Are There Teen Mental Health Services in Miami, FL?

In today’s modern world, we are beginning to realize that teen mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are not doing well emotionally, it can reduce the quality of life, increase the risk of suicide, and it can manifest as serious health conditions. 

The raised awareness is paying off, and there are plenty of mental health facilities available to ensure that people get the help they need. This article will discuss mental health services in Miami, FL, and how you can move forward living your best life. 

Are There Teen Mental Health Services in Miami, FL

Signs Your Loved One Needs To Pursue Mental Health Services in Miami, FL

While many teens suffer from mental illness, only about half of them will seek help for their emotional disorders. They may be dealing with stigmas, or they may not feel their sickness is that bad. But with the right support, they will realize how much better their lives can be, and they will be brave enough to come forward to get help. 

If you are close to someone with a mental disorder, here are some signs that are telling you it’s time to reach out. 

  • They are becoming withdrawn 
  • They are prone to mood swings
  • They have trouble completing basic tasks
  • They are using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate
  • They are no longer actively pursuing the things they love doing

What Types of Disorders Do Mental Health Services Treat?

Some types of mental health disorders are temporary, while some are longer lasting. Some are more severe than others. No one can tell you it’s a good or bad time to get treatment. If you are not feeling your best, you can always reach out to a local specialist. 

Here are some of the types of disorders that can be treated with mental health services:

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Personality Disorder
  • Eating Disorder

Are There Mental Health Services in Miami, FL?

Miami, FL, is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, its pleasant weather, and its resort-town vibe. But even in a city where it seems like nothing can go wrong, mental health is an ongoing problem. Statistics show that nearly 4,500 Miami citizens age 12 or older suffer from mental illness

Fortunately, there are ways to get help. There are plenty of mental health services in Miami, FL, that can assist patients in finding a healthy mental balance that will allow them to enjoy more in their personal and professional lives. 

There are many teen mental health services in Miami, FL, but the Adolescent Wellness Academy takes an approach that sets us apart. Our programs were designed to meet the needs of today’s teens.

There are far too many teens dealing with mental illness, and this can lead to tragic situations. We use a 5-step treatment process to identify symptoms, make a diagnosis, and treat the problem at its root, providing healthy coping strategies that replace unhealthy behavior patterns. We treat issues early on to prevent them from escalating later in life. 

Our central clinic is located in Davie, FL, making it easy to commute from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and other nearby areas. We even offer transportation to and from our clinic. 

Mental health issues should never be ignored. If someone close to you is suffering, do not hesitate to reach out and get them the help they need. Adolescent Wellness Academy can get you headed in the right direction when it comes to living a higher quality of life. 

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida - AWA

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, toward recovery from mental health challenges. 

Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.

When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, their peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents is here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today at 1-866-548-8677 for more information about teen mental health, or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.