Mental Health Treatment for Teens
If your teen struggles with their mental, emotional, and behavioral health, we’re here to help.
Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more.
If your teen struggles with their mental, emotional, and behavioral health, we’re here to help.
Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more.
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we understand the unique challenges teens face with mental health. As a parent, you may feel concerned, frustrated, and even scared about what your teen is going through. Our specialized mental health treatment for teens provide comprehensive care and support in a nurturing environment designed specifically for adolescents.
Learn more about our teen treatment programs or call us now at 800-275-1707.
Understanding Mental Disorders in Teens
Teen mental disorders can be difficult for parents to identify.
Parents may notice a change in their teen that seems off. Oftentimes, they may shrug this off as typical teenage behavior. And while teens do go through significant changes during adolescence, sometimes, there’s something else going on.
Many mental disorders start to develop during adolescence and into young adulthood. Some teens develop maladaptive coping skills to cope with stress at home or in school. Over time, these maladaptive (unhealthy) coping skills affect the way their brains develop.
For instance, teens may start abusing drugs or alcohol, obsess over social media, or avoid social situations to cope with problems.
Behaviors like these can lead to changes to brain chemistry that affect emotion regulation, impulse control, and social skills. On the other hand, some mental disorders have a genetic component—meaning they could develop a disorder despite engaging in healthy, prosocial activities.
Regardless of how disorders develop, it’s important for parents to be aware of their teen’s mental health. If you’re concerned about your teen’s well-being, speak to your family doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns.
In addition, you can take some of our free online mental health tests for teens to learn more about your teen’s mental health.
Common Mental Health Illnesses in Teens
Mental health challenges among teenagers have risen significantly in recent years, with studies showing that 1 in 3 adolescents will experience a mental health disorder by age 18.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 49.5% of adolescents have experienced some form of mental health disorder, with 22.2% experiencing severe impairment. Early intervention and professional treatment are crucial for helping teens develop healthy coping mechanisms and achieve long-term wellness. At Hillcrest, we specialize in a number of mental health disorders including the following.
The following are among the most common mental health disorders we treat:
Clinical depression in teens often manifests as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns that last for two weeks or more.
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry about various aspects of daily life that significantly impacts a teen’s ability to function normally in school or home.
Bipolar Disorder in teens is commonly characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
Personality Disorders include patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or problems functioning.
Mood disorders primarily affect emotional states, causing significant changes in how teens think, feel, and handle daily activities.
Childhood trauma includes emotional and psychological response to deeply distressing experiences, which can have lasting effects on behavior, relationships, and daily functioning.
Dissociative Disorder includes conditions characterized by disconnection between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity, often developing as a response to trauma.
OCD includes recurring, unwanted thoughts leading to repetitive behaviors that significantly interfere with daily activities and social interactions.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder affecting thinking, perception, and behavior, often emerging in late teens or early adulthood.
Psychotic Disorders are conditions that cause distorted awareness and thinking, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech
Schizoaffective includes psychotic symptoms and mood disorder symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning and relationships.
An obsession with cleanliness can disrupt your teen’s ability to engage in everyday activities. Germaphobia may be related to OCD, anxiety, and other disorders.
Our Residential Teen Mental Health Treatment
At Hillcrest, we recognize that every teen’s journey is unique. Our evidence-based approaches combine therapeutic intervention, academic support, and life skills development to support comprehensive healing and growth during mental health treatment for teens.
Our comprehensive residential program provides 24/7 care in a structured, supportive environment. Teens receive individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psychiatric care, and educational support while residing in our facility.
What Parents Can Expect During Mental Health Treatment for Teens
At Hillcrest, we believe that family involvement is crucial for successful teen mental health treatment. Our comprehensive family support program ensures parents are actively involved in their teen’s recovery journey while receiving the guidance and resources they need.
