school mentioned is 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.

SchoolCounseling Details
Morro Bay High SchoolCounseling Information

Note: The high school mentioned above is 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 Morro Bay, CA

Sometimes, teens make remarkable progress when they’re immersed in nature. That’s why we include adventure therapy in our teen depression treatment program. Activities like hiking, kayaking, surfing, and mountain climbing not only boost physical fitness but also encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones.

During our program, they build leadership skills, overcome self-doubt, become more resilient, and learn to find practical solutions. All with the guidance of our professional mentors, who help your teens sustain healing.

To keep this progress going after our depression care, your teens need to stay active. Whether they continue with adventure activities or try gym workouts, martial arts, or dance, staying active benefits both physical and mental health while reinforcing the skills they’ve learned with us.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fitness options for teens in Morro Bay. We suggest teens identify their interests and choose the fitness spot accordingly.

Note: (All of these centers are paid).

Fitness Spot Official Website
Anytime Fitness Morro Bay https://www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/4536/morro-bay-ca-93442/
Debonair School of Ballroom Dancing https://www.debonairedancers.com/
Bayside Martial Arts http://baysidemartialarts.com/
Let’s Get Tuned https://www.letsgettuned.com/
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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 in Morro Bay?
If your child is experiencing some early signs of depression, then Key Healthcare's Teen Depression Treatment program for Morro Bay teens will help improve their situation through different levels of care and proven therapies.
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.

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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 Adolescent Residential Treatment Center

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