Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Teens

AWA offers intensive outpatient after-school treatment and mental health programs for teens in Florida.

pediatric-psychiatry

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**Note: we are not a crisis hotline. In case of an emergency, please call 911.

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AWA does not support Medicaid, KidsCare, or Sunshine and does not offer residential or 1-on-1 therapy.

For Teens Ages 13-17 and Their Families

Available Day Program or Afterschool Program

In-Network with All Major Insurance Providers

Hablamos Español

Outpatient Treatment That Fits Your Teen’s Schedule

Our outpatient treatment for troubled teens is an afternoon program to treat adolescents who need more than weekly therapy while they maintain their current school schedule.

In this afterschool program, we focus on teen mental health, treating individuals aged 13 to 17 with mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or substance use.

For teens

  • 1 hour of individual therapy per week
  • Family sessions as needed
  • 3 hours of daily evidence-based therapeutic groups designed for teens, including:
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Holistic and experiential therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and music and art therapy
  • Nutritional support as required

Care for parents

  • Weekly Parent Support Group
  • Weekly parent coaching call
  • Clinical support for crisis management
Our multidisciplinary team involved in the program:
  • Board-certified psychiatrist
  • Licensed therapists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Experiential therapists
  • Care coordinators

What We Treat

Teens may struggle with a variety of conditions that benefit from comprehensive mental health care. At Adolescent Wellness Academy, our IOP can work for teens with:

Our psychiatric team works to understand the whole picture – emotional, behavioral, academic, and social – before recommending any treatment options. Every teen receives a care plan tailored to their unique needs.

Benefits of intensive outpatient treatment for troubled teens

Teens continue to attend their own school and other activities while pursuing their therapeutic goals. Our afterschool program begins at 4:00 pm and ends at 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with two daily groups. Teens may attend 3 or 5 days per week. We recognize that personal growth involves self-discovery, and the pace of this journey varies for each individual. Teens typically participate in the program for 10-16 weeks.

Each adolescent receives a personalized treatment plan developed by our pediatric mental health professionals to address their specific concerns and goals. Our team collaborates with each teen in a supportive, confidential environment, encouraging them to express their thoughts and emotions. Involving family members is encouraged when appropriate, as it strengthens progress and offers a well-rounded support system.

What Makes Adolescent Wellness Academy Different

When you join our intensive outpatient program, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team. Together, everyone plays a role in supporting each other while our clinicians create a safe space for this supportive community to flourish. Our program helps teens:

  • Build resilience
  • Foster self-discovery and awareness
  • Go beyond managing symptoms to experience transformative healing and lasting change
  • Engage in creative and experiential activities 
  • Understand mental health
  • Strengthen family connections

Getting Started

1

Reach Out

Call or email us, and we will get to know your concerns. Our Admissions team will recommend treatment options for your teen. We will verify your insurance coverage and work with you to find a solution that will help you with your financial situation.

2

Complete Assessment

An assessment process is designed to gather information about the teenager’s mental health history, symptoms, triggers, and any previous treatment experiences. This assessment helps in tailoring the therapy program to address specific needs effectively.

3

Schedule First Session

After completing the assessment, clients can schedule their initial therapy session. This session allows the therapist to evaluate the teenager’s condition further, establish rapport, set treatment goals, and discuss the overall therapy plan moving forward.

Reach out to us today! You'll never be alone again.

All calls are confidential. 
We accept most insurance but do not take Medicaid at this time.

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Your care is
covered here

We understand that you have more pressing concerns right now and that the cost of teen mental health programs should not be one of them.

We are in network with all major commercial insurance providers in Florida.

We’d like to handle the insurance details so that you can focus on what truly matters.

What Parents ❤️ About AWA

95% of parents and teens recommend AWA.

