Finding Teen Mental Health Treatment Near Me

When it comes to your son or daughter’s health, you do not want to take any chances. Teen mental health and teen mental health treatment are very important topics for parents and caregivers to be aware of. Hormones and social pressures are difficult during the teen years and teens may act out in ways that are troubling. Now with social media and smartphones added to the mix, it can be extremely exhausting being a teenager. Although social media is still relatively new, studies are beginning to come out about the negative impact it can have on a teenagers mental health. Sometimes these negative changes become more severe over time due to underlying mental health disorders and/or substance abuse that require mental health treatment. 

What Is Mental Health Treatment?

Teen mental health treatment is a way of helping teens with mental illness or substance use disorders. Several different types of therapies and counseling exist to help change thoughts, behaviors, emotions and how teens understand and see situations. Medications for mental conditions and substance use disorders offer significant relief for those needing them, helping them to manage symptoms to the point where they can use other strategies in order to achieve recovery.  Many teen mental health treatment programs employ both counseling and medication. It is important for teens to see trained professionals for any program as medical professionals are trained to tailor teen mental health treatment to meet the needs of each individual teenager.  Mental health treatment programs can vary by type and intensity, depending on the teen. Common disorders seen in teens are anxiety and depression. At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we offer complete treatment programs, offering psychological evaluations, individualized treatment programs, final diagnoses and follow up evaluations and aftercare programs.  We also offer psychological testing, family programs, dual diagnosis treatment and after-school intensive outpatient programs for teens.

Why It Is Important to Address Mental Health Early on in a Person’s Life

Any mental health problem should be addressed as early as possible. But it is easy for parents to ignore their teens’ mental health, often just passing it off as typical teenage behavior, such as withdrawal, disinterest in participating in events, poor grades, etc. Often, this is because parents are simply unaware or think they will grow out of it, but, addressing mental health early on in a teen’s life is vital. If you are unsure if your teen needs help, you can take our Parent’s Quiz. Addressing current problems is another reason to get your teen mental health early. The earlier the disorder is found, and treatment is started, the less malignant it will be, just as any other disorder in medicine. Mood disturbances in teens that affect their social, family and academic functioning that go on can grow larger, just like a tumor, and be harder to treat down the road. 

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

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, towards 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, peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are 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 for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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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.