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Adolescents

Adolescents

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents

If your teenager is dealing with psychiatric or behavioral issues, you may be familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness practices. What you might not know is that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates aspects of both practices in one intensive, structured program for adolescents who face extreme emotional instability. DBT works by focusing on your adolescent’s acceptance of their feelings (mindfulness), and learning to adapt their thinking to change their experience (cognitive behavioral therapy). For teens dealing with depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicidal ideation, DBT offers a proven approach that can help.

Our Residential DBT Treatment Program

While the approach and implementation of our full-immersion DBT program at Midwest Center for Youth & Families may be adapted for the age and sex of the youth we serve, each resident’s treatment will include the following:

  • Your teen will be immersed in a youth-centered, validating, supportive therapeutic environment where DBT-trained staff will work daily with your adolescent to teach, coach and give them feedback on their progress.
  • We complete a comprehensive emotional, physical, intellectual, social and psychiatric needs assessment and evaluation for every individual admitted to our program.
  • Your teenager will have an individualized treatment plan developed just for them — one that is geared to their unique needs, strengths, attributes and diagnosis.
  • A multi-disciplinary treatment team will plan, provide and evaluate your adolescent’s treatment and progress in coordination with the resident, their family and the referral source.
  • Your teen may benefit from the regularly scheduled therapeutic program on every unit:
    • Weekly individual therapy
    • Substance abuse treatment for youth who require education regarding substance use and its impact on their mental health
    • Psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring
    • Daily, specialized, age-appropriate and gender-focused group therapy
    • Weekly family therapy
    • Equine Assisted Therapy
    • Activity groups using music, art, teambuilding, ropes course and pet therapy
  • Our family-inclusive DBT treatment program requires and provides for family education, participation and visitation with their child.
  • Licensed nursing staff is present on every unit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to give oversight and medical support to your adolescent.
  • Ongoing, year-round, core curriculum education for primary and secondary grades is provided by licensed teachers in our on-grounds, accredited school.
  • Our locked residential units provide a secure environment for your child.
  • A nutrition screening and meal plan are developed for all residents by a licensed dietician.
  • Community-based recreational activities and outings planned and organized by a recreational therapist allow your adolescent to practice their newly learned DBT skills in a natural setting.
  • Services are designed and implemented in a culturally sensitive framework to acknowledge and honor differences among individuals, families and communities.

Take the First Step

Find out how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at Midwest Center for Youth & Families can help your child find hope and healing. Call 888-629-3471 for a no-cost, confidential assessment. If you or your loved one need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.