As the parent of a teenager, you’ve likely witnessed a range of fickle, moody behaviors. Some of the behaviors are typical of 12 to17-year-olds who are in transition toward young adulthood. But your teen’s moods and actions could cause you to wonder if a teen crisis intervention program in Boise is necessary.
When teens struggle to regulate their emotions or behavior, they may resort to harming themselves or others. If you would like a professional assessment on whether your child could benefit from teen crisis intervention, contact Imagine Boise today at 888.597.2807.
Signs that Your Child Needs Teen Crisis Counseling
Most teens experience emotional crises, but how they respond to these events is crucial. Unhealthy responses to an issue may compromise their emotional and physical well-being.
Experts in crisis intervention for teens have identified several specific signals that indicate the need for teen crisis counseling. Those critical signs include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Frequent crying
- Rapid weight changes
- Erratic mood swings
- Confusion, poor memory
- Social isolation
- Ongoing physical complaints
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Self-destructive behaviors
Teens haven’t yet developed problem-solving skills that aid in managing or regulating emotions. As such, they may default to the fight-or-flight response when confronted with something they perceive as a threat. Teen crisis intervention will help them develop effective coping skills to apply in these situations.
Is It Normal Behavior for a Teen?
Many of the signs of emotional distress in a teen can be attributed to typical teen behavior. It’s challenging to differentiate between times when the behavior will resolve itself or times that may call for crisis intervention for teens.
You can observe your teen’s daily life to help you determine whether their actions are a sign of serious problems. Recurring problems at school or with friends can indicate your teen could benefit from teen crisis counseling.
If your teen exhibits the following signs, you should seek professional help immediately:
- Despondence or depression
- Running away from home
- Substance use
- Poor performance in school
- Illegal activities
- Increased defiance
- Sexual acting-out
- Anger or violence
These signs could continue to get worse, so it’s not a good idea to wait and see if they will eventually go away. Brief periods of normalcy are common, which may lead you to believe that your teen has overcome the crisis. However, it’s just part of a cycle that escalates, subsides, and then resurfaces in many cases.
What Is the First Step in Getting Teen Crisis Intervention in Boise?
Some parents experience a range of emotions when their teen is misbehaving. You may feel guilty for not noticing the signs sooner. You may regret not doing more to protect your teen from their struggles with the issues they face. However, it’s important not to allow these emotions to interfere with getting help for your teen.
The first step is to get a professional medical assessment. Some teens suffer from undiagnosed mental or physical disorders that may contribute to their behavior. If your teen is taking prescription medications for diabetes, depression, chronic pain, or other conditions, the medication could be causing some of their symptoms.
Adolescent Mental Health Treatment at Imagine Boise
If you are seeking a trusted teen crisis intervention program, we offer mental health services for adolescents who need an intensive level of outpatient care. Our integrated approach to treatment addresses physical and mental conditions concurrently.
We work with teens and their families to identify the root causes of their behaviors or substance use. Our day treatment program consists of 30 hours of sessions per week or 6 hours per day, five days a week. Teens also benefit from our assistance with transition planning to ensure a seamless reintegration into their community.
Are you interested in learning more about our programs for crisis intervention in Boise? If so, contact Imagine Boise at 888.597.2807 today.