Are There Treatment Centers in Hollywood, FL for Adolescents?

It’s sad but true, there are far too many adolescents that are addicted to drugs and alcohol. According to DrugStatistics.org drug use increased 61% between the years of 2016 and 2020 among 8th graders. By 12th grade, 62% of kids have abused alcohol. 50% of teenagers misused a drug at least once and 43% of college students use illicit drugs. 

Teens turn to drugs for various reasons. They may be dealing with school pressure, peer pressure, or a combination of both. But no matter what led the adolescent to use, the important thing is to deal with the problem before it gets out of hand. Fortunately, there are treatment centers in Hollywood, FL that can help. 

This article will review the options that are available to you if your teen is in trouble. 

What Is a Treatment Center for Adolescents?

The format for treatments for adolescents varies. In most instances, the center will want to help the teen maintain a lifestyle that’s as normal as possible. They will provide treatment on an afterschool basis.

The therapy may entail detox, which requires the teen to allow their systems to rid themselves of harmful toxins. 

Once detox is completed, the teen undergoes therapy. The therapy administered will vary from patient to patient, but the aim is to find the underlying cause of addiction to treat it at its root. Teens are provided with healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

If the teen’s addiction is severe, they may need to be checked into a residential facility. Detox and therapy will be administered. This is typically followed by outpatient care that helps the patient adjust to sober living. 

Are There Treatment Centers in Hollywood, FL for Adolescents?

Because outpatient care is the preferred treatment for adolescents, it is important to find a treatment center near you. If you live in Hollywood, FL, you are in luck. Adolescent Wellness Center is among the treatment centers in Hollywood, FL that are designed to treat teens dealing with addiction. 

How AWA Can Help Your Child Today

If you are looking for treatment centers in Hollywood, FL for your child, Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) can help. We offer afterschool treatment for your teen. We will transport your teen from school to our facility and back home making getting help as easy as possible. 

Our program was specially designed to meet the needs of today’s teens. We take a five-step approach that includes:

  • Psychological Evaluation: Our therapists will work with your teen to find the underlying cause of addiction.
  • Final Diagnosis: After evaluative sessions are conducted, we will be able to diagnose what is causing your teen to use. 
  • Individualized Treatment Plan: We determine a treatment plan best suited to your teen’s needs. 
  • Complete Treatment Program: Next, your teen undergoes therapy which may be a combination of psychotherapy and alternative therapy. 
  • Follow-Up Evaluation and Aftercare: After your teen completes our program, we continue to follow up and provide aftercare to ensure he or she has the support they need to maintain sobriety. 

AWA has a track record that speaks for itself. With over 30 years of experience in treating youths, we’ve helped countless teens overcome their addiction issues. Our highly trained staff understands the unique challenges faced by today’s teens and provides a supportive environment for their recovery.

It’s heartbreaking for parents to discover that their teens are struggling with addiction. Fortunately, there are effective ways to get the help you need.

The Adolescent Wellness Academy is here to support your teen in turning their life around. Give them the best chance at a happy, healthy, and successful future by reaching out to us today. For more information, visit our Miami-Dade location or call 1-866-548-8677.

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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.

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.

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.