Trusted Anxiety Treatment for Teens:
Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment

Is traditional therapy not helping your teen’s anxiety? ThreePeaks Ascent's nature-based program offers a unique and effective approach to treating anxiety in teens. Through challenging outdoor experiences and personalized therapy, teens develop the resilience and coping skills they need to overcome anxiety and live their best life.

Take our teen anxiety assessment and see if a Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment program is right for your family.

What is Teen Anxiety?

Teen anxiety is a common and often debilitating mental health condition that affects many adolescents. While everyone experiences some degree of anxiety at times, when it becomes persistent and affects daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. In this section, we will explore the types and causes of anxiety in teens in more detail.

In This Article We’ll Discuss:
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    Signs Your Teen May Need Anxiety Treatment:

    The signs of teen anxiety can be physical, emotional, and behavioral in nature. It's important for parents to be aware of the warning signs in order to provide the necessary support and resources to help manage anxiety. The following list includes common symptoms of teen anxiety that parents should be aware of:

    • Persistent worry or fear: Teens with anxiety may constantly feel worried or fearful about events or activities, even if there is no logical reason for their concern.
    • Avoidance of social situations: Teens with anxiety may start avoiding social events, such as parties or group activities, due to fear of judgment or embarrassment.
    • Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension. These physical symptoms can make it difficult for teens to attend school or participate in everyday activities.
    • Sleep problems: Teens with anxiety may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to persistent worry and racing thoughts.
    • Irritability or frustration: Teens with anxiety may exhibit signs of irritability or frustration, especially in response to perceived stressors.
    • Restlessness or fidgeting: Teens with anxiety may appear restless or fidgety, due to a combination of physical symptoms and a constant state of worry or unease.
    • Chronic fatigue or low energy: Chronic anxiety can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels, making it difficult for teens to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
    • Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness: Teens with anxiety may have difficulty focusing or retaining information, which can impact their academic performance.
    • Perfectionism or excessive worry about mistakes: Teens with anxiety may become overly perfectionistic or excessively worried about making mistakes, which can impact their self-esteem and quality of life.
    • Unexplained changes in behavior or mood: Teens with anxiety may experience sudden and unexplained changes in behavior or mood, which can impact their relationships with friends and family.
    • Eating disorders: Teens with anxiety may develop eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, as a way to exert control over their physical and emotional state.
    • Aggressive behavior: Teens with anxiety may display aggressive or hostile behavior towards others, especially in response to perceived stressors.
    • Self-harm: Some teens with anxiety may engage in self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning, as a way to relieve emotional distress.
    • Excessive anger: Anxiety can cause sudden and intense outbursts of anger, which can strain relationships with friends and family.
    • Withdrawal from activities: Teens with anxiety may suddenly withdraw from activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, due to fear or discomfort in social situations.
    • Compulsive behaviors: Teens with anxiety may engage in compulsive behaviors, such as repeated hand-washing or counting, as a way to alleviate their anxiety symptoms.
    • Isolation: Teens with anxiety may withdraw from friends and family and become increasingly isolated, which can exacerbate their anxiety symptoms and impact their overall well-being.

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    Types of Teen Anxiety

    There are several different types of teen anxiety, including:

    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - characterized by excessive, ongoing worry and tension
    • Social Anxiety Disorder - intense fear of being judged or scrutinized in social situations
    • Panic Disorder - sudden, intense feelings of fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or sweating
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - repetitive thoughts and behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety
    • Separation Anxiety Disorder - excessive fear or distress about being away from home or loved ones
    • Specific Phobias - intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as spiders or flying
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - anxiety and other symptoms that occur after a traumatic event.

    It is important to note that some teens may experience symptoms of more than one type of anxiety disorder. The exact causes of teen anxiety are not well understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and life experiences may play a role.

    What Causes Anxiety in Teens?

    The causes of teen anxiety can be complex and can stem from a variety of factors, including:

    • Genetics: Anxiety can run in families, and some research suggests that there may be a genetic component to certain anxiety disorders.
    • Life events: Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, a natural disaster, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger anxiety symptoms.
    • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
    • Environmental stressors: Chronic stress, bullying, academic pressure, or family conflict can all contribute to anxiety in teens.
    • Personality: Some personality traits, such as shyness or introversion, can increase a teen's risk of developing anxiety.

