It is normal to have worries and doubts sometimes. These emotions are a part of being human. Humans often second-guess themselves from time to time. But for teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these worries and doubts become so extreme that they can take over their lives.
Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness offers mental health treatment for adolescents. We use a combination of medication and therapy to help our patients manage their symptoms and live full, happy lives. Call 855.940.6229 to learn how our teen mental health treatment can support your family.
How Our Mental Health Treatment Program in Massachusetts Can Help Your Child
Teenagers living with OCD usually undergo therapy, medication, or a combination. A treatment approach should be recommended by a trained professional. Mental and behavioral health professionals can help families decide which approach is appropriate given the specific needs of the adolescent. In some cases, incorporating more than one method may be necessary.
At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we offer a mental health treatment program for adolescents that can help with OCD symptoms but not specialize in them. Our team of mental health experts works with patients and their families to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
Therapy Options for OCD
Therapy is a vital component of effective OCD treatment, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) being among the most commonly recommended approaches:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT targets and changes negative thoughts and behaviors to modify undesired behavior patterns or treat mood disorders like OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), part of CBT, is particularly effective for OCD. It exposes individuals to their anxiety triggers or obsessions and teaches them to refrain from compulsive actions. With time, ERP can diminish OCD’s compulsive behaviors by helping individuals handle their anxiety more healthily.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness concepts from Buddhist meditation for better emotion management. Originally aimed at treating borderline personality disorder, it’s now used for various mental health issues, including OCD. DBT offers skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, which are especially useful for those with OCD to manage emotions and decrease compulsive behaviors.
Medication
Several medications can effectively treat OCD, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers. The choice of medication will be based on the patient’s specific needs. In some cases, teens may only require medication for a short period, while in other cases, they may need to take medication on a long-term basis.
Benefits of Our OCD Treatment
At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we are dedicated to helping adolescents and their families overcome mental health challenges. Our treatment program offers several benefits that can help your child manage OCD symptoms and improve overall well-being, including:
- A personalized treatment plan designed for each individual
- Evidence-based therapies proven effective in treating OCD
- A supportive and understanding environment where teens can feel comfortable expressing themselves
- Comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of OCD
- A focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms for long-term success in managing symptoms
Having a child with OCD can be challenging, but there is hope for effectively managing symptoms.
Contact Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness Today
If you are the parent of an adolescent struggling with OCD symptoms, please know that help is available. We are committed that our patients and their families receive the tools to improve their wellness through day treatment and intensive outpatient programs.
Call us 855.940.6229 or reach out today to enroll your child in our mental health treatment program and begin their journey to recovery.
