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Residential Teen Therapy

Residential-Teen-Therapy-In-Miami

Residential Teen Therapy is a specialized program where teens live in a facility for an extended period, combining individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic care, providing comprehensive support for teens.

These programs offer a full-time therapeutic environment that removes adolescents from negative influences and allows them to focus entirely on their recovery.

These programs are designed to meet the needs of teens who require intensive, 24/7 care in a structured setting, allowing them to focus on their emotional and psychological healing. Adolescent Wellness Academy works alongside multiple local residential teen therapy facilities.

Teens in these programs benefit from a combination of therapeutic interventions and educational support to ensure they stay on track academically while pursuing their personal healing. The length of stay typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual’s needs and progress. After completing residential care, teens often step down to a lower level of care, such as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Each client receives an individualized treatment plan developed by a multidisciplinary team. Residential programs include a mix of individual therapy, group therapy, and family involvement to provide well-rounded support.

In addition to therapy, teens experience the benefits of a strong community, where they can connect with peers facing similar challenges. This sense of belonging fosters compassion, social skill development, and emotional growth—where the "real magic" happens.

Residential-Teen-Therapy

Care for teens

Residential Teen Therapy is often the best option for adolescents whose mental health issues are too severe for outpatient care. It can be beneficial for teens who are dealing with:

  • Severe Depression or Anxiety
  • Trauma or PTSD
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Behavioral Issues and Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm
  • Eating Disorders
  • ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Care for parents

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

“AWA’s clinical approach is research-based and consistent. But most significant there is a personal touch and human connection that is genuine and authentic. The team really care about these kids, and it shows in the outcomes.”

Veronica, parent of AWA client

“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 that involves both the parents and the kids and allows the kids to share with their peers in a safe place. It focuses on the roots of issues rather than just the symptoms.”

K Anderson, parent of AWA client

What the program looks like?

Teens begin their day with on-site schooling, where a certified teacher helps them stay on track academically. This ensures that they can continue their education while focusing on their mental health. After schoolwork, the therapeutic portion of the day begins with group therapy sessions, where evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and experiential therapies are implemented.

Teens participate in a structured daily schedule that includes individual therapy, family therapy, and community activities aimed at personal growth.
Residential Teen Therapy programs provide a safe space where teens can heal, grow, and prepare for a healthier future.

Residential-Teen-Therapy-Program
Residential-Teen-Therapy-In-Florida

Residential Teen Therapy incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, led by certified therapists. In addition to traditional therapies, teens benefit from holistic approaches like nutritional education, art and music therapy, yoga, mindfulness practices, and spoken word activities. The program helps teens develop greater self-awareness while equipping them with practical coping skills to manage the emotional and behavioral challenges they face in today’s world.

Reach out today to learn more about how residential teen therapy can help your teenager manage their mental illness.

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

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 
We accept most insurance but do not take Medicaid at this time.

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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.