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Lauren Weissberg profile picture
Lauren Weissberg
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We are so grateful to have found Adolescent Wellness Academy. The entire staff was incredibly helpful, professional, and welcoming from our first phone call. Anny got us in right away, Frank immediately connected with our daughter, and all of the therapists made her feel heard and understood. She was "keyed out" and has maintained the skills and strategies she learned there. While our daughter was able to get the help she so badly needed, Mike's parent groups were a lifeline for my husband and me during our family's crisis. We find ourselves referencing Mike's words of wisdom on a weekly basis. We will continue to recommend Adolescent Wellness Academy to parents of teens who are struggling.
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Clara Sanchez profile picture
Clara Sanchez
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I was very fortunate to find the Principles recovery Teen Wellness Center when I did. They took my daughter in and we went through the 10week program. With their help, she learned to take accountability for her actions. They helped me and my husband as the parents teacher our daughter how to cope with anxiety and mental stress. There so many things teens go through that are in the mental stress bag. From anxiety to self harm to drugs, etc. it was hard to go through it but we came out of it with new knowledge with a respectful child that wants a second chance and a family that can repair the relationship and heal together. I recommend the program and staff to all parents that have a child going through mental stress of any kind. Contact the program and they will guide you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts❤️
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Yaikelys Reyes profile picture
Yaikelys Reyes
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No tengo palabras para describir nuestra experiencia en este centro de rehabilitación, después de más de 2 años buscando ayuda por la adiccion a la marihuana para mi hijo adolescentes de 17 años encontramos este que si pudiera le diera más de 5 estrellas, no solo lo ayudaron a poder dejar la adiccion si no que hicieron que mi hijo sintiera amor propio y encontrarle sentido a la vida, mi hijo pudo graduarse y estamos muy contentos con esta institución la recomendaría 1000 veces, nos han ayudado mucho como familia, incluso después de graduarse siguen preocupados y le siguen dando seguimiento a sus pacientes, todos los empleados tienen muy buena actitud y siempre están dispuestos ayudar desde, el dueño, los terapistas en especial Mike y Ben y Anny la directora de admisión son especiales, sin duda el mejor Centro de Rehabiliacion muyyyyyy sastusfecha.
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K Anderson profile picture
K Anderson
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The staff here is excellent-very experienced in working with teens and very responsive to parents. I think it’s a productive approach to therapy in that it involves both the parents and the kids, and also allows the kids to share with their peers in a safe place. Also focuses on the roots of issues rather than just the symptoms.
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Lina M Herrera profile picture
Lina M Herrera
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My daughter was a trouble teenager, she suffered from depression, self harm, low self esteem. Looking thru places for her for help I’ve found this academy in which I love that it’s a everyday therapy not just for her but for parents too Their staff are lovely, experienced and on point in every subject. They even offered referrals to continue therapy after their sessions. I would recommend this place to anyone. The help is not just for the trouble person, their help is for the whole family
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Serena Diaco
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Elga Monteiro profile picture
Elga Monteiro
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Can't thank them enough for what they have done with my son. The staff really cares and it shows by their dedication of helping each client with tools to get them in a better place mentally. My son went in for anxiety and depression and by the end of it he was confident and excited about his future. He was given tools and resources to continue to get better. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't find this place. Best decision I made for my son.
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Mayra Zapata profile picture
Mayra Zapata
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I don’t have enough words of how thankful my family is with the center for helping us with my son. We where struggling with my adolescent with anxiety, depression, gaming addiction, and trouble cooping at school. The team is so professional, they really understand this age, but mostly of all they provide the tools and follow up for a successful recovery. My son is back in track, and mostly of all he is happy. Thank you Ben, Frank, Mike, Alyssa, Annie, and the rest of the team. We are very grateful.
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Brad Edwards profile picture
Brad Edwards
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I believe Adolescent Wellness Academy is the best help teenagers in Broward County can get. Their therapists are really top-notch and care. Highly recommended!
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Veronica Lesmes profile picture
Veronica Lesmes
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Principles Recovery Center/ Adolescent Wellness Academy has been critical in the progress my loved one has made. He has graduated from the program after 5 months with the tools and confidence to continue a path of sobriety and mental health. From the intake interview with Frank, to the parent support meetings with Mike, and the communication and follow through from Sophie- I cannot say enough good things about this Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents. Their ability to capture the interest of teenagers FIRST by building a community of their peers was instrumental in the progress of my family member and my family overall. My family member was held accountable by not only staff members but more importantly his peers. I have been a professional educator for decades and have now recommended this program to families who struggle with teenage substance abuse or mental health issues. Their clinical approach is research-based and consistent. But most significant is a personal touch and human connection that is genuine and authentic. They really care about these kids and it shows in the outcomes. Forever grateful I took the recommendation from staff member Rebecca ( a friend of my best friend) to enroll in the program. I remain optimistic that while there will always be bumps in the road when raising teenagers, we will all be better able to navigate and deal with what lies ahead.

Why Choose AWA

Our program’s positive impact and strong outcomes are the driving force behind our work. Seeing families thriving and witnessing the transformation of the teens fills us with a sense of purpose.

Satisfaction with staff & program
96%
Significant reduction of depression levels
91%
Program completion rate
86%
Residential-Teen-Therapy-In-Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Watch for red flags, ongoing sadness or anxiety, social withdrawal, trauma flashbacks, sudden aggression, substance use, or an unhealthy fixation on weight, food, and exercise. If you spot any of these behaviors, seek professional help; our teen mental health and psychiatry programs can step in early and make a lasting difference.

Medication may be recommended in some cases, but it is not a requirement for all teens. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s needs.

Parents play a crucial role in the recovery process. We involve families through therapy sessions, educational workshops, and support groups to ensure a collaborative approach to healing.

We provide aftercare planning, relapse prevention strategies, and access to support groups to help teens and their families maintain progress after completing the program.

Diego2

Diego Hernandez - Therapist (Davie)

Diego Hernandez is a Mental Health Counseling student completing his Master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University.

He is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and young adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who are navigating trauma, family conflict, depression, and anxiety.
Diego’s therapeutic approach centers on creating an empowering and supportive space where clients feel safe to fully express themselves. He integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients identify what truly matters to them and work toward meaningful, values-based change.

Diego also incorporates a systemic perspective, recognizing the importance of relationships and family dynamics in supporting long-term growth and emotional wellness.

Tatiana Shiber - Therapist (Davie)

Tatiana Lourenco Shiber, MS, RMHCI is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents navigating intellectual disabilities, trauma, self-harm, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. Tatiana has also worked with diverse populations providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
 
Tatiana’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Narrative therapy. Tatiana is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful change. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in their healing journey with compassion, authenticity, and respect.

Tiffany Rivera - Therapist (Davie)

Tiffany Rivera holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

With a passion for empowering young people, Tiffany specializes in client-centered approaches that foster trust, growth, and resilience. She brings a strong background in mentoring youth and supporting individuals struggling with substance use, always meeting clients with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Tiffany is known for her compassionate nature, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

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 - 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.