The National Youth Network reports that drug abuse by adolescents fell after reaching a 42 percent rate in1997. This shows that prevention programs have made some progress, yet prescription drug abuse remains an issue. Beyond the issue of drug abuse, many other troubling behaviors may result in intervention from mental health services. Several options are implemented across the country to suit the needs of youths in trouble.
Outpatient Services
Outpatient services are the least expensive and most convenient way to seek treatment, providing there isn't a need for emergency services. The Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute defines these services as tailored to the individual needs of the adolescent and the family. This process--while referred either under the care of a psychiatrist or via social services--delivers therapeutic counseling services, collaboration with schools and most convenient after-school hours. Outpatient treatment is similar to inpatient services in that laboratory tests, individualized treatment plans, group/individual/family counseling and diet/nutritional concerns can be addressed.
Inpatient Services
The University of California-San Diego defines inpatient services as a form of hospitalization, when the need for continuous, round-the-clock services for seven to 30 days is required. An example of services provided are much like those performed in outpatient clinics, yet the adolescent is surrounded by 24-hour nursing and staff care. The staff offers assessments, medical/biological testing, a therapeutic treatment plan and follow-up social work, a supervised and structured environment, imaging and electrophysiological measures, and neuropsychological testing.
Residential Services
Residential treatment is geared toward adolescent mental health when all inpatient and outpatient services have failed. The Providence Adolescent Residential Treatment Program based in Anchorage, Alaska says its program is a long-term-stay referral to this home/structured environment, with 24-hour staffing in collaboration with outpatient therapists, probation and court-mandated sentencing and social work through the Office of Children's Services.
Substance Abuse Detoxification Programs
The National Youth Network suggests a number of substance abuse programs to fit the needs of the adolescent. Wilderness programs, outdoor recreation, therapeutic boarding school, non-public day schools and outpatient therapy day programs are just a selection of the possibilities focused on problem behaviors and successful drug treatment.
Eating Disorder Programs
Adolescent eating disorder programs are similar to inpatient and outpatient treatments for remaining mental health problems--with the continued focus on psychological disturbances, self-esteem and image issues, and stress-related factors that may contribute to the disorder. The University of California-Los Angeles says self-care and intensive treatment should focus on getting healthy, maintaining health behaviors and psychological well-being--a three-pronged approach to successful eating disorder treatment. The objective--whether conducted in-patient, outpatient or residential--is to provide positive intervention and get the individual back into the home and school environments with improved coping strategies.
References
- National Youth Network: "Teen Substance Abuse"; 2010
- Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute: "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services, Services Offered"; 2010
- University of California-San Diego: "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Program"; 2010
- Providence Hospital:"Adolescent Residential Treatment Program"; 2010
- University of California-Los Angeles:" Adolescent Treatment Program"; 2010
