Support for Adolescents and Teens Struggling With Mental Health
Whether a teen is struggling with a mental illness or is simply going through a hard time, it’s important that they have the support and tools needed to cope in a healthy way. That’s not something we’re born knowing how to do. It’s something we learn.
Although growing up is rarely easy, some young people have a more difficult time than others. So, what do you need to know about how to help a teenager with mental health issues?
There are different types of mental health conditions, treatment programs, and therapy options. There are some dos and don’ts that can be helpful for parents to know if a child comes to them for support. All of it can be overwhelming. If you’re here, you’re doing a great job.
Artemis Adolescent Healing Center is a leader in Arizona youth behavioral health services. We provide Joint Commission-accredited mental health and addiction treatment services for teens and adolescents, supporting young people and their families with their unique needs in mind.
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How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues: Why Treatment Matters
Worldwide, about 1 in 7 people aged 10-17 have a mental health disorder.[1] But, anyone can struggle with their mental health. Adolescent and teenage years are often very challenging times, riddled with change, pressure, and new responsibilities.
Anyone can benefit from therapy. Teens may get mental health services to:
- Manage stress.
- Learn how to express and cope with feelings in healthy ways.
- Reduce symptoms of mental health disorders (people with some mental health problems may recover fully, no longer meeting criteria for a disorder).
- Navigate situations or events, like grief, loss, or life transitions (e.g., moving, divorce).
- Build problem-solving skills and increase self-efficacy.
- Treat substance abuse and lower relapse risk.
These are just some examples of therapy outcomes and goals. We work from an individualized perspective and are here to help your teen meet theirs.
Finding Out More About Mental Health Support for Teens and Adolescents at Artemis
Our center is a supportive environment for young people and their families. Here’s a little bit about who we help, the treatment options at Artemis, and some of the main therapies we use.
Who We Help: Conditions Treated Successfully
Artemis Adolescent Healing Center helps teens and adolescents looking for mental health care in Arizona. We work with concerns including, but not limited to:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder).
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Emotional dysregulation.
- Personality disorders.
- Schizophrenia and related disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Self-harm.
- Substance abuse.
Our diverse team of experts makes it possible for the youth in our programs to get the effective, tailored care they deserve.
What Therapies Are Used in Effective Adolescent Mental Health Care Settings?
There are many types of therapy that are considered evidence-based. At Artemis, we take a personalized approach that combines the most effective treatments for your child’s concern(s) and needs. These may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Dialectical behavior therapy.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
- Supportive holistic treatments and healthy activities (e.g., yoga, physical activity).
- Experiential therapy (e.g., expressive arts).
- Acceptance and commitment therapy.
- Psychodynamic therapy.
- Motivational therapies.
Medication management services are available for youth who benefit from or already take medication. Though not all teens will need medication, it’s important to have a provider you can trust if they do.
Getting Involved in Your Child’s Care
At Artemis, family involvement is strongly encouraged. Visitation is allowed. If your child is in residential inpatient treatment, you can come see them. Clients at all levels of care are encouraged to participate in family therapy alongside group and individual therapy sessions.
Family members also play an important role in aftercare planning and supporting youth at home. Our team will work with you to create optimal circumstances for your child. Things like structured routines and school accommodations, for example, benefit many teens and adolescents.
Dos and Don’ts for Supporting Teens and Adolescents Struggling with Mental Health
Parents and other loved ones can be an incredible support for young people who are struggling with their mental health. Here are some dos and don’ts if you’re wondering how to help a teenager with mental health issues.
Do:
- Stay calm.
- Listen and validate.
- Seek professional help.
- Keep an open dialogue about mental health.
- Help teens create safety plans*.
Don’t:
- Get angry. Take a moment to cool down before you talk if you need to.
- Dismiss or minimize. Some events might feel bigger to teens than they do to adults. Rather than focus on the event itself or try to fix it, focus on your teen’s feelings.
- Ignore it. Mental health issues are easier to treat early.[2] If left unaddressed, they often worsen. They can affect everything from physical health to relationships, school, and work.
- Make it about you. Mental health challenges can happen to anyone. It doesn’t indicate a flaw in you or your family. Express empathy for the teen’s distress and let them know you’re there.
*A safety plan is something people make to turn to during times of active crisis or distress. It includes things like coping strategies and phone numbers (e.g., hotlines, friends) to call when they need support. Therapists may help teens make safety plans as part of their care.
Call Artemis for Proven Teen Treatment Program Support
Artemis Adolescent Healing Center works with teens of all backgrounds and walks of life who are dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns. We have a multidisciplinary team of providers with a wide range of specialties.
Our center in Tucson accepts most forms of insurance. We’re passionate about the quality of care we provide and are determined to make the highest-quality treatment services accessible to youth and families.
Call our admissions line for trusted youth mental health services in Arizona today. It will always be confidential and cost-free, so please reach out for support and options now.
Many Forms of Insurance Accepted
Emergency and Crisis Resources for Teen Mental Health (Nationwide and Arizona Specific)
Artemis is not a crisis center. If you or your teen needs immediate support, the following resources can help.
Connections Tucson Crisis Response Center
- Connections provides walk-in crisis care for teens and adults.
- Phone: (520) 301-2400
- 2802 East District Street
- Tucson, AZ 85714
- Open 24/7/365.
Arizona Statewide Crisis Lifeline
- Call 1-844-534-HOPE (4673).
- Text 4HOPE (44673).
- Call or text 602-248-8336.
YouthLine is a free peer support hotline for youth up to age 24. To get in touch with Youthline:
- Call 1-877-968-8491.
Text teen2teen to 839863. - Email teen2teen@linesforlife.org.
- Call or text 988.
- Text “HOME” to 741741.
The Trevor Project is for LGBTQ youth aged 24 and under.
- Call 1-866-488-7386.
- Text “start” to 678-678.
Teens can also start a chat on The Trevor Project’s website.
References
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health of adolescents. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
- Early identification of mental health issues in young people. Mental Health America. (2025, July 10). https://mhanational.org/position-statements/early-identification-of-mental-health-issues-in-young-people/
