Journeys & The Dipoto Counseling Group

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Adolescent Mood & Behavior Problems
depression  anxiety  bipolar  oppositional  substance abuse

Why Group Therapy?
Group therapy (Intensive Outpatient Program) works well because it involves other teens who are experiencing some of the same problems as the client. This helps to break down the feelings of isolation and shame that a teen often feels.  The peer environment is where teens are the most open to new ideas, ways of thinking and more free to talk about the real problems that are troubling them.

My teen says they are FINE and wouldn't be willing to get help.
Obviously something has brought you to question if your teen and family needs extra help right now.  It's not unusual for the teen to initially refuse help or even view it as punishment.  Overcoming this hurdle can be the hardest step because once they become engaged in the program and begin to realize that there is relief and help, they will quickly change their minds.

Try talking to your teen as a "try it and see" approach.  We can help you through this, just call and one of our clinicians will be glad to talk to you about this and other approaches before it turns into a yelling match and nobody benefits.
 When are Teenage Problems a real Problem?

We all know that as a teenager, its naturally a difficult time of life and one of most challenging for parents as well.  Teens are going through a lot of changes as they begin to strike out on their own to be more independent, trying to establish who they are and where they fit in the world.

However, anyone can become overwhelmed or experiment with choices that lead them down a dangerous path.  So, how do you know when your teenager needs help and it's not just a "stage"?

  • Unexplained decline in school
  • Isolation from some groups of friends
  • Unexplained anger or rage
  • Change in appearance or personal hygiene
  • Being secretive or hiding their current friends
  • Refusing to explain where they've been
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Unexplained cuts, burns or wounds
  • Threatening to hurt themselves
  • Friends, teachers or coaches are concerned
  • Seeming to give up or not care

When a teen's problems or behaviors begin to interfere with their performance - either socially or academically - it's time to start looking for some help.  You have probably already experienced that your teen may not always come to you or confide in you like they once did.  That's why having a professional, objective therapist work with them in a controlled environment of peers works best.

Don't let denial kill your teen. Get help now.
As with any treatment, deciding to get help can be one of the most difficult steps of recovery.  Often the person may be hesitant or even deny that they have a problem.  This is when the courage of family and friends, insisting on treatment, can save their loved one's life.   Once engaged in treatment and recovery, the once hesitant person will begin to realize the relief and benefits of a more balanced lifestyle and back on the right path.

 

How do we begin?

All treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment along with close collaboration with your physician and other providers whom the client sees, such as a therapist or psychiatrist.  If the client does not have a therapist or psychiatrist we can refer you to one.

After an assessment, usually an hour session, a treatment plan and goals will be developed.  If the client is a good candidate for one of Journeys' programs, they may be able to start the program within a day or two.  Delays in care are avoided at all costs.  The Adolescent Mood & Behavior Intensive Outpatient Program is held three days or three evenings per week, usually for 2 1/2 hours per session. Most clients are able to successfully graduate in four to eight weeks.  One session per week includes the family or loved ones, we insist that they attend or make individual arrangements.

Please call us 24/7 if you or a loved one is needing help

              816-304-3251         816-304-3251 or               816-885-7439         816-885-7439.
 The initial assessment is free and can usually be conducted same day or next day.

If you are not in crisis and have a general question you may use the form below.
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