Teen & Adolescent Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Therapies

Our approach uses an evidence-based framework featuring individual, group, and family therapies. 

• Individual Therapy—Also referred to as individual counseling, talk therapy, and psychotherapy, individual therapy involves teens working one-on-one with a licensed counselor within a safe and supportive environment. This modality is employed for individuals of all ages, but our adolescent program focuses on age-specific challenges. That is, we explore the personal challenges teens face, and we empower them with the necessary tools and techniques to address these challenges successfully. 
• Family Therapy—Family therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the dynamics and relationships among family members. It aims to address conflicts, enhance communication, and foster understanding within the family unit. By involving multiple family members in the therapeutic process, family therapy creates a supportive environment where everyone can express their thoughts and feelings openly, fostering well-being for not only the teen but the entire family unit.
• Group Therapy—Group therapy is a therapeutic approach where a small group of adolescents meets regularly under the guidance of our trained therapists to share experiences, express feelings, and learn from one another. This supportive environment fosters emotional expression and reduces feelings of isolation, as teens realize they are not alone in their struggles. In the meantime, teens develop valuable interpersonal skills through interaction, enhancing their ability to communicate, resolve conflicts, and understand different perspectives. Additionally, the accountability and motivation that come from sharing goals within the group encourage personal growth and commitment to recovery. Overall, Guardian Recovery’s group therapy is a powerful tool that promotes emotional healing and equips teens with the skills they need to thrive.

In addition to the aforementioned therapy types, various treatment modalities are employed to treat adolescent mental health and behavioral disorders. 

Medical

• Psychiatry—Our psychiatry services include comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of adolescents. Our psychiatrists and other mental health professionals employ evidence-based therapies and medications to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, which often co-occur with substance use disorders. By closely monitoring your teen’s progress, psychiatrists can adjust medications as necessary, ensuring optimal outcomes and minimizing side effects.
• Psychoeducation—Psychoeducation empowers adolescents and their families with knowledge about their conditions and the importance of treatment. By providing information on the effects of mental health issues and substance use on the brain and behavior, Guardian Recovery’s psychoeducation helps both teens and their family members understand the experience, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions about their challenges. This increased awareness, then, fosters a supportive environment where adolescents learn effective coping strategies, recognize triggers, and develop healthier behaviors. Our psychoeducation also helps family members enhance communication and strengthen their support system. 
• Medical Monitoring and Care—Medical monitoring and care offer ongoing evaluation and support to ensure the safety and well-being of adolescents undergoing treatment. We offer regular check-ups and assessments that allow our healthcare providers to closely track your teen, monitor for any side effects from medications, and adjust treatment plans as necessary to optimize outcomes. This proactive approach helps identify potential complications early, allowing for timely interventions. Additionally, medical care often includes collaboration with other specialists, such as psychologists and addiction counselors, to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both physical and mental health needs. By integrating medical monitoring into the treatment process, we can foster a supportive environment that promotes recovery, resilience, and overall health for teenagers.

Clinical

At Guardian Recovery, our individual, group, and family therapy sessions employ the following modalities.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—CBT is a structured psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. By helping teens develop healthier thinking and coping strategies, our CBT aims to improve mental health outcomes and enhance overall well-being.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)—DBT is a form of CBT specifically designed to help teens with intense emotional-regulation issues. It combines individual therapy with group skills training, focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to promote healthier coping mechanisms and improve relationships.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)—Our therapists employ MI to help clients address their ambivalence to change. As a result, teens can better access the internal motivation necessary to make lifestyle and behavioral changes.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—This evidence-based approach alleviates distress resulting from PTSD and traumatic memories by adapting the way the brain processes information.
• Relapse Prevention—Therapists help teens identify triggers and warning signs that may lead to relapse. They also arm them with tools and techniques to sidestep these issues in the future. 
• Life Skills Training—Designed to teach individuals essential skills for everyday living, our life skills training works to improve teen decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation. By enhancing these skills, participants are better equipped to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges, ultimately promoting overall well-being and resilience.
• Trauma-Based Therapy—Our trauma-based therapy focuses on addressing the psychological impact of past traumatic experiences, helping teens process and heal from their trauma. This type of therapy often incorporates various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and mindfulness, to empower adolescents and facilitate their journey toward recovery and emotional resilience.

Academic

While not “therapies” in the typical sense of the word, academics are fundamental to your teen’s future, which is why education is an integral part of life at Guardian Recovery. 

• Coordination—We actively collaborate with each child’s home school district to facilitate attendance credits and ensure alignment with its academic curriculum. This ensures a seamless transition back to school at the conclusion of formalized care.
• Instruction—Our dedicated educators provide personalized attention and critical interventions to help your child regain or maintain good academic standing. Alongside therapeutic activities, we allocate dedicated time each day for academic pursuits, including two hours of structured academic and physical education activities.

Holistic 

• Art and Music Therapy—Guardian Recovery’s art and music therapies facilitate self-expression and emotional exploration, allowing adolescents to communicate complex feelings in a non-threatening and non-verbal way. These creative modalities enhance engagement and motivation, empowering teens in their healing journey while promoting social interaction and supportive relationships with peers and therapists.
• Mindfulness and Meditation—Mindfulness practices help our adolescents develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, enabling them to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. By incorporating techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and grounding exercises, mindfulness promotes emotional regulation and encourages a healthier response to challenging situations, fostering resilience during this critical developmental stage.
• Yoga—Our yoga activities promote physical well-being while also enhancing mental and emotional resilience through mindful movement and breath awareness. By incorporating yoga, we help adolescents reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a sense of connection between their bodies and minds, which is essential for navigating the challenges of adolescence.
• Sensory-Friendly Holistic Healing—Guardian Recovery offers a special sensory-friendly space that exemplifies our commitment to holistic healing environments. The Serenity Room creates a sensory experience that can help soothe and calm clients, providing a peaceful retreat where they can decompress and process their emotions in a tranquil setting. 
• Equine Therapy—We facilitate emotional growth and healing through direct interactions with horses, which can promote trust, empathy, and non-verbal communication. This unique form of therapy provides adolescents with an opportunity to develop coping skills and emotional awareness in a safe, supportive environment, while also fostering a sense of responsibility and connection with the animals.
• Recreational Therapy—Recreational therapy engages adolescents in structured activities that promote social interaction, physical fitness, and emotional expression. By participating in our recreational activities, teens can build self-confidence, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall well-being, making the therapeutic process more enjoyable and effective.