Supporting Teen Mental Health Across the North Shore
Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and for many families on the North Shore of Massachusetts, it can feel overwhelming. Between academic pressures, friendships, sports, and social media, many young people in Peabody, Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Danvers, and surrounding North Shore communities are struggling with their mental health and behavioral health concerns.
At the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness (MCAW), we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care designed specifically for adolescents ages 13–17. We provide comprehensive support for children and adolescents, recognizing the importance of age-appropriate, developmentally sensitive care. Our mission is to help teens stabilize, build resilience, and return to their daily lives with confidence and hope for the future. Our approach ensures that every young person receives care delivered with compassion.
Understanding Adolescent Mental Health Challenges
Teens in the North Shore face many of the same challenges as their peers nationwide, but with unique community pressures. Some mental health challenges, including various mental illnesses, can begin in childhood, making early intervention crucial. Early support can prevent the progression of mental illnesses into adulthood. These may include:
- Academic demands that lead to stress, anxiety, or perfectionism.
- Social pressures, including bullying, peer influence, and the impact of social media.
- Family stressors that can strain relationships at home.
- Substance use risks may begin as a way to cope with emotional struggles.
- Building resilience to help teens manage adversity and prepare for the unique challenges faced by young adults.
Without treatment, conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders can affect school performance, friendships, and long-term health. That’s why specialized, adolescent-focused care that is developmentally appropriate for each stage is so important.
Accessible North Shore Mental Health Care for Teens
The Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness proudly serves families across the North Shore, including Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Gloucester, and surrounding areas. Our programs are designed to give teens the structure they need while keeping them connected to family and school. We offer a range of comprehensive mental health services to support adolescents throughout their treatment journey. At MCAW, teens can:
- Actively participate in individual and group therapy and receive ongoing support
- Rebuild self-esteem and healthy coping skills
- Connect with peers who understand their struggles
- Strengthen family relationships through family therapy and education
- Feel comfortable with their therapist and in a supportive treatment environment
Our treatment options—including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and After-school Intensive Outpatient (IOP)—provide different levels of support so that every adolescent can get the right care at the right time. For added flexibility, MCAW offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, allowing families to choose the option that best fits their needs.
The Power of Early Intervention
Addressing mental health concerns early can make a lasting difference. For many families, it can be hard to navigate mental health challenges without support. For teens in the North Shore, timely treatment can:
- Reduce the impact of anxiety, depression, or trauma on daily life
- Provide healthy coping skills before destructive habits develop
- Offer emotional support from experienced staff during times of crisis
- Improve academic and social functioning
- Strengthen family bonds during difficult seasons
- Build resilience as teens transition into adulthood
With immediate access to structured care, MCAW ensures families don’t have to face these challenges alone, which can benefit everyone involved.
What We Treat at MCAW
Our clinical team, known for its expertise and extensive training in adolescent mental health, addresses a wide range of adolescent mental health conditions and behavioral health concerns with an integrated, evidence-based approach. Our highly professional staff uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring confidentiality and personalized attention for every patient. The team is committed to treating a broad spectrum of adolescent mental health conditions, using compassionate, evidence-based practices tailored to each individual. 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 mental health functioning. We use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and skills training to help our patients regulate their anxiety.
Depression & 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 & 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, providing space to reflect on their emotions and experiences.
ADHD & 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 & Suicidal Ideation
If your teen is engaging in self-harm or expressing suicidal thoughts, immediate and structured support is crucial, and in some cases, inpatient treatment may be necessary for safety and stabilization. MCAW provides a safe facility, 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. In cases of severe substance use, referral to an inpatient program may be necessary to provide comprehensive care and stabilization. At MCAW, we provide specialized treatment that helps teens break free from substance use while building healthier coping strategies. Our programs combine individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement to address the behavioral, social, and emotional 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, with each young person receiving individualized support for their unique needs.
Other Conditions We Treat
Our Programs & Levels of Care
We offer a continuum of care so each adolescent receives the right level of support at the right time. Families can start the treatment process with an initial assessment to determine the most appropriate care for their needs. MCAW helps adolescents continue their treatment and recovery journey through each level of care, ensuring ongoing support in our program. We believe in working collaboratively with families and patients throughout the treatment journey to achieve the best outcomes. Our approach is patient-centered, focusing on matching each patient with the most suitable therapeutic services. Outpatient counseling is also available as part of our support options.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Structured, intensive day program (5 days per week, ~5–6 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 (3–4 days per week, ~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
- One thing families often worry about after treatment is maintaining progress and avoiding disruptions, such as missed appointments or inadequate communication. MCAW addresses this concern by providing consistent aftercare, clear communication, and empathetic support. This includes giving families and teens referrals or additional support as needed after treatment.
- 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 LGBTQ youth face — including peer relationships, family dynamics, coming out, and mental health challenges.
- Integrated therapeutic modalities (individual, group, family therapy) combined with supportive community resources — to promote resilience, self-acceptance, and long-term emotional wellness.
Therapies We Use
Our clinicians use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat adolescents, helping them engage actively in their healing process, set meaningful therapy goals, and work toward positive change. During therapy, adolescents interact with a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaborative and therapeutic relationships as part of their care. These therapies include a wide range of options, 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 role-play 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. Supporting your loved one throughout the treatment process is essential for successful healing and long-term recovery. Family counseling 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 supporting your teen at home, helping couples and families strengthen their bonds
- Collaboration with schools and outside providers
Admissions & Insurance
Seeking treatment can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our admissions team helps ensure families have access to care by removing barriers and supporting you through each step.
Our admissions process includes:
- 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
- Personalized treatment plan creation, including completing necessary forms and submitting the correct form for treatment
We work with many major insurance providers to make treatment accessible for families across Massachusetts. Insurance can be purchased privately, through employment, or other means. Who pays for treatment depends on your insurance or payment method, and you may need to provide your insurance number for verification.
Why Families Choose MCAW for North Shore Mental Health Treatment
- Specialized focus on adolescents ages 13–17
- Licensed, experienced clinical team
- Safe, inclusive environment (including LGBTQ+ affirming care)
- Convenient location on the North Shore of MA
- 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 daily life, school attendance, or safety, structured care like PHP or IOP may be necessary. Our goal is to support your teen in building a better tomorrow through ongoing care and guidance.
Can my teen stay in school during treatment? Yes. Our IOP program is designed to balance school and therapy schedules, while PHP provides academic support during treatment.
Do parents participate in treatment? Absolutely. Family involvement is a core part of our program.
What ages do you serve? We treat adolescents ages 13–17.
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 North Shore Location
Find Us in Lynnfield, MA
MCAW – North Shore
230 Broadway Suite 201
Lynnfield, MA 01940