NexStep Teen Academy

Parent comforting teen at home, shows need for Arizona teen mental health resources and support for struggling adolescents.

Resources for Teens Struggling With Mental Health in Arizona

Did you know that almost half of teenagers in the United States have a mental health condition? According to a recent survey, an estimated 49.5% of teenagers have a mental health condition. 22.2% of teenagers with a mental health disorder experience severe impairment. As a parent or guardian, these statistics can be worrying. And if you think that your son or daughter may be struggling, it is important that you connect your teenager with professional resources that would help them manage their condition.

This article seeks to educate parents and guardians about the available mental health resources in the country. It will provide both emergency and non-emergency mental health resources. If you require any additional information or are looking for treatment, do not hesitate to contact NexStep Teen Academy today. We will be happy to guide you through our mental health treatment services and the admissions process for our programs.

Crisis and Emergency Mental Health Resources

Crisis and emergency support are required if your teen is in immediate danger. They can either be a danger to themselves or others. Common causes of crises in teenagers include attempted suicide, extreme paranoia, manic episodes, and overdoses. If your teen exhibits signs of being a danger to themselves or others, you should rely on the following resources:

Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Text Services

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 Lifeline is a nationwide crisis prevention hotline staffed by mental health volunteers. It is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, call or text 988. You can also chat with them on 988lifeline.org.
  • 741741 crisis text line: Crisis text line is a leading volunteer-led helpline. It offers free, round-the-clock crisis support. You can access this service by texting HOME to 741741. A highly trained crisis counselor will help manage your teen’s crisis.
  • Mental Health and Substance Use National Helpline: SAMHSA’s national helpline provides free and confidential treatment referrals for teens struggling with substance abuse. The service is available year-round and in different languages. It can be used to connect teenagers with support groups and treatment facilities. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) today.
  • The Trevor Project: Trevor Project’s helpline offers critical support for LGBTQ+ teens. It provides call, online chat, and text services. It is free and confidential. It also offers year-round services for teens in crisis. Chat, call, or text them today for immediate and non-judgmental support.

Other Mental Health Support and Chat Services

  • HELP4U: SAMHSA’s text service, known as HELP4U, offers confidential substance use referrals. You can access this service by texting your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748. To cancel this service, text “STOP” to 435748.
  • Teen Lifeline: This mental health support service is available for Arizona teens. Your teen can call the hotline any day and at any time. However, chat services are limited to between 12 noon and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Call or text them at 602-248-8336 (TEEN) or 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN) if you are outside Maricopa.
  • La Frontera: This crisis hotline is also Arizona-specific. You can call or text them at (480) 784-1500 or (0800) 273-8255. This service offers crisis prevention in both English and Spanish.

Professional Mental Health Support for Teens

Teen girl speaking with therapist during session, representing professional mental health support for teens in Arizona.

If you suspect your teen has a mental health or substance abuse issue, you should seek professional help immediately. When left unaddressed, mental health conditions can impair your teen’s daily life and the problems will often only get worse the longer they are left untreated. The following services offer effective mental health support for teens:

Therapy and Counseling Services

Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for mental health conditions. Talk therapy is a technique used to help teens change the behaviors and thoughts that cause them distress. It relies on creating a therapeutic environment where your teen can freely share their problems. In doing so, they can begin overcoming their mental health challenges. Psychotherapy can be effective on its own but may be used together with medication to manage mental health conditions.

When you enroll your teen in a talk therapy program, they are likely to be treated in the following ways:

  • Individual therapy: It involves one-on-one sessions between your teen and their therapist.
  • Family therapy: This type of therapy is designed to address family issues. Families can be the source of your teen’s mental health troubles. Family therapy addresses unhealthy family dynamics to improve your teen’s mental health.
  • Group therapy: This type of therapy usually involves between six to twelve individuals. The teens share common issues and work together to overcome their mental health challenges.

Talk therapy can include several modalities. These modalities include the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Teen CBT is one of the most popular therapeutic approaches to help adolescents who are struggling with behavioral health conditions. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. CBT teaches teens to identify and change problematic behaviors, improving their mental health and behavioral issues.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Teen DBT is based on CBT. It focuses on helping teenagers become more aware of their emotions and surroundings. One of its core techniques is mindfulness, a crucial relaxation technique used to help teens with emotional dysregulation.

School-Based Mental Health Resources

Many schools offer mental health services for teenagers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, it is estimated that 96% of public schools offer at least one mental health service. Some schools refer teens to outside providers for mental healthcare. The NCES estimates that 66% of cases are referred to outside providers.

Most schools offer individual-based interventions to assist teens in overcoming mental health challenges. The school counselor is responsible for helping teens who are struggling with their mental health. It is important for educators to be more proactive in assisting teens to manage their behavioral and mental health struggles.

If you require any support, visit your school counselor today.

Online Resources and Apps for Teen Mental Health

Teen girl using smartphone in bedroom, illustrating online resources and apps for teen mental health support and guidance.

There are numerous applications and online resources to help teens with mental health issues. These include the following:

  • BetterHelp: BetterHelp is a mental health support service that connects teenagers to mental health providers. It offers flexibility through its wide array of therapists. It is available in all fifty states and can be accessed through mobile phones, computers, or tablets.
  • Talkspace: Talkspace is a HIPPA-compliant mental health service that connects teenagers to therapists. It offers a wide range of services, including medication management.
  • Headspace: Headspace is a guided meditation app designed to help teenagers feel more relaxed. It focuses on assisting teenagers to practice mindfulness more effectively. Headspace offers discounted student plans to increase accessibility.

Mental Health Treatment at NexStep Teen Academy

NexStep Teen Academy is a premier mental health treatment outpatient facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. We offer high-quality and comprehensive mental health treatment. Our outpatient services are designed to help teenagers overcome their mental health struggles. With a highly experienced staff, NexStep Teen Academy is an excellent treatment choice.

NexStep Teen Academy uses evidence-based and holistic approaches through individualized treatment plans to help teens struggling with mental health challenges. If you want more information about our mental health treatment services, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The best mental health apps for teenagers include:

  • Calm
  • Happify
  • BetterHelp
  • Headspace
  • Talkspace

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is an online support group designed to help teenagers with depression. It is a safe space where teenagers can share their experiences and empower each other.

Professional mental health treatment is crucial. Left untreated, mental health challenges can impair your teen’s daily life. If your teen’s mental health condition is impairing their daily lives, then they need professional help. Teenagers who are a danger to themselves and others also require professional help.