Depression Treatment for Troubled Teens

Life-changing care for teens experiencing mental health struggles and their families

GET IN TOUCH WITH AWA TODAY

**Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of an emergency. pleace call 911

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

The Adolescent Wellness Academy​ Teen Anxiety

The Adolescent Wellness Academy

We help troubled teens with anxiety feel safe, loved, and cared for as they heal.

Through our program, teens receive personalized support in a safe and nurturing environment, empowering them to overcome anxiety and thrive.

  • Holistic Understanding: We approach anxiety as a multifaceted issue, addressing its psychological, emotional, and social dimensions.
  • Evidence-Based Therapies: Our program incorporates proven therapeutic techniques tailored to each teen’s needs.
  • Family-Centered Support: We involve the entire family in healing, fostering communication and collaboration for lasting positive change.

Anxiety Treatment Programs

Therapeutic Day Program

Our teen anxiety therapeutic day program is a comprehensive full-day program covering 4-5 hours of treatment daily educational support to ensure your teen stays on track in school.

 

  • Weekly psychiatric assessment
  • 1 hour of individual therapy per week
  • 4 hours of daily therapeutic groups 
  • On-site school support
  • Clinical support for crisis management
  • Weekly Parent Support Group
  • Weekly parent coaching call
  • Nutritional support as required

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our IOP afterschool program is designed to address the challenges of teen anxiety. Covering 3 hours of dedicated treatment sessions, offered 3 to 5 days a week, provides a supportive environment where teens can openly discuss their struggles and work toward healing.

  • 1 hour of individual therapy per week
  • 3 hours of daily therapeutic groups
  • Clinical support for crisis management
  •  Weekly Parent Support Group
  • Weekly parent coaching call
  • Nutritional support as required

Getting Started

1

Reach Out

Call or email us, and we will get to know your loved one’s concerns. Our Admissions team will understand your teen’s needs. 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, patients 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.

What Parents ❤️ About AWA

95% of parents and teens recommend AWA

Dottie Eger
22:14 15 Apr 25
Finding AWA was a life changing experience for my daughter (and myself). I didn’t know where to turn and when I spoke with Anny on the phone (followed up by an in person visit), a sense of relief and calm washed over me. She was able to speak with my daughter on a human level, no judgment, no anger, just love and support. The program mixes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatry and community to help the teens accept, understand and move forward from whatever brought them to the program. From a parent’s perspective, I felt tremendous support from the entire staff. Never once did either of us feel like we weren’t loved or cared for. From Anny to Dr Jackie to Dr Maria to Carol to the therapists and everyone else that plays a part, the care is extraordinary. Mental health is a struggle and AWA is a safe community for teens to learn how to adapt, overcome and cope in healthy ways. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Marlene Velasco
18:52 15 Apr 25
There are many good things to say about AWA.
In December 2024, my 17-year-old daughter was having serious behavioral problems, AS, and was making an attempt on her life😢. When I spoke to the place they gave me an immediate appointment and when I arrived at the center Anie welcomed my husband, my daughter and me. She was very clear, respectful but with a lot of character (something that I appreciate 1000%), she scolded the three of us, she told us the problems that we as parents allow with our little girl, She spoke to us so loud and clear that I immediately assumed that we had a serious problem with our daughter but at the same time I felt a lot of peace because I realized that we were in the right place (God gave us this group of Angels dressed as people) and that was how my daughter decided for herself that she should take this path, The three of us attended each week for my daughter's start, and I must say that each of the people called: Reception, Therapists, floor hangers, coaches, etc. Each of them always received us with a smile and we never felt in their eyes that they were being judged or criticized for the situation. Every Thursday there is a parent meeting in a help section and it is something so healthy for our Souls and minds that this therapy helps us so much to understand the part that we did wrong and what we should not continue doing. To date, I must say that my daughter has recovered 200%, she is clean, she is happy with her life and with her family, she has goals, other friends, she is in better shape talking about nutrition since she had bulimia problems, she was in AWA almost four months and I must say that she is now living happily and we as parents continue working and our daughter also continues in therapy only once a week to reinforce everything she learned at AWA.
So if you ask me if I recommend this divine place? Yes 10000% 🥰
Thank you so much to everyone for your great support and help. ♥️ we will always be indebted to you!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
They have been a great help for my daughter, God's love is definitely in this place. Thank you so much !!!
Aleicia G
22:58 09 Apr 25
AWA is a great place for teens trying to cope with the different challenges they face as they navigate the teenage years. A caring team awaits you at AWA. One of the first persons you will probably interact with is Anny Smulevich. Anny does set the tone for the care and service you will receive. From the very first interaction you get the feeling that you are in a safe , non-judgmental space. Your teens will love her. You will feel as if you are not alone on this journey . Thank you Anny, thank you AWA !
matthew langford
18:12 26 Feb 25
I have the pleasure of working with Anny, as she effectively takes care of our referrals from our facility. I always recommend their programs and facility to families and community , they have a caring staff and strong programs. I highly recommend their services and im proud to call them a community partner and a referral partner.
Danielle Worthalter
23:27 14 Feb 25
AWA is great! They have wonderful staff who genuinely care about their clients. I specifically loved Anny and how welcoming/compassionate she was at every step of the way!
Mika Fabre
19:33 14 Feb 25
Kicked me out for no reason other than “they don’t work with suicidal people” How can someone treat their issues if they can’t talk about them? Also demanded I drop my psychologist to be a part of their program and we’re insanely rude to her when she called to see what happened.
Ivette OrtA
15:22 02 Jan 25
This place is wonderful, it helped us change our lives and that of our son, Anny is a being of light, God bless you!!!