    It is important to note that the causes of anxiety in teens can vary greatly, and that different factors may contribute to each individual's experience of anxiety. Additionally, the presence of one or more risk factors does not guarantee that a teen will develop anxiety.

    Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.

    Charles Spurgeon

    Importance of Early Intervention & Treatment for Teen Anxiety

    Teen anxiety is a common problem affecting many young people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 31.9% of teens will experience an anxiety disorder at some point during their teenage years. Here are some more statistics on teen anxiety:

    • Prevalence: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., affecting around 40 million adults aged 18 and older.
    • Age of onset: The average age of onset for anxiety disorders is 11 years old.
    • Gender differences: While both males and females can experience anxiety, girls are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
    • Undiagnosed cases: It is estimated that only about a third of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment, meaning that many teens with anxiety may not receive the help they need.
    • Comorbidity with other disorders: Teens with anxiety often have other mental health problems, such as depression or behavioral issues.

    It is important to be aware of the high prevalence of teen anxiety and the impact it can have on a young person's life. With the right support and treatment, many teens can overcome their anxiety and lead fulfilling lives.

    Treatment for Teen Anxiety | ThreePeaks Ascent, a short-term residential treatment program for teens

    Not Seeking Anxiety Treatment Can Be Harmful

    Lack of anxiety treatment may stem from stigma associated with mental health, lack of access to care, or simply not knowing where to go for help. But the longer it takes for your teen to receive help, the more difficult their recovery can be. Delays in treatment time can cause other serious consequences too. Without treatment, anxiety can:

    • Reduced quality of life: Chronic anxiety can affect a person's ability to participate in daily activities and enjoy life.
    • Mental health problems: Untreated anxiety can lead to other mental health problems, such as depression.
    • Physical health problems: Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension, which can have long-term effects on a person's health.
    • Difficulty with relationships: Chronic anxiety can make it difficult for a person to form and maintain healthy relationships.
    • Academic or work-related problems: Anxiety can affect a person's ability to focus, concentrate, and perform well in school or work, leading to academic or work-related problems.

    The teenage years are also a crucial time of identity development. Without proper treatment, teens can develop increasingly harmful habits to cope with the anxiety as it gets worse.  These habits and behaviors become harder to overcome as they become more established in your teen's life.

    Early Intervention Is Important For Anxiety Recovery

    Early intervention refers to recognizing the warning signs of anxiety and acting before it gets worse. When you realize that your teen is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to get professional treatment before it becomes worse.

    Early intervention can also save a teen and their loved ones from:

    • increased stress
    • prevent more serious symptoms and habits from developing
    • and reduce the likelihood of problems with family and school.

    Plus, it could help reduce long-term medical costs and the overall burden on family and friends. Recovery from anxiety is possible with the right tools and treatment program. You can help your teen get the support they need.

    I’m Not Sure Where to Start.

    We’re here to help - take the first step and contact us to see if Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment could be the path to healing for your family.

    Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment

    If your teenager is experiencing anxiety, you may be searching for a way to help them heal and move forward. At ThreePeaks residential treatment program, we understand the unique challenges that come with healing from anxiety and we have developed a specialized program to address the specific needs of anxious teens.

    Our short-term program combines traditional talk therapy with the healing power of nature to provide a holistic approach to healing. Our program is led by experienced therapists who specialize in healing anxiety and our team is dedicated to providing individualized care to each of our clients.

    During the program, your teenager will take part in activities such as hiking and camping as they work through their anxiety with their therapist. The simplified setting provides a unique opportunity for teens to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and focus on their healing. The natural environment serves as a metaphor for the journey of healing, and the challenges faced in treatment can be applied to the challenges faced in everyday life.

    One of the biggest benefits of our program is that it is designed to help teens take ownership of their healing process and develop the skills they need to continue to heal after the program is over. Our program is designed to be a stepping stone for lasting recovery and not a crutch for ongoing dependence.

