Teens need mental health support, now more than ever. Recent studies show that youth mental health is on the decline. Research from Mental Health America reveals 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have severe major depression, compared to 9.2% in the prior year. This rate was highest among youth who identify as more than one race, at 12.4%. The prevalence of mental health diagnoses was on the rise before COVID-19 but continues on this trajectory, fueled by the modified ways in which teens have had to live. Even in states with the most access, over 38% do not receive sufficient mental health services. Among kids with severe depression, only 27.3% had consistent treatment.
Children and teens are struggling most with their mental health. Not only are the number of kids in need of help with their mental health increasing, but throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, youth ages 11-17 are more likely than any other age group to experience moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
These stats can feel overwhelming to all of us. This period over the last year has forced many to adapt and find resilience, something that is easier for some than others. Our youth have suffered significantly through this time and need the guidance and skills to make it through to not only survive but learn to thrive. Luckily, there are positives to all of this.
The Good News
The good news is that we know what we all need – we know the ways to address these problems. What’s more, this is what we do each day. The goal is to teach teens and parents how to cope with the day-to-day stressors of life. Here at SCAW, our work is about teaching the skills to empower teens to live full and happy lives by treating the underlying issues of mental health struggles. There are very practical tools we can apply each day to manage emotions, increase feelings of positivity and well-being, and boost resilience.
Teen Mental Health Support
At SoCal Adolescent Wellness, we treat teens, ages 13-18, struggling with teen depression, teen anxiety, trauma, and teenage mental health issues. We use evidence-based methodologies such as psychoeducation, traditional psychiatry, medication management, emotional support, self-regulation skills, attachment-based therapies, and experiential therapies. The program at SoCal Adolescent Wellness is designed to enhance the everyday lives of teens and families. Through our clinical excellence and individualized approach, we inspire healing and empower change in parents and teens alike. We are passionate about what we do.
SoCal Adolescent Wellness approaches adolescent mental health with clinical expertise, creativity, compassion, and 25+ years combined experience in working with adolescents and families. Each of our primary clinicians are master’s level licensed therapists, that focus on empirically supported therapies proven to build mental wellness.