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%
Our teen anxiety therapy significantly reduced the anxiety levels of 91% of our clients
91%
Program completion rate
86%
Why Choose AWA​ - Teen Anxiety

Your care is
covered here

We understand that you have more pressing concerns right now, the cost of teen mental health and substance abuse treatment 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.

Our Teen Depression Treatment Locations

Facilities for troubled teens depression treatment and therapies are available at the following locations:

Our dedicated team

Our compassionate team goes above and beyond to support you and your troubled teen on the healing journey.

We have an experienced clinical team with several mental health experts and multiple specializations.

Here, your family is in great hands! 

What Makes Adolescent Wellness Academy Different

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. Together, everyone plays a role in supporting each other while our clinicians create a safe space for this supportive community to flourish.

  • Building resilience
  • Fostering self-discovery and awareness
  • AWA offers a treatment experience beyond managing symptoms, aiming for transformative healing and lasting change
  • Engaging in creative and experiential activities offers various clinical benefits.
  • Our programs demystify mental health
  • Family Connection

Our programs demystify mental health

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we specialize in connecting with troubled teens and their families, making mental health support more accessible and approachable. Our clinicians break down barriers, speaking a language that both teens and parents resonate with, to provide meaningful support for adolescent anxiety.

Take the first step toward support with a free consultation.

AWA - Teen Marijuana Use

What AWA Anxiety Therapy Treats

Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. It’s likely that for many people, there is a complicated combination of factors – although different people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others.

Other mental health issues that are commonly treated within anxiety

Mental health issues often overlap and can coexist with anxiety. Some commonly treated mental health issues that may accompany or be related to anxiety include:

Anxiety symptoms can manifest in various ways, but alterations in your teen’s emotions and behaviors may include the following:

  • Intense feelings of worry or fear
  • Sense of impending doom or catastrophe
  • Easily irritated or agitated mood
  • Withdrawal from usual activities or social interactions
  • Conflict or avoidance with family and friends
  • Decreased self-confidence or self-worth
  • Persistent feelings of inadequacy or guilt
  • Dwelling on past mistakes or excessive self-criticism
  • Heightened sensitivity to criticism or rejection, seeking constant reassurance
  • Difficulty concentrating, decision-making, or remembering tasks
  • Persistent belief that life is fraught with dangers and uncertainty
  • Frequent preoccupation with thoughts of worst-case scenarios or potential harm
  • Changes in behavior
  • Decline in academic performance or increased school absences

Substance Use Disorders:  some individuals may use substances as a way to cope with or alleviate symptoms of anxiety, leading to a cycle of addiction and worsening mental health.