From the moment you contact us, our dedicated family liaison will guide you through the admission process, treatment options, and financial considerations. Throughout your teen’s stay, you’ll participate in regular family therapy sessions and receive detailed progress updates from our clinical team. We also provide extensive parent education programs to help you better understand your teen’s mental health challenges and develop effective supporting strategies for their continued recovery at home.
Essential parent support includes:
- Progress updates from your teen’s primary therapist
- Family therapy sessions
- Comprehensive aftercare planning
- 24/7 access to our clinical team
- Insurance verification and financial planning assistance
- Regular academic progress reports
- Transition planning and post-discharge support
Mental Health Treatment Therapies
At Hillcrest, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies during teen mental health treatment tailored to each teen’s unique needs and challenges:
Educational Support
Our educational program provides academic support with therapeutic techniques to help teens overcome learning challenges while managing mental health symptoms. Our certified educational therapists work closely with each teen’s school to ensure academic progress continues during treatment.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy utilizes evidence-based approach that helps teens identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to develop healthy coping skills and emotional regulation.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious processes influence current behavior and relationships. This therapy helps teens understand their emotional patterns and develop stronger self-awareness and personal identity.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, helping teens build stronger connections with family and peers while addressing depression, anxiety, and social challenges.
Family Therapy
Family therapy strengthens family relationships through improved communication, understanding, and problem-solving skills. Parents and siblings participate in regular sessions to create a supportive home environment for recovery.
Personal Development
Personal development focuses on life skills, self-esteem building, and identity formation. This includes goal setting, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility training.
Recovery Management Therapy
Recovery management uses long-term coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques, helping teens maintain their mental health progress after treatment through personalized wellness plans.
Expressive Therapy
Expressive therapy utilizes a creative therapeutic approaches including art, music, and movement therapy, allowing teens to process emotions and experiences through non-verbal expression and creative activities.
Outdoor Therapy
During outdoor therapy, we use adventure-based counseling such as equine therapy and nature activities that build confidence, teamwork, and resilience while providing opportunities for mindfulness and emotional growth in natural settings.
California Teen Mental Health Statistics
Teen mental health is a concern of parents and caregivers throughout California and the rest of the US.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), 32.6% of 9th graders reported depression-related feelings in 2017-2019 statewide. In the same time frame, 15.8% of 9th graders reported suicidal ideation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that, in 2021-2023, 20% of US adolescents ages 12-17 reported symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks.
The following are additional statistics from the CDC relating to US high school students in 2023:
- 40% had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- 20% seriously considered suicide
- 16% make a suicide plan
- 9% attempted suicide
California Teen Mental Health Statistics
Teen mental health is a concern of parents and caregivers throughout California and the rest of the US.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), 32.6% of 9th graders reported depression-related feelings in 2017-2019 statewide. In the same time frame, 15.8% of 9th graders reported suicidal ideation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that, in 2021-2023, 20% of US adolescents ages 12-17 reported symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks. Furthermore, 18% reported symptoms of depression in the past two weeks.
The following are additional statistics from the CDC relating to US high school students in 2023:
- 40% had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- 20% seriously considered suicide
- 16% make a suicide plan
- 9% attempted suicide
Find Mental Health Treatment for Teens Today
Your teen deserves a chance to thrive. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we understand that seeking help for your child’s mental health can feel overwhelming. Our compassionate team of experts is here to guide your family through every step of the recovery journey.
Call us now at 800-275-1707 or verify your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Mental Health
1 in 5 teens experiences a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common diagnoses.
