Teen Mood Disorder Treatment

At least 14.3% of teenagers ages 13 to 18 struggle with mood disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia or low-grade depression. These conditions impact a teen’s capacity for emotional regulation and stability, influencing everything from personal relationships to academic performance. Untreated, these conditions can have wide-ranging effects on teens’ lives—both short and long-term. At Muir Wood, we provide comprehensive teen mood disorder treatment that helps teens cope with these struggles and build the resilience and skills needed for lasting emotional wellness. 

Finding Residential Treatment for Teen Mood Disorders

Teenagers naturally experience emotional ups and downs throughout adolescence. While mood changes are normal for teens, persistent or severe changes in mood can sometimes go beyond typical teenage challenges. Certain signs indicate that symptoms of a mood disorder are affecting a teen’s life in ways that benefit from residential treatment, including: 

• Severe mood changes that last for weeks or months
• Major shifts between significant highs and lows
• Withdrawal or disinterest in previously enjoyable activities
• Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Difficulty maintaining social relationships
• Decline in school performance
• Risk-taking behaviors

If these symptoms become overwhelming, the focused support of residential treatment could provide a structured, compassionate environment for your teen to heal. Learn how to find the right treatment program.

The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Mood Disorders in Teens

Some teens struggle to cope with emotional instability due to mood disorders and when they go unaddressed, research shows teens face heightened risks of chronic anxiety, difficulty maintaining employment, strained relationships, and substance use. These challenges can proliferate into other obstacles that persist into adulthood. Many teens attempt to cope with these difficult symptoms through substance use, which can lead to co-occurring disorders that complicate their path to wellness. 

Early intervention through comprehensive teen mood and thought disorder treatment can help prevent long-term difficulties. Begin with a pre-assessment form to discuss your child’s symptoms and options for treatment. 

Teen Mood Disorder Treatment at Muir Wood

Every teen’s experience with mood disorders is highly individual. At Muir Wood, we integrate teen mood disorder treatment within our comprehensive adolescent mental health program for teen boys and teen girls. We provide individualized treatment plans that focus on immediate stabilization while helping teens lay a solid foundation for their future well-being. 

Our clinical team brings extensive credentials and experience in adolescent mental health that allows us to address both primary and co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorders. We maintain separate treatment tracks for primary mental health and substance use so teens receive targeted care within an environment designed specifically for their healing journey. 

Holistic, Whole-Person Care

Muir Wood’s treatment plans include multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities to support more complete healing. We integrate individual therapy with group and family therapy sessions, including CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). This combination of approaches gives teens several opportunities to strengthen their support systems and participate in shared learning experiences. Sessions emphasize skill-building to achieve lasting stability and equip teens with adequate coping strategies.

Medication Management

Our psychiatric team takes a thoughtful approach to medication, carefully assessing each teen’s needs. When appropriate, medication can help stabilize and minimize mood symptoms and instability while engaging in other therapeutic interventions. Our team monitors medication responses on an ongoing basis and makes adjustments as needed. 

Experiential Activities

Teens discover healthy outlets for their emotions through art, music, yoga, meditation, and other activities designed to build confidence and resilience. Engaging, well-rounded treatment helps teens advance through their healing journey by fostering personal growth. These enriching, hands-on approaches help teens build self-trust that can carry into adulthood. 

Academic Support

Our Muir Wood Learning Centers provide WASC-Accredited academic support for our clients in grades 7 through 12, helping teens stay on track with their home schools while they focus on their mental health in treatment. This approach supports overall recovery while mitigating concerns about falling behind.

Compassionate Mood Disorder Treatment for Teens

As a parent, it’s difficult to watch your child struggle with mood disorder symptoms. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, and parents play a critical part in their teen’s wellness journey. If you observe signs that your teen needs professional help, connect with our admissions team at 866-705-0828 to learn more about our teen treatment programs. 

We are an in-network provider for many major insurance carriers. Verify your coverage today as you explore residential treatment for your teen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is medication necessary for treating teen mood disorders?

Not every teen requires medication, but it can be an important part of treatment for many. The right medication can provide emotional stability. Muir Wood’s psychiatric team carefully evaluates each teen’s needs and discusses all options with their families. When prescribed, medications are closely monitored by our medical team. Medications are always integrated with therapy and other interventions within Muir Wood’s treatment programs.

How long does mood disorder treatment last?

Every teen’s mental health journey follows its own timeline. Some teens significantly improve within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. The average length of stay at Muir Wood is 45 days, though we regularly assess individual progress and adjust treatment plans based on each teen’s needs. 

Are mood disorders in teens treated differently than in adults?

Yes. Teen mood disorder treatment must account for ongoing adolescent brain development, social dynamics, and academic needs. Muir Wood’s programs are specifically designed for adolescents, incorporating age-appropriate interventions and focusing closely on family involvement.

Do mood disorders require lifelong management?

These conditions can be long-lasting, and proper treatment during the teen years can make a significant difference in their severity and manageability. After residential treatment, many teens learn to manage their symptoms with minimal professional support by using the skills and strategies learned during their time at Muir Wood. 

What if my teen refuses treatment?

Muir Wood doesn’t force treatment, yet we understand that many teens initially resist help. It’s important to know that, while early intervention often leads to better outcomes, readiness is also a strong factor. Our readiness quiz can help you determine your next steps. Our experienced team can help you navigate this challenging situation and help you talk with your child and find ways to engage them in treatment.