Schizophrenia: is primarily characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and impaired cognitive functioning; individuals with schizophrenia may also experience co-occurring anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are often associated with anxiety.

Benefits for teens receiving treatment

Teens receive educational support to ensure they stay on track in school while pursuing their therapeutic goals.
We recognize that personal growth involves self-discovery, and the pace of this journey varies for each individual. Teens participate in the program for 4-12 weeks and then drop down to our lower level of care (IOP).

Each client has an individualized treatment plan developed by a multidisciplinary treatment team. Our program offers a mix of individual and group therapy where families are fully involved.

Our program also offers a community where teens (and parents) experience a sense of belonging. In groups, teens learn from each other, find other teens going throught the same challenges as them, practice compassion and develop social skills. This is where the real magic happens.

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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How to tell if your child may be struggling with anxiety

What to look for

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Experiencing excessive worry or fear
  • Feelings of restlessness or being on edge
  • Fear of losing control 
  • Avoidance of certain situations or activities

Symptoms your child may be experiencing

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Fatigue or low energy levels
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches
  • Irritability or moodiness

If you notice these signs in your child, it’s important not to brush them off as everyday stress or typical behavior. Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that requires attention and support. Ignoring these symptoms can exacerbate the anxiety and potentially lead to harmful consequences.

It’s crucial to approach your child with empathy and understanding and to seek professional help from a mental health provider who can provide appropriate guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the proper treatment and support system in place, there is hope for your child to manage their anxiety and feel better.

Cases of major anxiety among teens ages sixteen and seventeen rose by an overwhelming
0 %

Teen Anxiety

Anxiety manifests uniquely in each person, but it commonly presents with persistent and overpowering feelings of worry and fear, which can significantly disrupt daily functioning. 

Recent statistics reveal that over 11% of adolescents and teenagers report experiencing at least one major anxiety episode within the past year. Furthermore, the prevalence of anxiety disorders among young people has been steadily increasing since 2012, with approximately 14% of teens aged thirteen to seventeen now affected.

It’s crucial to recognize that there are gender disparities in anxiety diagnoses. Adolescent girls are more than twice as likely as boys in the same age group to experience anxiety.

Increased suicide rate among teens ages eighteen to nineteen between 2008 and 2017
0 %
One out of five girls ages twelve to seventeen had experienced major depression within the last year
0
Lifetime cases of mental illness begin at 14 years of age
0 %
of lifetime cases of mental illness begin at 14 years of age
0 /10

Frequently Asked Questions

Signs that your teenager may need therapy for anxiety include excessive worry or fear, avoidance of certain situations or activities, physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and frequent complaints of physical ailments without medical cause. If you notice these symptoms significantly impacting your teenager’s daily life and functioning, seeking professional help is crucial.

The duration of teen anxiety therapy programs can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the anxiety, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the individual progress of the teenager. Some therapy programs may last for a few weeks to several months, while others may extend for a year or longer, depending on the specific needs of the teenager.

Parents often play a vital role in supporting their teenager’s participation in therapy and facilitating their recovery from anxiety. This may involve attending family therapy sessions, providing emotional support at home, helping to implement strategies learned in therapy, and collaborating with the therapist to create a supportive environment for their teenager to practice coping skills.

It’s not uncommon for teenagers to be resistant to therapy, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed or ashamed about their anxiety. In such cases, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with your teenager about the importance of seeking help and addressing their concerns or reservations about therapy. You may also consider involving a trusted family member, friend, or mental health professional to help encourage your teenager to participate in therapy.

Supporting your teenager’s recovery from anxiety doesn’t end when they complete a therapy program. It’s essential to continue providing love, understanding, and encouragement, as well as helping them practice the coping skills and strategies they learned in therapy. Additionally, staying connected with their therapist or mental health provider can help ensure ongoing support and follow-up care as needed.

Teen anxiety therapy refers to specialized programs or interventions designed to help teenagers cope with and manage feelings of anxiety. These programs often include counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, and other therapeutic approaches tailored to the specific needs of adolescents struggling with anxiety.

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

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.