If left untreated, mental illness and associated behaviors like self-harm can worsen over time. Thankfully, a variety of professional approaches and interventions exist to help teens struggling with their mental health.
Therapy for teens who are cutting or self-harming offers an alternative outlet for overwhelming feelings and gives them tools for healthy emotional regulation and expression. If your teen is struggling, use these resources to find the right therapist.
If your teen is experiencing a self-harm emergency, call 911 immediately. If help is urgent but not an emergency, you can contact Self-Harm Crisis Hotline Services.
2 Steps to Take Before Seeking Therapy
Finding the right therapist or treatment program can be challenging. Start with these steps.
1. Identify the Need for Professional Help
When does a teen just need extra support at home, and when do they need professional help? If you’re unsure about your teen’s behavior, talk to them about self-harm and their feelings. Professional intervention can offer more support and answer your questions whenever you or your teen are overwhelmed.
Talking to your teen’s pediatrician is an excellent first intervention. While they likely aren’t specialized therapists with self-harm experience, your child’s primary care physician can help you identify signs of self-harm and refer you to the next appropriate level of care.
Cases where self-harm has been limited to one form of harm and less than ten incidents are typically considered mild; physicians may recommend an outpatient intervention like individual therapy in this instance. Cases involving more frequent harm or varied versions of harm, such as cutting, burning, punching, or hitting oneself, are typically considered more severe; in these cases, physicians may suggest more intensive options like residential treatment.
2. Research Therapy Options
Many types of therapy exist, but evidence-based models, by definition, have a track record of success. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for self-harm is one such evidence-based model often used for treating self-harm behaviors. It helps teens identify and change destructive patterns. Other therapeutic modalities offered by Muir Wood include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based therapy
The right choice depends on your teen’s needs and your family’s circumstances.
When to Consider Specialized Treatment
In cases of severe mental distress and ongoing self-harm behaviors, therapy alone may not offer all the tools a teen needs to regain mental wellness. Specialized treatment options, such as residential treatment centers provide a higher level of care for teens who engage in severe self-harming behavior.
At a residential treatment facility such as Muir Wood, teens have access to therapeutic techniques specifically utilized for self-harm and can participate in individual therapy, group therapy, and experiential therapies such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. Teens are also offered psychiatric care, family therapy, and social support, all in an environment designed to prioritize healing without outside distractions.
3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Residential Treatment
What happens if your teen is experiencing a severe level of self-harm and needs a higher level of care than what can be provided by an individual outpatient therapists? You’ll want to evaluate certain features of potential residential treatment centers.
1. Facility Accreditation
Facilities must receive accreditation from relevant U.S. state regulatory agencies in order to operate. In California, the California Department of Health Care Services gives licenses to residential treatment facilities and the state’s Department of Social Services certifies them. Verify the license and certifications of any facility before selecting one for treatment. Muir Wood is licensed by the California DHS and certified by DHCS. We are also accredited by The Joint Commission, widely considered the “gold standard” in healthcare accreditation. What’s more, our academic program is recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
2. Treatment Length
While individual outpatient therapy may occur over a long period of time, residential treatment typically runs 30 to 90 days with some variation in length of stay depending on the individual client’s specific needs and progress. When choosing a residential treatment center, speak with them to understand the length of treatment they offer and how it fits in with your teen’s recovery goals and needs.
3. Level of Family Involvement
The life stage of teens necessitates unique support structures during their treatment. Depending on the facility, there are varying levels of parental involvement. Parents should select a facility that matches your desired level of participation. At Muir Wood, because we believe that it is absolutely critical that the entire family system heal alongside the teen, we offer robust Family Services that include individual and multi-family therapy as well as weekly support groups during and after treatment.
Residential Treatment with Muir Wood
Residential treatment is a game-changer for many teens, including those who engage in moderate-to-severe self-harming behaviors. Residential care provides psychiatric treatment based on in-depth evaluations, as well as other therapeutic approaches that support overall wellness. To get started, complete an assessment or learn more about our admissions process to start your family’s healing journey.