Mental Health in Bakersfield
As a parent, watching your teen struggle with their mental health can feel like an overwhelming, helpless experience. You want to help, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, your teen may seem reluctant to seek the help they need. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are options available to help your child recover, regain control, and ultimately thrive. One such option is a Teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), a treatment model designed specifically to provide intensive support while allowing your teen to stay at home and continue with their daily life.
At Aspire Counseling Services®, located in Bakersfield, CA, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping families navigate the complex world of mental health and substance use. Our goal is to help clients develop the skills and relationships necessary for long-term stability. We understand that the journey toward recovery can be difficult, and we’re here to guide you and your teen every step of the way. Let’s explore how PHP can support
your teen’s recovery and mental health and how it might be the right choice for your family.
What is a Teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive, structured treatment program that offers a comprehensive level of care for teens struggling with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and substance use. PHP is often used as a step down from inpatient care or as an alternative to inpatient treatment when the child’s needs are not as severe but still require a high level of support.
The key feature of PHP is that it provides intensive therapeutic services during the day, typically 5-7 days a week, but allows your teen to return home each evening. This setup offers a balance between the need for structured, comprehensive care and the ability for your teen to maintain their normal routines and social connections, which can be an essential part of recovery.
How Does PHP Support Your Teen’s Mental Health and Recovery?
Intensive, Structured Therapy
One of the most important aspects of PHP is the intensity and structure of the therapeutic services. Teens participate in a full day of treatment, which typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and educational support. The goal is to provide a holistic approach to healing, addressing your teen’s emotional, mental, and social well-being.
At Aspire Counseling Services® in Bakersfield, we use evidence-based treatment models that are personalized to meet your teen’s unique needs. These therapies can help your teen work through the underlying issues contributing to their mental health struggles, such as trauma, grief, anxiety, or unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use. This intensive treatment gives your teen the tools and skills they need to manage their emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Building Life Skills and Coping Strategies
PHPs also help teens build important life skills and coping strategies that will benefit them far beyond the treatment setting. Whether it’s learning how to manage stress, building healthy relationships, or practicing effective problem-solving, these skills are vital for long-term success. Teenagers often struggle with finding healthy ways to cope with the pressures and challenges they face, but through targeted therapeutic interventions, they can develop stronger emotional resilience.
At Aspire Counseling Services® in Bakersfield, we provide personalized treatment plans that focus on helping your teen develop these essential skills in a supportive, structured environment.
Family Involvement and Support
Mental health recovery doesn’t happen in isolation – the whole family plays a crucial role in a teen’s healing process. PHP involves regular family therapy, which helps parents and family members understand what their teen is going through, communicate more effectively, and provide a supportive environment for recovery at home. It can also teach parents how to set healthy boundaries, offer emotional support, and provide the guidance their teen needs during difficult moments.
As parents, it can be difficult to know the best way to help when your teen is resistant to care or reluctant to open up. PHP can help by offering guidance and building a bridge between you and your child. This connection is critical for developing a sense of trust and helping your teen feel empowered and motivated to engage in the treatment process.
Flexibility for Your Teen’s Needs
Teen Partial Hospitalization Programs offer flexibility compared to more traditional inpatient care. Since PHP is outpatient-based, your teen can return home every evening, which can be beneficial for maintaining their connections with family, school, and friends. The flexibility of PHP allows your teen to remain in their familiar environment while receiving intensive treatment – a key factor in reducing the emotional and mental strain that can come with being away from home.
However, PHP is still structured enough to ensure your teen receives the necessary therapeutic services without interruption. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families who may have concerns about disrupting their teen’s education or social life, as PHP allows your child to maintain school attendance and social interactions when appropriate.
Addressing Both Mental Health and Substance Use Issues
Teens who are struggling with both mental health issues and substance use can benefit from PHPs that treat both conditions simultaneously. A dual-diagnosis approach, like the one offered at Aspire Counseling Services®, ensures that your teen’s recovery is comprehensive, targeting not only their mental health but also any substance use issues that may be contributing to their struggles. Treating both aspects of their health is vital for a successful recovery and long-term stability.
Supporting Your Teen’s Recovery: Taking the First Step
As a parent, it can be challenging to know when and how to intervene, especially if your teen is reluctant to accept help. It’s important to remember that the longer mental health or substance use issues go untreated, the more challenging it can be to manage them. PHP offers an opportunity for early intervention and intensive care in a way that’s compassionate and tailored to your teen’s unique needs.
If your teen is struggling but hesitant to seek help, it’s essential to act now. Encourage open and honest communication and let your teen know that treatment is about helping them gain control of their life, not about punishment or judgment. At Aspire Counseling Services® in Bakersfield, we are here to guide you through the process and provide the support your family needs to help your teen succeed.
Recovery is a journey, and it starts with the first step. A Teen Partial Hospitalization Program may be just the right path to help your child begin their healing process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your teen develop the skills, confidence, and support they need to overcome their challenges and thrive. Together, we can make recovery a reality for your teen and your family.