Evidence-Based Adolescent Psychiatry Programs
Learn more about the benefits of seeking adolescent psychiatry at Ethos Wellness.
Pave the Way for Long-Term Wellness
At Ethos Wellness, we offer comprehensive psychiatric care for adolescents in Texas and Illinois. Our holistic approach focuses on all aspects of a young person’s life—school, family, social skills, etc.—to help them find a path forward despite their difficulties.
Adolescent psychiatry is about identifying behavioral and emotional disorders and treating them at the root. We work with families, teachers, and other medical professionals to guide our patients through our care programs, helping them develop mental resilience and life skills.
Why Adolescent Mental Healthcare Matters
During adolescence, children explore their identities and develop worldviews that can affect their lives and endure into adulthood. Many young people struggle with mental health during this challenging period.
However, only 50% of children and adolescents in the U.S. get the mental health support they need. Together, we can change that statistic — one child at a time.
Adolescent psychiatry can help teenagers understand the source of their mental discomforts and learn healthy ways to manage them. It can help them forge stronger family relationships and friendships, developing a reliable support system based on open communication.
Addressing the Stigma
There is still a stigma attached to seeking psychiatric care despite its immense benefits. At Ethos Wellness, we aim to create a safe and accepting environment for all young people.
Our group sessions are designed to help them find a community where they can openly discuss their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Removing such barriers to mental health care is the first step to improving adolescent wellness.
Our Approach to Adolescent Psychiatry Services
At Ethos Wellness, our focus is on treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. We combine our rich clinical understanding of psychiatry with a friendly, people-first attitude that helps teens feel at home. We aim to build trusting relationships with our patients that help them cultivate long-term wellness.
Here’s how we do it:
Experienced Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with formal education and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Our adolescent psychiatry clinicians and supporting group leaders are specialists in their fields.
We understand the nuances of treating young people and the sensitivities that come with developing minds.
Some additional certifications our team holds include:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LSCW)
- Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP)
- Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP)
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC)
- Educational Diagnosticians (M.Ed)
Comprehensive Adolescent Psychiatric Assessments
Since 1986, psychiatrists worldwide have used the standardized Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment (CAPA) to diagnose mental health disorders in children aged 9-17. CAPA undergoes regular evaluation and upgrades to make sure it remains relevant.
It consists of interviews conducted over a few visits with the psychiatrist. We also speak with parents, siblings, and teachers during the assessment to better understand a child’s mental health history.
At Ethos, we get to know each patient on a deeper level to offer personalized care. There is no one-size-fits-all for psychiatry, and we tailor our treatment plans to suit a teen’s preferences, personality, and wellness needs.
Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
We take a multifaceted approach to adolescent psychiatry, which goes beyond a simple diagnosis. Ethos Wellness offers individual and group sessions, family therapy, education, and skills-building programs to help teens improve their mental health from all angles.
We use the following evidence-based treatment modalities:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps teens identify negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop practical strategies for overcoming them. Research shows that CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety, stress, depression, and OCD in adolescents.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT helps teens accept and manage negative thoughts and feelings to regulate unhealthy behaviors. Studies show that DBT is an effective treatment for impulse control, emotional regulation, and self-harm.
What Sets Ethos Wellness Apart
At Ethos Wellness, we pride ourselves in our high level of holistic, collaborative care for adolescents from every walk of life.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Collaborative Care
Adolescents who struggle with mental health disorders need a strong support system. At Ethos Wellness, we strive to empower our clients and their immediate social circle. We aim to get teachers, parents, and coaches on board to make a teen’s treatment as easy and stress-free as possible.
Mental health is more than just psychiatry. We understand that a holistic approach to adolescent wellness also focuses on:
- Nutrition
- Academic support
- Mindfulness
- Adolescent executive function skills
We also collaborate with primary care providers, family therapists, and other healthcare professionals wherever possible.
Patient-Centered Treatment
We are a people-first practice that builds treatment programs around our patients – not the other way around.
At Ethos, we prioritize trust. Our clients should always feel comfortable, safe, and heard in individual and group sessions, and we strive to involve them in the decision-making processes wherever possible.
Respecting our clients’ preferences and boundaries is part of who we are. We believe it creates a more welcoming environment conducive to mental peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to seeking adolescent psychiatry:
When Should an Adolescent See a Psychiatrist?
You may want to take your teenager to see an adolescent psychiatrist if they are frequently:
- Aggressive
- Hyperactive
- Destructive
- Overly anxious
- Paranoid
Teens who engage in regular substance abuse, have constant nightmares, suicidal thoughts, or trouble controlling their anger may also benefit from a child and adult psychiatric assessment.
What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
An adolescent psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in treating mental health disorders in children and teens. They can prescribe medication, make diagnoses, and order lab tests. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications and focuses solely on therapy.
What are the Most Common Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents?
The most common mental illnesses in adolescents include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- OCD
- Conduct disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
With professional care, all these disorders are treatable.
Help Your Teen Find the Path Forward
Taking care of your mental health is a lifelong commitment that begins in adolescence. At Ethos Wellness, we teach young people to thrive despite challenging times at home or school.
Our child and adolescent psychiatry services help teens and their parents find the answers they need and the peace they deserve.
Start here. Reach out to us for more information and support.
Contact Us
