Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center & Hospital in Utah

Learn more about adolescent bipolar disorder treatment at our hospital in Salt Lake City

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by dramatic changes in moods or unusual mood swings that range from major depression to mania. In children with bipolar disorder, these mood swings can be mild or extreme and can come on slowly or rapidly. Every child experiences good and bad moods, but those with bipolar disorder experience unprovoked and intense highs and lows that can be unpredictable, extreme, and debilitating. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and can damage relationships, lead to poor school performance, and, in some cases, result in suicide. While this disorder has no cure, with proper treatment at a hospital or treatment center that specialized in bipolar disorder in adolescents your child can go on to live a full, productive life.

At Highland Ridge Hospital, located in Salt Lake City, we understand that our adolescent patients need treatment services that are designed to address the specific concerns of this population. Our caring staff aims to help adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 learn to cope with their mental illnesses, behavioral health concerns, and addictions in order to enable them to return to their maximum potential. Our adolescent program at our treatment center is dedicated to providing reliable, evidence-based treatment to help youth lead a productive life filled with happiness and joy.

Helping a loved one or family member get treatment For bipolar disorder

Not only is bipolar disorder hard for your child, but, as a parent, dealing with the ups and downs of this illness can be challenging. The worst feeling is that there is nothing you can do to make this disorder go away. However, there are some things you can do to help. These include:

• Learn about bipolar disorder
• Educate your child about this disorder
• Take your child to see a mental health professional
• Be understanding
• Keep a strict schedule of your child’s medication
• Be patient with your child
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Keep taking your child to regular therapy sessions
• Be there for your child emotionally

Why seek help for adolescent bipolar disorder

Children with bipolar disorder can have serious short and long-term consequences as result of their illness, and their extreme mood swings can lead to difficulties at school, home, and among friends. If help from a treatment center or hospital is not sought, the effects of bipolar disorder can range from minor disturbances to major disruptions. A child with bipolar disorder will often have damaged relationships and experience an inability to maintain healthy relationships. They may be unable to keep up at school and, as a result, begin to fail academically, greatly affecting their self-esteem. Additionally, they may begin to engage in risky behaviors or turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage their symptoms. The addition of substance use can make things even worse. The main thing to remember is that you need to get your child the help he or she needs as soon as possible from a treatment center or hospital specializing in bipolar disorder in adolescents in order to avoid future damage.

An inpatient treatment center or hospital that specializes in treating adolescents who have bipolar disorder is often the best form of treatment. Inpatient care allows your child to focus solely on recovery without the distractions of the outside world. Additionally, an inpatient center will provide your child with an environment where he or she can heal, while being kept safe and free from harm. In an inpatient treatment program at a hospital or treatment center, your child will be involved in a number of different treatment techniques such as individual, group, and family therapy, all of which are designed to help him or her learn how to successfully manage this disorder and the symptoms that accompany it.

Our philosophy & benefits of adolescent bipolar disorder treatment

Highland Ridge Hospital aims to provide high-quality treatment for adolescents, adults, and older adults who are struggling with anxiety disorders. We know that each person who comes to our treatment center for help is a unique individual requiring an individualized plan of care involving innovative treatment approaches for his or her hospital stay. At Highland Ridge Hospital, we believe the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We seek to treat each person coming to us for help with the dignity, respect, compassion, and care they deserve so that they can return to their communities a happy, productive person.

Adolescent bipolar disorder treatment options available at Highland Ridge Hospital

At Highland Ridge Hospital, we provide individualized treatment plans that are designed to meet the unique needs of each and every patient who comes to us for care. Our multidisciplinary team works together in order to prescribe and provide this specially tailored treatment. In our adolescent program at our treatment center, we treat patients with safe, proven, and reliable evidence-based treatment protocols, which are guided by care, concern, compassion, and competence. At Highland Ridge Hospital, we view adolescents as being more than the symptoms of a mental health disorder; they are people with special needs, wants, desires, and challenges. We approach treatment of adolescent mental health disorders from a holistic, individualized, and caring place. Some of the therapeutic methods we use to treat each patient at our treatment center include some of the following:

Medication management: Medication is the main treatment method used for bipolar disorder at Highland Ridge Hospital as it is used to lessen symptoms and help regulate one’s mood. Each patient is seen on a regular basis to ensure the effectiveness of medication and to make any necessary changes.

Individual therapy: Held on a weekly basis, individual therapy is provided at our treatment center to allow each adolescent to have an opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist to delve into issues he or she may not be comfortable sharing in group. Sessions may focus on anxiety triggers, relapse prevention, and coping mechanisms.

Group therapy: Group therapy can be immensely helpful for people who have anxiety disorders as it allows them to connect with others who are struggling with similar struggles. Through group therapy, adolescents at Highland Ridge Hospital can work together to grow, learn, and heal. We offer both psychoeducational and process-based groups that may include topics such as anger management, stress reduction, and coping skills.

Family therapy: The whole family unit is an important part of the recovery process and is integrated into the treatment approach. Family sessions at our treatment center will focus on the ways in which anxiety disorders have impacted the family as a whole, while providing education about anxiety disorders and the treatment process.

As a holistic treatment center, Highland Ridge Hospital aims to offer a variety of experiential treatment options to accompany traditional therapies. These may include:

• Art therapy
• Pet therapy
• Recreation therapy
• Yoga
• Music
• Leisure time
• Meditation
• Craft time
• Movie nights
• Wii games
• Gym & exercise time
• Puzzles, cards, and board games

Continuing care at Highland Ridge

As your child’s time at our treatment center draws to an end, our treatment team will work with you and your child to establish an aftercare plan that meets your child’s continued recovery goals, such as referrals to a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or traditional outpatient therapy.