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Adolescents

Adolescents

Treatment for Adolescents

At North Spring Behavioral Healthcare, we understand that adolescents face a unique and complex set of challenges. Emotionally, behaviorally and developmentally, this time in a young person’s life can be particularly intense. And when a teenager’s natural resilience is overwhelmed by recurring frustrations, adolescents may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety; depression; mood and behavioral disorders; intense aggression or thoughts of self-harm. When this happens, we are here to help intervene so that our adolescent patients can the help they need when they need it most.

Our full range of treatment options for adolescents is geared for those who require care in a secure, compassionate therapeutic environment.

Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment

North Spring Behavioral Healthcare’s inpatient acute psychiatric facility is designed to treat patients up to age 17 in a secure, nurturing therapeutic environment.

Residential Inpatient Treatment

We offer a number of residential treatment programs for adolescents up to age 17 in environments that are separated by age and gender.

Outpatient Programs

Teenagers up to age 17 who are able to receive care in a less restrictive setting may receive treatment through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Animal-Assisted Therapy

We are proud to offer animal-assisted treatment options for adolescents who are assessed to be in need of this modality. Through a partnership with a voluntary local horseback riding organization, we are able to provide therapeutic riding and cart driving on a weekly basis.

Program objectives include:

  • To provide a means of unconditional love via the emotional security an animal can provide.
  • To enhance current therapeutic and schooling services, often by overcoming traditional resistances that have built up through years of frustration and failure.
  • To make the transition into, and out of, the program easier.
  • To provide a forum for improving social skills via the introduction of concepts such as limit setting, consequences, and boundaries via the relationship with the animal.
  • To utilize the human-animal bond to effect treatment outcomes.

Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT)

Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) (Apsche, 2010) is an evidenced-based psychotherapeutic technique. It is designed to treat the complex interplay between trauma, personality factors and an adolescent’s belief system that often lead to conduct problems such as aggression. MDT was created out of the rich experience of working with multi-problem youth in real-world clinical settings — the same youth who often pose the greatest challenge to the clinician. MDT focuses first upon structured assessment and case conceptualization, which then leads naturally into an individualized intervention plan. Clinician and patient manuals guide the treatment process and ensure fidelity to the method.

Mode Deactivation Therapy includes centering, imagery and relaxation techniques (mindfulness) to facilitate cognition. This is followed by balance training, which teaches youth to balance their perception and interpretation of information and internal stimuli. MDT is built on the mastery system for youngsters. The system is designed to allow youth to experience success prior to undertaking more difficult materials.

A confidential, no-cost assessment can help determine the right treatment for you or your loved one. Call us any time, day or night.

We Help Children and Families Thrive

At North Spring Behavioral Healthcare, we make it our mission to help children and adolescents find a sense of hope and potential. Call 703-554-6300 for a no-cost, confidential assessment day or night, 24/7. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.