Adolescent outpatient counseling provides a way to get your child the professional help and support they need in a nonresidential setting. As a parent, there may be a moment when you realize that your child’s struggles require a level of support that only a professional can provide. This does not mean that your parenting skills were insufficient, in fact, it is quite the opposite. The choice to pursue adolescent outpatient treatment means that you are ready to put your child’s needs above everything else. 
Adolescent outpatient counseling provides a comprehensive program for adolescents and their parents to identify the root cause of their behavior, address those issues, recover and grow. This is all done in a safe and supportive environment that encourages adolescents to grow as individuals while learning to manage their emotions.
What is the most effective adolescent outpatient counseling program?
It is important to select a treatment center that focuses on treating adolescents. Adolescents have distinctly different needs than adults and their treatment must be based on their unique needs. Additionally, an effective program will tailor each client’s treatment plan on their specific medical, psychological, social and mental health needs. No two individuals have the same background and circumstances, therefore it is important to treat each person as an individual.
How involved should our family be in the adolescent outpatient counseling program?
Parental and family involvement is extremely important to the success of a treatment program. In fact, many high quality centers only accept clients who have involved families, as family participation is a large indicator for success. As a parent, you should have open communication with the treatment program. You should feel comfortable visiting the center and asking questions of the staff. If a treatment program frowns upon or discourages parental involvement, you should look for other options.
In addition to individual treatment for the adolescent, the ideal program will provide family sessions. These sessions should be designed with the intention of rebuilding the family unit and opening the lines of communication. Through the treatment process, families should be equipped to identify symptoms of dysfunction and to feel comfortable altering their past patterns to grown and recover together. Additionally, family involvement helps to create a positive environment for your teen as they go through treatment.
What issues does adolescent outpatient counseling treat?
A comprehensive adolescent treatment program can treat a number of issues, or a combination of issues including:
- Drug addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Prescription drug addiction
- Eating disorders
- Mental health disorders
When is outpatient treatment the correct approach for an adolescent’s issues? 
Each individual’s needs for treatment is different. For some, an outpatient treatment program is the first step in their recovery and their first step toward professional help. Others will seek outpatient treatment as a way to transition out of a residential treatment program. For both sets of groups, outpatient treatment provides support and the tools the teens need to develop healthy living habits and problem solving strategies. Speak with a counselor about your teen and their specific issues for a professional opinion on whether an outpatient or inpatient program is best suited for their needs.
Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers provide adolescent outpatient counseling in two Los Angeles area locations. These programs are designed to treat each client as an individual and to open the lines of communication within families. Visions provides outpatient treatment in two steps:
- 1st Step Program – This eight week program meets two to three times a week and provides individual sessions, group sessions, family sessions, drug testing and an introduction to the 12 step approach for those with substance abuse issues.
- Intensive Outpatient Program – This year long program is divided into three phases, Primary Care, Continuing Care and Aftercare. In addition to the sessions provided in the 1st Step Program, clients of the Intensive Outpatient Program have parental support groups and multi-modal group sessions.
To receive additional information on the adolescent outpatient treatment available at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, contact them today. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.
