What to expect from teen substance abuse and mental health treatment

If your teen is experiencing challenges with mental health and substance abuse, we’re here to help.

Teen Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program specialists will work with your teen to understand their exact needs and create a personalized care plan to help them live a healthier lifestyle.

Recovery involves the entire family – not just your teen. We offer education and support, including ways to open the lines of communication between you and your teen while encouraging and rewarding positive changes.

What to expect

Helping your teen overcome substance abuse and mental health issues takes time. Here's how our process works:

• Step 1: Make the call

  Your first step is calling our intake coordinator. They will walk you through a few questions to gather information and get a history of your teen’s substance use and mental health issues. Then we’ll schedule your first appointments.

  You can pay with help from insurance or Medicaid. Some patients are referred to us by their doctor, but you don’t need a physician referral for services. If you’re not sure if our program is the right fit for your teen, give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss the circumstances leading up to seeking help. If we are not the right program, we will provide appropriate referrals for your teen so that you can get the help you need.

  Call us at 214-456-7200 to speak with our intake coordinator.

• Step 2: Initial assessment

  Your teen’s first appointment will be with the medical director of our program, David Atkinson, M.D., and the teen’s primary therapist. Together, they’ll do a comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical history, physical exam and a psychiatric assessment. You will also have an opportunity to meet with the psychiatrist and therapist alone to discuss any concerns you may have. This collaborative approach allows our team to get a complete picture of your family’s needs and goals.

• Step 3: Moving forward

  Your teen will participate in individual and family sessions with their therapist. This part of the program is focused on increasing motivation and readiness for change and will continue for two to four weeks.

  When they are ready, your teen will enter our intensive outpatient program. This is a five-week program where teens participate in group therapy for three evenings per week. Parents also participate in group therapy with their teen once per week.

  Your teen’s care doesn’t end once they have completed our program. You can expect our team to stay in touch, answer any questions, and offer follow-up care and support to help your teen stay healthy.