Supporting Teen Mental Health Close to Home
Growing up on the South Shore brings both opportunities and challenges for today’s teens. Between the pressures of academics, friendships, sports, and social media, many young people in Braintree and surrounding South Shore communities are struggling with their mental health. At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness (MCAW), we specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based care designed specifically for adolescents 13 to 17 years old.
Our goal is simple: To help teens stabilize, build resilience, and return to their daily lives with confidence and hope for the future.
Understanding Adolescent Mental Health Challenges
Adolescence is a time of rapid change. For many, it can feel overwhelming. Teens in Braintree and across the South Shore may face:
- Academic pressures that lead to stress, anxiety, or perfectionism.
- Social challenges such as bullying, peer pressure, or isolation.
- Family dynamics that add conflict or strain during these formative years.
- Substance use risks, which sometimes develop as a way to cope with difficult emotions.
Left untreated, issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use disorders can interfere with school success, friendships, and overall well-being. That’s why early, specialized treatment is so important.
Accessible South Shore Mental Health Care for Teens
At MCAW, we’re proud to serve families in Braintree, Quincy, Weymouth, Hingham, and the greater South Shore region. We provide a safe, supportive environment where teens can:
- Work through challenges in individual and group therapy
- Rebuild confidence and strengthen coping skills
- Connect with peers who are facing similar struggles
- Involve their families in treatment through family therapy and education
Our programs, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), are designed to balance treatment with home life. This helps ensure that teens get the structure they need without being separated from their families.
The Power of Early Intervention
When it comes to teen mental health, timing matters. Addressing concerns early helps prevent bigger problems later, such as worsening depression, school failure, or risky behaviors.
Early intervention can:
- Reduce the impact of anxiety, depression, or trauma on school and social life
- Provide teens with healthy coping strategies before habits become destructive
- Strengthen family bonds and communication during a difficult season of life
- Give adolescents the tools to thrive as they transition into adulthood
For families in Braintree and throughout the South Shore, MCAW offers immediate access to structured care. Our compassionate admissions team is ready to guide you through the process.
What We Treat at MCAW
Our clinical team addresses a wide range of adolescent mental health conditions with an integrated, evidence-based approach. Each treatment plan is personalized to the teen’s needs and includes family involvement and peer support.
Anxiety Disorders
Adolescents with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorders often struggle with school performance, friendships, and daily functioning. We use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and skills training to help teens regulate their anxiety.
Depression and Mood Disorders
Persistent sadness, irritability, or withdrawal from activities may signal depression. We provide therapy, psychiatric support, and family education to stabilize mood, rebuild self-esteem, and encourage resilience.
Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can deeply affect a teen’s ability to feel safe and connected. Our trauma-informed care includes TF-CBT, group therapy, and expressive therapies that allow teens to process experiences in a safe environment. We work to provide space for teens to reflect on their emotions and experiences.
ADHD and Behavioral Challenges
Symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can interfere with school and relationships. We support teens with behavioral strategies, executive functioning skills, and academic collaboration.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation
If your teen is engaging in self-harm or expressing suicidal thoughts, immediate and structured support is crucial. MCAW provides a safe environment, close monitoring, crisis intervention, and safety planning for both teens and families.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Adolescents may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, peer pressure, or underlying emotional pain. At MCAW, we provide specialized treatment that helps teens break free from substance use while building healthier coping strategies. Our programs provide individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement to address all aspects of substance use, supporting both immediate recovery and long-term success.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many teens face both a mental health disorder and a substance use challenge at the same time. This is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. At MCAW, we take an integrated approach that treats both conditions together. By addressing the underlying mental health issues fueling substance use (such as anxiety, depression, or trauma) teens can develop the skills, resilience, and stability needed to maintain lasting recovery.
