Getting Help for Your Teen, Part 2

by SAMHSA

(Page 8 of 8)

Language and other cultural issues may exist as barriers to accessing quality mental health services. Parents should expect that mental health professionals are sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences, and can address issues affecting diverse populations.

If you haven't found a good referral in your community, SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center can provide help in finding a mental health professional. You can visit their website at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov or call their toll-free number at 1-800- 789-2647 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., EST).

For more information about culturally sensitive services, you can call the Office of Minority Health Resource Center at 1-800-444-6472.

There are so many different kinds of mental health providers ... what's the difference? How do I know what is right for my child?

Social workers, mental health counselors, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists, among others, all have different kinds of training and skills, and provide different types of treatment. In therapy sessions, all of these mental health professionals help people talk about their experiences, thoughts and feelings, in order to solve personal and family problems and treat mental illness.

Psychiatrists and other medical doctors can determine if there are other physical illnesses that may be contributing to the problem and can prescribe medicine when this is determined to be an important part of the treatment. Medications are available that effectively treat mental illnesses that are severe or disabling. They are often used in combination with therapy. Your family physician or school guidance counselor can help you assess what type of professional help you need.

I know this is all going to be expensive ... how will I afford it?

You may have some mental health coverage in your health insurance plan. But if your ability to pay is limited, you should be able to access community-based services. Your state department of mental health or local community mental health center can direct you to these resources. City and county mental health services are often offered on a sliding-fee scale, based on your financial resources, and some health centers and mental health professionals in the community may also provide for a sliding scale fee to those who cannot afford the full fee.

What about help for substance abuse?

Parents are usually the first line of defense against substance abuse. Set a good example by not using illicit drugs, and if you drink alcohol, do so responsibly and only in moderation. Know your family's history of alcohol and drug abuse and talk to your children about it. If you have a drug problem (alcohol, prescription drug abuse, or illicit drugs), get help for yourself. Teach your child or teenager that it is okay to get help. Learn the signs of alcohol and other drug abuse and take action to help your children if they have a problem.

Teachers, doctors, sports coaches, clergy members and others involved with youth have important roles to play in helping to recognize and get help for teens who are using alcohol or other drugs.

To find the right help, you should start by getting information about substance abuse and mental health services in your community. Ask your health care professional for a referral, or contact local hospitals, state and local substance abuse agencies, school counselors, or community mental health centers. You can also contact national or local substance abuse treatment helplines, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

General Tips When Getting Help for Your Teen and Your Family

Here are general tips on getting help for you and your teen:

Get the whole family involved. Family stress and turmoil contribute to the problems of teenagers. Teens' problems add to family stress. The whole family must work together to solve those problems. Ideally, the entire family should participate in counseling. The priority, however, is to ensure that your teen gets help. He or she might first want to meet privately with a counselor and may agree to family involvement later.

Be patient. Understand that experienced counselors take their time with young people who enter counseling against their will. It may take a while to develop rapport and a while longer for teens to be ready to make changes. Parents should ask counselors to keep them informed on what to expect and to discuss progress as it is made. Counselors also can help parents understand what to look for in terms of changes and approximately when these changes might occur. If your child is prescribed medication by a physician, be informed about the side effects and possible adverse reactions, and understand that medications may take several weeks to work.

Evaluate your counselor as you would any other professional you work with: You should feel good about the person, and you should also get results.

Monitor progress. When you are unhappy with progress, talk it over with the counselor. Sometimes parents are impatient and expect immediate results. Counselors should explain their timetable and perhaps point out progress that may not be so obvious. If progress is not being made, parents should ask how the counseling approach might be modified. If the modified approaches don't work, parents should consider getting a second opinion or transferring to another professional.

Be your child's advocate. Whether you have private health coverage or you rely on public programs for health care, find out what treatment services are covered and for how long. Let your health care professional, insurance company, social worker, case manager and anyone else involved in your child's treatment, know what you think your child and family need. Make sure you are involved in decisions about your child's treatment.

Conclusion

Parents matter when it comes to helping their children successfully navigate the teenage years to ensure a safe and healthy passage from childhood into adulthood. Being knowledgeable and keeping communication open, recognizing warning signs of problems and seeking help when you think it's needed, are important contributions that support your teen's development.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.