For More: Teen Mental Health Facts
Recognizing when your teen needs professional mental health support can be challenging, as many symptoms may appear similar to typical teenage behavior. However, certain warning signs indicate a need for professional intervention:
Behavioral Changes:
- Significant personality changes or mood swings
- Intense irritability or anger outbursts
- Social withdrawal or isolation from friends and family
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Drastic changes in friend groups or social circles
Academic Indicators:
- Sudden decline in grades or academic performance
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing in class
- Skipping classes or refusing to attend school
- Complaints from teachers about behavior or participation
- Loss of motivation for schoolwork
Physical Symptoms:
- Significant changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
- Changes in eating habits leading to weight loss or gain
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Frequent headaches or stomach issues
- Lack of energy or constant fatigue
Emotional Signs:
- Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Excessive worry or anxiety about daily activities
- Frequent panic attacks or overwhelming fears
- Talk of death, suicide, or self-harm
- Difficulty managing emotions or frequent crying
High-Risk Behaviors:
- Experimentation with drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in dangerous or risky activities
- Self-harming behaviors
- Running away from home
- Aggressive or violent behavior
Digital/Social Media Behavior:
- Dramatic changes in online presence
- Posts indicating depression or suicidal thoughts
- Cyberbullying (as victim or perpetrator)
- Excessive gaming or internet use as escape
If you notice several of these signs persisting for two weeks or more, it's important to seek professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and support your teen's healthy development.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment, followed by creation of an individualized care plan. Our team works closely with teens and families to provide evidence-based therapies, medication management if needed, and ongoing support throughout the recovery journey.
Meet Our Distinguished Care Team
Executive Director
Psychiatrist
Physician
Director of Education
Areas We Serve in California
Malibu
Ventura County
Orange County
Los Angeles
Agoura Hills
Malibu
Ventura County
Orange County
San Diego
Northern California
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.
Julia Gindi
Executive Director
With decades of experience in mental health and addiction treatment, Julia Gindi is dedicated to helping teens and their families navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in fostering healthy boundaries, strengthening family dynamics, conflict resolution, emotional coping, and self-esteem development.
Julia attended Southern Illinois University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). She has worked across all facets of residential treatment, playing a key role in developing specialized programs that promote long-term healing.
A compassionate and dedicated professional, Julia has helped over 2,000 individuals reclaim their lives. Outside of her work, she finds joy in gardening and nature. As a proud grandmother of 14, her passion for creating positive change extends beyond her career, reinforcing her commitment to supporting individuals and families on their journey to healing and balance.
Dr. Michael Louie
Psychiatrist
Dr. Michael Louie is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 13 years of experience in mental health care. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 2011 and completed his psychiatry residency at the Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium. Throughout his career, Dr. Louie has been affiliated with medical facilities such as Southern California Hospital at Hollywood and Los Angeles Community Hospital. He has practiced in various California locations, including Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, and Tustin. Dr. Louie is known for his holistic approach to mental health, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Shilpa Jindani
Physician
Dr. Shilpa Jindani is a board-certified diplomat of the American Academy of Family Medicine. She studied at the Sawai Man Singh Medical College in India, later completing her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Jindani currently practices as a family medicine physician in California. She is also the medical director at Health Net.
Dr. Jindani is a former staff physician at Ventura County Medical Center. She is also a member of both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the California Medical Association. Dr. Jindani also serves as the Vice President of Tri-Vally Indian Medical Association. In addition, she is on the medical advisory board of a startup, eFind-a-Doc.
Dr. Jindani believes that integrative and preventative practices as well as mental health care lead to the best outcomes for overall health maintenance. Taking care of her patients is her passion. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and yoga.
Mark Paladini
Director of Education
Mark Paladini brings 12 years of experience teaching at the university level where he was celebrated for his curriculum design and lesson planning for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to heading the undergraduate program that he co-created at Regent University, he also developed and ran a highly successful online master’s program for high school teachers. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Teaching Fellows Program. Mr. Paladini also served on the recruitment team during his time at the university which gives him a unique advantage to help students prepare for what is needed to get into college.
Prior to teaching at the university level, Mr. Paladini taught and developed courses for UCLA Extension, taught middle school English for LAUSD, and mentored students at a National Blue Ribbon Elementary School in Los Angeles. He also has extensive experience in the entertainment industry (Fun Fact: Mark Paladini is an award winning Casting Director!) and brings his theatre skills into the classroom to create an engaging atmosphere where students enjoy the process of learning.