In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the mental health of adolescents. According to a recent report from the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over four in 10 students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health. Additionally, more than one in five students seriously considered suicide, while one in 10 made a suicide attempt.
In response to this growing concern, Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I., is taking action to address the needs of teenagers in the community. As the state’s only nonprofit, freestanding psychiatric hospital, Butler now offers two behavioral health programs for teens aged 13 to 17. These programs provide psychiatric treatment and support for issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mood disorders.
The Inpatient Teen Treatment Unit at Butler Hospital offers intensive treatment for teens facing mental health challenges like depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. This program involves the entire family or guardians in the treatment process to address the symptoms of mental illness. The focus is on building trusting partnerships and positive experiences with families who may be new to the behavioral health system.
The Teen Partial Hospital Program at Butler Hospital provides care for teens who do not require inpatient hospitalization but are struggling with anxiety, mood fluctuations, and other life-stage concerns. This day program runs five days a week for six hours a day and offers expertise in LGBTQ+ affirming treatment and adjustment-related issues. The program includes creating a plan to support continued improvement and stabilization for the teen after they complete the program. To learn more about these programs, visit the Butler Hospital website.
Overall, it is clear that there is a need for increased attention to adolescent mental health. By offering comprehensive behavioral health programs like those at Butler Hospital, we can help young people receive the support they need to live healthy lives both mentally and physically.