    We understand that choosing a treatment program for your teenager is a difficult decision and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and to provide additional information about our program. We believe that with the right support, your teenager can heal and move forward to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

    Benefits of a Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment Program

    Being immersed in nature can have a profound impact on a teenager. It improves their mental, emotional, and physical health.  Combined with a proven clinical approach, a therapeutic experience helps teens heal from anxiety.  Here are specific benefits your family can expect to see while your teen is in nature-based short-term residential treatment.

    The first stage of effective short-term residential treatment focuses on assessment and stabilization.

    1. Assessment 

    By observing your teen in a novel environment, our experienced therapists gain a deep understanding of what is really happening with your child. Research indicates accurate mental health assessments can lead to a 20% reduction in the number of days in treatment.

    2. Stabilization 

    Mental health stabilization provides a safe environment to deescalate your teen’s level of distress and/or reduce their acute symptoms of mental illness. Until teens feel genuinely safe, they cannot begin to heal. One therapeutic modality emphasizes that “Cues of safety are the treatment” and “safety is defined by feeling safe and not simply by the removal of threat.” It is not enough to merely tell a teen in crisis that they are mentally and emotionally safe, they must actually feel and believe it.

    Once your teen feels safe, our nature-based residential treatment program provides a novel and challenging environment that disrupts their unhealthy patterns and behaviors. Behaviors that either:

    • cause your teen's mental & emotional health struggles
    • or that your teen has developed as a negative way of coping with their struggles.

    The second stage of an effective residential treatment program focuses on engaging teens in the therapeutic process and empowering them with the skills needed to thrive.

    1. Engaging Teens in Therapy (even if they’ve been resistant to it before)

    The ThreePeaks Ascent treatment program is designed to re-engage teens in healthy adolescent development. When your teen attends a short-term residential program, they are taken away from negative distractions they may have at home. They engage in treatment in a way that would not be possible in any other setting.

    Your teen will participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions while in treatment. This allows them to process their behavior as well as make changes in their personal life and family relationships. They are also able to learn from their peers, realize they are not alone in their struggles, and gain motivation to make changes.

    We've found that by the time of discharge, 90% of teens were actively engaged in treatment. When contacted six months after treatment, most of these teens maintained the motivational progress they made during treatment.

    2. Empowering Teens Through Skill Development

    As your teen engages in the therapeutic process, they’ll start to see huge progress. But for long-term healing, it is not enough to only alleviate your teen’s struggles, we must also empower them with the skills needed to thrive in life. These skills include:

    • Self-awareness skills like a growth mindset, identifying one's feelings, developing interests & sense of purpose
    • Self-management skills like emotional regulation, self-motivation, resilience, setting & achieving goals, planning & time management
    • Responsible decision-making skills like showing curiosity & open-mindedness, anticipating & evaluating the consequences of one’s actions, internal locus of control
    • Relationship skills like communicating effectively, seeking & offering support, resolving conflicts constructively
    • Social awareness skills like showing empathy & compassion for others, taking others’ perspective, recognizing strengths in others

    Your teen is powerful, intelligent, and capable. They are among the leaders of tomorrow. That is why the third stage of our short-term residential treatment program focuses on helping teens redirect their previously misused potential toward developing mastery in life.

    Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche observed years ago, “Happiness is the feeling that power is increasing—that resistance is being overcome.” When teens develop competence and mastery they:

    • gain self-reliance and self-confidence
    • become more resilient
    • have a greater sense of meaning and purpose
    • and better resist negative emotions.

    Overall, building mastery helps teens develop a positive mindset. Because they feel competent and in control, they go from feeling, “I’m not capable” to “I can do this!”

    About the Author

    Steven DeMille, Executive Director at ThreePeaks Ascent, a short-term residential treatment program for teens in crisis

    Steven DeMille, Ph.D. LCMHC

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Steven DeMille is the Executive Director of ThreePeaks Ascent. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. His educational experience includes an MA in Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. His research focus is on Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment, nature, adolescent development, and counseling ethics. He is actively involved in the counseling and psychology profession and holds regional and national leadership positions. He publishes and presents on Nature-Based Short-Term Residential Treatment and the use of the outdoors. This is done around the world at the national and international conference levels. 

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