Other Conditions We Treat
Our Programs and Levels of Care
We offer a continuum of care so each adolescent receives the right level of support at the right time. MCAW helps adolescents continue their treatment and recovery journey through each level of care, ensuring ongoing support. Outpatient counseling is also available as part of our support options.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Structured, intensive day program (5 days per week, about 5 to 6 hours/day)
- Includes individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatry, expressive arts, and wellness activities
- Designed for stabilization and crisis prevention while allowing teens to return home each evening
Afterschool Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Flexible schedule (3 to 4 days per week, about 3 hours/day)
- Ideal as a step down from PHP or as an alternative to weekly outpatient therapy
- Helps teens balance treatment with school responsibilities
Aftercare Program & Alumni Support
- Ongoing support to sustain progress after treatment
- Consistent aftercare, clear communication, and empathetic support.
- Includes relapse prevention planning, peer groups, and alumni events
- Ensures a smooth transition back to school, home, and community
Support for LGBTQ Teens
- Culturally responsive care in a safe, affirming environment: Our team is trained to understand and support LGBTQ adolescents with respect, dignity, and sensitivity, while building a strong therapeutic relationship that fosters trust and growth.
- Specialized treatment tailored to identity exploration, gender-affirming care, and the unique stressors of LGBTQ youth: Including peer relationships, family dynamics, coming out, and mental health challenges.
- Integrated therapeutic modalities (individual, group, family therapy) combined with supportive community resources: We work to secure these resources to promote resilience, self-acceptance, and long-term emotional wellness.
Therapies We Use
Our clinicians use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapy modalities to treat adolescents. This helps them to engage actively in their healing process, set meaningful therapy goals, and work toward positive change. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To challenge negative thought patterns and help teens monitor their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for better self-regulation
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): To build emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Family Therapy: To strengthen communication, support systems, and collaboratively set and pursue therapy goals
- Group Therapy: To practice skills in a supportive peer environment and benefit from the shared experience of healing with others
- Art & Music Therapy: To encourage creative expression and use play-based techniques, such as roleplay and expressive activities, to facilitate deep and lasting healing
- Mindfulness & Stress Management: To reduce anxiety and improve focus
Family Involvement
We believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Family therapy is a key component of our program, ensuring that parents and guardians are included throughout the process with:
- Family therapy sessions focused on improving communication and supporting healthy relationships
- Parent education workshops, including resources for couples
- Guidance on how to support your teen at home, helping couples and families strengthen their bonds
- Collaboration with schools and outside providers
Admissions and Insurance
- Free, confidential assessment
- Insurance verification and financial consultation, including checking if your plan is in-network and reviewing the different forms of payment accepted (such as insurance, self-pay, and financial aid)
- Clinical evaluation and treatment recommendation
- Creation of a personalized treatment plan, including completing necessary forms and submitting the correct form for treatment
Why Families Choose MCAW for South Shore Mental Health Treatment
- Specialized focus on adolescents 13 to 17 years old
- Licensed, experienced clinical team
- Safe, inclusive environment (including LGBTQ+ affirming care)
- Convenient location on the South Shore of Massachusetts
- Continuum of care, from PHP to IOP to Aftercare
- Commitment to long-term success, not just short-term stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my teen needs more than outpatient therapy?
If your teen’s symptoms are disrupting their daily life, school attendance, or personal safety, structured care like PHP or IOP may be necessary.
Can my teen stay in school during treatment?
Yes. Our IOP program is designed to balance school and treatment schedules, while the PHP program provides academic support during treatment.
Do parents participate in treatment?
Yes. Family involvement is a core part of our program.
What ages do you serve?
We treat adolescents ages 13 to 17.
How can I meet with a clinician or schedule an appointment?
You can meet with a clinician by contacting our office to schedule an appointment. We offer flexible options to arrange a time that works for you and your teen.
Do you accept insurance, and what information do I need to provide?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Please have your insurance number ready when you contact us to verify coverage.
See Our South Shore Location
Find Us in Braintree, MA
MCAW – South Shore
35 Braintree Hill Office Park
Braintree, MA 02184
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child’s struggles don’t have to define their future. With the right support, recovery and resilience are possible. At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we’re here to help teens regain stability, rediscover hope, and reconnect with the things that matter most. Contact us today to speak directly with our admissions team and learn more about how our programs can help.