Parents' Corner: Guidance for Parents of Struggling Teens
Parents of teens who struggle also need support and guidance as they find help for their children.
Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more.
Parents' Corner: Guidance for Parents of Struggling Teens
Parents of teens who struggle also need support and guidance as they find help for their children.
Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more.
Parenting a teenager struggling with mental health or behavioral challenges can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You may be feeling hopeful, worried, or even unsure about what to expect as your teen begins their healing journey. At Hillcrest Adolescent, we’re here to guide and support you through the process, providing transparency, compassion, and the expertise needed to help your child thrive.
Learn more about our teen treatment programs or call us now at 800-275-1707.
Start Here
Not every concern looks the same, and you don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. The four starting points below cover some of the most common reasons parents land on this page. Pick the one that feels closest to your situation.
Not Sure Where to Start?
I’m Worried About My Teen’s Mental Health
Mood swings are normal during adolescence, but some changes point to something deeper. If your teen seems persistently sad, withdrawn, or unlike themselves, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Read: 7 Danger Signs to Look For
My Teen Is Angry, Defiant, or Out of Control
Constant outbursts, slammed doors, and explosive reactions can leave the whole family on edge. Anger is often a teen’s way of expressing something they don’t yet have the words for.
Read: Understanding Teen Anger
I Think My Teen May Be Using Drugs or Alcohol
Secrecy, a new friend group, missed curfews, or sudden mood changes can all be signs of substance use. Knowing what to look for, and what to do next, can make all the difference.
Read: Shocking Signs of Substance Abuse Among Teens
I’m Considering Treatment But Don’t Know What Level of Care They Need
Residential treatment, PHP, outpatient. The options can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what your teen actually needs.
Read: Understanding Mental Health Levels of Care for Teens (coming July)
If Your Teen May Be in Immediate Danger
If your teen is talking about suicide, has hurt themselves, or you believe they’re in immediate physical danger, don’t wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
For mental health crises, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text. It’s a free service, and conversations are generally kept confidential. In situations involving an immediate safety risk, responders may take additional steps to keep your teen safe, which can include contacting local emergency services.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’re not sure whether a situation is urgent, our team can help you think it through. Call us at 800-275-1707.
Explore Parent Resources by Topic
Teen Mental Health
Recognizing what’s normal and what isn’t is often the hardest part.
- Teen Mental Health Warning Signs
- Teen Depression
- Teen Anxiety
- Self-Harm in Teens
- Suicidal Thoughts in Teens
- OCD
- Trauma
Teen Behavioral Issues
When behavior crosses the line from typical teen pushback into something more concerning.
- Normal Teen Behavior vs. Warning Signs
- What to Do When Your Teen Is Out of Control
- Teen Anger and Aggression
- Teen School Refusal
- How to Set Boundaries With a Struggling Teen (coming July)
Teen Substance Use
Substance use can be hard to spot, and even harder to talk about.
- How to Tell If Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Alcohol
- Teen Marijuana Use
- Teen Alcohol Use
- Teen Vaping and Nicotine
- Substance Use and Mental Health in Teens
Treatment & Admissions
Once you’ve decided to explore treatment, the next step is figuring out what kind of care actually fits your teen and your family.
- When Does a Teen Need Residential Treatment? (new page)
- What Parents Can Expect
- Levels of Care for Teen Mental Health (coming July)
- What to Do If Your Teen Refuses Treatment (coming July)
- Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Teen Treatment Center (coming soon)
- Insurance & Cost Guide for Parents
Family Healing
Treatment works best when the whole family is part of the process, not just the teen.
- Family Therapy for Teens
- How to Talk to Your Teen About Treatment (coming July)
- Rebuilding Trust With Your Teen (coming August)
- Supporting Siblings During Treatment (coming August)
- Preparing for Your Teen to Come Home (coming July)
Common Questions Parents Ask
If your teen's mood, behavior, or daily functioning has changed significantly and stayed that way for more than a couple of weeks, especially if it's affecting school, relationships, or safety, it's worth a professional evaluation. Trust your instincts. A clinical assessment can give you clarity either way.
Some moodiness, eye-rolling, and pushing boundaries is a typical part of adolescence. A mental health concern tends to be more persistent and more intense, and it starts interfering with school, friendships, or your teen's ability to function day to day.
This is common, and it doesn't mean treatment isn't possible. Start with an honest, calm conversation rather than an ultimatum. If your teen continues to refuse and you're concerned about their safety, our admissions team can talk through options with you, including how to approach the conversation.
No. Residential treatment is generally recommended for teens who need a higher level of structure and round-the-clock support, often because outpatient care hasn't been enough or there are safety concerns. Many teens do well with PHP or outpatient support instead. A clinical assessment helps determine the right fit.
Yes. Family involvement is a core part of treatment at Hillcrest. You'll take part in regular family therapy sessions and receive updates on your teen's progress throughout their stay.
In many cases, yes. Hillcrest works with most major insurance providers, and our team can verify your specific benefits before you commit to anything. If insurance doesn't fully cover treatment, we can also discuss payment options.
Treatment doesn't end the day your teen comes home. Most teens benefit from a step-down plan, which might include outpatient therapy, a support group, or our alumni program, along with continued family support to help maintain progress.
Featured Parent Guides
- Teen Mental Health Warning Signs Parents Should Know
- How to Talk to Your Teen About Getting Help (coming July)
- Family Therapy for Teens: A Parent’s Guide
- Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Teen Treatment Center (coming soon)
Recent Blog Posts
We Focus on Teen Recovery in a Caring, Safe and Intimate Setting
We specialize in behavior, anxiety, personality disorders, complex psychiatric disorders, and many co-occurring issues. Our philosophy? To empower clients to address their struggles head on and to find the most wholesome path for long lasting healing, and overall life quality.