Adolescent inpatient mental health treatment may be necessary in some cases, such as if a child is a risk to themselves or others. Inpatient mental health treatment gets them started on treatment in a safe environment where they are surrounded by 24-hour medical care and support.
For adolescents who have not been previously diagnosed with a mental health condition or substance use disorder, going to an inpatient treatment program is beneficial. They’ll have an opportunity to be diagnosed and then start a treatment plan right away under their medical team’s constant guidance.
How Do You Know a Child Needs Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Not every child or teen who struggles with mental health conditions will need inpatient treatment and psychiatric care, but some will based on their symptoms. Residential treatment centers may be best for those who are struggling with:
- Self-harm
- New conditions or conditions that have changed rapidly
- Habitual relapse of a substance use disorder
- Inadequate support at home, such as not having a parent at home to monitor their care
- A dual diagnosis, which requires more specific treatment for a wide array of symptoms
- Maintaining their health following an outpatient program
Parents and guardians who aren’t sure if their child needs mental health treatment may want to speak with their child’s physician. Their physician can usually recommend the level of treatment they believe would be best, whether intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient, or residential treatment. Their primary care physician can provide the referral they think would be right for the child.
Some other signs that a child may need inpatient treatment include:
- If they are a danger to themselves or others. Causing physical harm to themselves, their pets, or others is a sign that immediate, intensive care is needed
- Secretiveness. If a teen suddenly becomes “sneaky” or wants to hide serious issues, it’s time to try a more intensive treatment method
- Unusual behavior changes, such as sudden feelings of anger or wanting to harm other people or animals
- Sudden mood swings, which can signify that a teen is struggling significantly with mood regulation
All of these signs and symptoms may mean that it’s time to look into an inpatient mental health treatment program.
What Should Parents Expect from Inpatient Treatment Programs?
A good treatment program will have a medical team that will go over what parents should expect with them when they approach them about enrolling their child.
Some parents may feel like sending their child to a treatment program is a kind of punishment, but that’s not really true. This is an opportunity to help the child learn about and manage their mental health to live a more balanced and productive life.
In inpatient treatment, the child or teen will have a safe, supportive environment to call their home, even if it’s only for a few weeks. During that time, they’ll have the support of mental health professionals, medical doctors, nurses, behavior therapists, and others who are trained to understand their conditions and help them learn how to manage them.
This kind of program aims to teach adolescents how to handle difficult feelings and emotions in productive ways. If medications are needed, this is also something that will be discussed not only with the adolescent but also the parents.
Contact Sunrise Vista for Help with Psychiatric Care and Teen Therapy
Having a child struggle with growing up with a mental health condition or substance use disorder is difficult for parents and families who want the best for them. At Sunrise Vista, we are prepared to help adolescents learn to manage their mental health, so they can overcome challenges now and in the future. Call our Canton, Ohio psychiatric hospital at 844-942-3007 to learn about your treatment options.
