For Parents
It can be challenging for parents to identify when their teen is living with mental health issues. Often, teens may try to hide or downplay their feelings, making it difficult for parents to know when they need help. You may notice significant changes in your teen’s behavior, such as:
- Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy
- Isolating themselves from family and friends
- Displaying extreme irritability or anger
Teens who struggle with mental health issues may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to frequent mood swings or outbursts. If you have concerns about your teen’s mental health, MCAW can provide an evaluation. We determine diagnoses based on reported symptoms and evidence-based assessment tools. MCAW offers resources for parents who may be unsure if their teen needs help, as well as tips on how to talk to your teen about mental health.
All clients will have a preliminary working diagnosis which is a result of their assessment with a licensed therapist and our Psychiatric PA or MD at intake. At MCAW, our team of professionals will assess your teen’s mental health concerns to determine the best course of treatment. We use evidence-based assessments and evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of your teen’s needs. We can diagnose your teen based on our assessment tools and any observed or reported symptoms.
As a parent, it can be challenging to know how best to support your teen’s recovery. At MCAW, we offer family therapy sessions and educational resources for parents to learn effective communication strategies and coping skills to support their teen’s recovery journey. We encourage parents to have open and honest conversations with their teens about mental health, provide a safe and supportive environment, and seek guidance from our team of professionals when needed.
Sometimes, adolescents may have difficulty accepting or acknowledging that they need help for their mental health. As a parent, it can be frustrating and challenging to see your teen in distress but unable to seek support. In these situations, it is essential to remain patient and understanding while also setting boundaries and encouraging your teen to engage in therapy. It can also be helpful to involve other trusted adults, such as family members or teachers, to provide additional support and encouragement for your teen.
At MCAW, we understand that every teen is unique and may require different levels of care. Our team will work closely with you and your teen to determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals. We provide partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient therapy to ensure that your teen receives the appropriate level of support.
When your child begins treatment at MCAW, they will need to bring a few essential items with them, including:
- Comfortable and appropriate clothing
- A list of any current medications or supplements they are taking
- Insurance information and photo ID
- Lunch and any preferred snacks
We also encourage parents to provide any relevant medical records or documents that may aid in their teen’s care.
At MCAW, we believe in treating the whole family unit to support your teen’s recovery fully. By involving parents and other family members in therapy and educational programs, we can strengthen communication and understanding within the family dynamic. This can ultimately lead to improved relationships, better support for your teen’s mental health journey, and a more positive home environment for everyone. Our goal is not only to help your teen heal but also to provide tools and resources for families to continue supporting their loved one long after treatment ends.
Admissions
The admissions process at MCAW is designed to be smooth and straightforward for both the teen and their family. It typically involves initial contact with our admissions team, a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate level of care, and then the development of an individualized treatment plan. Our team will guide you through each step of the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Yes, MCAW accepts most major insurance plans and will work with you to determine coverage and benefits for your teen’s treatment. We also offer self-pay options for those without insurance.
The cost of treatment at MCAW will vary depending on the level of care and individualized treatment plan for your teen. Our admissions team can provide you with more specific information regarding costs and payment options.
Yes, MCAW offers transportation services for teens who may require assistance getting to and from our treatment center. Our admissions team can provide more information on these services during the admissions process.
Our Treatment Approach
MCAW specializes in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- Depression and self-harm
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
Our team also has experience working with individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Our treatment team at MCAW consists of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, physician assistants, and other mental health professionals who specialize in working with adolescents. Each member of our team has extensive experience and training in treating various mental health conditions and providing evidence-based therapies.
At MCAW, we believe in providing individualized and personalized care to each of our patients. Our patient-to-staff ratio varies depending on the level of care and treatment program but is always kept at a low number to ensure that each teen receives the attention and support they need.
PHP (partial hospitalization program) and IOP (intensive outpatient program) are both outpatient treatment programs that offer more structured support than traditional therapy. PHP typically involves a more intensive level of care, with patients attending programming five days a week for 5 hours each day. IOP involves 3-4 days a week for 3 hours per day, making it more suitable for teens who require more flexibility. Our admissions team can help determine which program is best suited for your teen’s needs.
The length of treatment at MCAW will vary depending on the individual’s needs and progress in their recovery journey. Our team will continually reassess your teen’s progress and adjust their treatment plan accordingly. We also offer aftercare and ongoing support for teens to ensure a smooth transition back to their daily lives.
MCAW provides a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing therapy (MI), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Our therapists also incorporate holistic approaches, such as mindfulness and art therapy, into treatment to support overall well-being. We believe in tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s needs and may use a combination of therapies for the best possible outcomes.
