Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Teens

Throughout a teenager's growth and development, it is not uncommon for teens to struggle with mental health issues that make it hard for them to function in daily life. CBT is one of the most effective treatments for addiction and mental health disorders, and it can help your teen learn how to manage their symptoms and stay on track.

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What is Teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

How CBT for Teens Works

CBT Activities and Techniques for Teenagers

CBT for Teenagers in Los Angeles, CA

Understanding CBT for Teens

What is Teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps teenagers change their thoughts and behaviors. It is a popular form of therapy for many different types of teen mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance abuse. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. So, if we can change our thoughts, we can change our behavior.

There are many benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for teens including emotion regulation, problem solving, negative behavior reduction, and relationship building.

What to Expect from CBT for Teens

How CBT for Teens Works

CBT is a goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. CBT is based on the idea that negative thoughts and feelings can trap us in a vicious cycle. CBT aims to help adolescents break out of that cycle by changing their patterns of thinking and behavior.

One of the key things that makes CBT different from other types of therapy is that it is very structured. The therapist and client work together to set specific goals, and each session is focused on working towards those goals. CBT generally includes homework assignments, in which the client practices what they have learned in session. CBT can be done in individual or group therapy sessions. It usually lasts for 12-20 weeks, although some people may need more or less time depending on their specific situation.

CBT Activities for Teens

CBT Activities and Techniques for Teenagers

CBT for teenagers usually includes a blend of activities and techniques. Techniques are catered to the individual needs and interests of your teen. Some common teen CBT activities include:

JOURNALING

Journaling is a way to help teens process their thoughts and feelings. They can use journaling to track their moods, identify negative thinking patterns, and practice positive self-talk. This activity is used in-between sessions and discussed in therapy.
COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING

This helps teens challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs. They learn to identify distorted thinking patterns, such as all-or-nothing thinking, and replace them with more balanced thoughts.
BEHAVIORAL EXPERIMENTS

This activity helps teens test out their beliefs about themselves. For example, a teen with social anxiety may be asked to go to a party and talk to 3 new people. This helps the teen learn that their beliefs about themselves may not be accurate.
RELAXATION AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Relaxation and stress management techniques can help teens manage their anxiety and stress. These may include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation.
PROBLEM-SOLVING

Problem-solving helps teens identify and find solutions to the problems in their lives. This may include goal-setting, brainstorming, and role-playing. Problem solving can also help teens with conflict in their relationships.
GUIDED DISCOVERY

Guided discovery helps therapists understand where teens are coming from and then challenge their beliefs. Teens will be asked to provide the reasoning for their beliefs and work to broaden their thinking. Teens then begin to see things from other perspectives.

CBT for Teens by Key Healthcare

CBT for Teenagers in Los Angeles, CA

Key Healthcare provides CBT for adolescents as a part of our teen treatment programs. Teens will participate in individual and group therapy sessions that utilize CBT to treat their mental health condition(s) and dual diagnosis substance abuse. To learn more about our intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and extended care programs, contact us today.

Insurances We Accept

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.

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