How to Find Partial Day Mental Health Treatment for Teens

A child’s teenage and adolescent years are some of the most critical years of their life, especially in growth and development. During this time, children grow their own unique personalities and develop into the human being they were destined to be since birth. With that said, it’s also a time that they experience a rush of new emotions and feelings. Some teenagers understand how to deal with and eventually overcome these emotions – but others don’t. And those that don’t will often turn to drugs, self-harm, isolation, depression, or worse. Partial day mental health treatment for teens is designed to provide treatment around the home or school schedules of teenagers and adolescents.

 

Nearly 16% of the world’s population is aged 10-19 years old and one in every seven of those aged 10-19 years old will experience a mental disorder during their adolescent years, and nearly half of all teenagers will have used an illegal drug by the time they graduate from high school. Unfortunately, most of these teenagers and adolescents won’t receive the treatment they so desperately need. This will send them down an ugly path in life – as often later in life, symptoms of mental health disorders will only become worse without early treatment. The good news is that help exists, and millions of people are ready and willing.

 

What is Partial Day Mental Health Treatment?

Partial day mental health treatment, also known as partial hospitalization, is a form of mental health treatment that’s conducted on an outpatient basis – meaning they’re not subject to 24-hour care. Instead, they show up for treatment several hours per day, several days per week.

 

Typical services conducted in outpatient mental health treatment for teens are family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, skill-building exercises, physical and mental evaluations, medication management, stress management, and other therapeutic techniques. 

 

A partial day mental health treatment program is generally reserved for those that have a hard time functioning in their day-to-day lifestyle and are either experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder, but are medically stable and not of harm to themselves or others. 

 

Most residents can expect to attend treatment for six hours per day, up to five days per week. Much like school, transportation is usually provided, and they’re taken to and from their home. They can live their everyday life at home but will be expected to make certain lifestyle changes.

 

What are the Benefits of Partial Day Mental Health Treatment?

Partial day mental health treatment can be highly beneficial to any teenager that’s ready to receive help for their issues. It helps them overcome their symptoms and harmful behaviors now and puts them in a position to succeed in the future as they continue to develop.

 

It gives them access to the resources and help they so desperately need. It helps them build coping skills, helps them grow independent from drugs and other harmful substances, increases their self-esteem and confidence, and helps them find a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

 

Not only that, but it’s usually less expensive than an inpatient program. They’re usually covered (at least partially) by most insurances, they allow the teen to live at home and not feel trapped, and they might not need to take an extended leave from school. It can help turn their life around.

 

How Does Mental Health Treatment Differ for Teens?

Mental health treatment programs for teens require a unique, personalized, and tailored approach that differs for each individual. Teenagers are still growing and still developing, and their mental health treatment program needs to be prepared to adapt and evolve with it. 

 

The good news is mental health issues in teens are preventable and treatable. There are things both the teen and their support group (family members, friends, etc.) can do to improve their mental health in the short-term and long-term – and partial hospitalization (PHP) can help. 

 

How to Find Partial Day Mental Health Treatment for Teens

Are you looking for a partial day Southern Florida mental health treatment program for your teenage son or daughter? Are you constantly worrying over the worst-case scenario if your teenager doesn’t receive the treatment they need? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and we’re here to help. 

 

At the Adolescent Wellness Academy, we take a unique approach to ensuring your child has the resources and treatment they need. Our process includes:

  • A psychological evaluation.
  • Final diagnosis.
  • Individualized treatment plan.
  • Complete treatment program.
  • Follow-up evaluation.
  • Aftercare.

 

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.

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.