Treatment For Adolescent Self-Harm in Utah

Learn more about adolescent self-harm treatment at our hospital in Salt Lake City

Self-harm, or the act of deliberately inflicting physical pain onto oneself, is not uncommon to find among children and adolescents. When children are unsure of how to verbalize their feelings, they may turn to self-harm as an attempt to sooth feelings of sadness or other overwhelming emotions that may be present. Self-harming behaviors can include cutting, burning, and hitting. Research has shown that self-harm is an addictive behavior and when a child harms themselves the associated rush of endorphins is so pleasing that the child begins to rely on this behavior to feel comfort. The problem is that the engagement of self-harm only brings temporary relief and doesn’t address the underlying issues and puts a child at risk for serious harm.

At Highland Ridge Hospital, we understand that our adolescent patients need treatment services that are designed to treat the specific concerns of this population. Our caring staff aims to help adolescents, ages 12 to 17, learn to cope with their mental illness, behavioral health, and addictions enabling them to return to their maximum potential. Our adolescent program is dedicated to provide reliable, evidence-based treatment to help them lead a productive life filled with happiness and joy. Overcoming self-harm is not easy, but with our help your child can get their life back.

Helping a loved one or family member get treatment for self-harm

If your have a child who has been engaging in self-harm behaviors you are probably experiencing a multitude of different emotions. Not only are you most likely shocked to learn what they have been doing to themselves, but you are also probably confused as to why they are engaging in this type of behaviors. However, this behavior shouldn’t be ignored something needs to be said. Here are some things to keep in mind when approaching your child about their self-harm:

• Educate yourself about this disorder
• Don’t panic
• Do not ignore obvious behaviors and do not be afraid to talk to your child about these behaviors
• Seek professional help
• Get to the root of the issue
• Model positive coping skills
• Talk about triggers
• Be compassionate about setbacks
• Offer nonjudgmental support
• Do whatever you can to ensure your child’s safety

Why seek help for self-harm

If your child is engaging in self-harming behaviors it is important that you seek immediate professional mental health care in order to avoid the development of more serious problems or injuries. Currently your child is struggling with some sort of mental pain and is most likely feeling a great deal of shame or guilt surrounding the behavior. Additionally, the teen has most likely gone to great lengths to keep this behavior a secret, which can cause problems with social relationships and may eventually lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Your child is also putting him/herself at an increased risk for a number of negative health concerns, some potentially lethal consequences.

An inpatient treatment center skilled at treating adolescents engaging in self-harm is one of the most effective treatment options. Inpatient care allows your child to step back from daily problems to truly focus on recovery. Additionally, an inpatient center will provide your child with an environment geared toward healing, while being kept safe and free from harm. In an inpatient treatment program, your child will be involved in a number of different treatment techniques such as individual, group, and family therapy all designed to help get to the root of the development of their self-harm.

Our philosophy & benefits of self-harm treatment

Highland Ridge Hospital aims to provide high quality treatment for teenagers, adults, and older adults struggling with anxiety disorders. We know that each person who comes to us for help is a unique individual who requires an individualized plan of care that involves innovative treatment approaches for his or her stay with us. At Highland Ridge, we believe the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We seek to treat each person who comes 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 self-harm 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 come to us for care. Our multidisciplinary team works together in order to prescribe and provide a specially tailored treatment. In our adolescent program we treat patients with safe, proven, and reliable evidence-based treatment protocols, guided by care, concern, compassion, and competence. At Highland Ridge we see each adolescent as more than the symptoms of a mental health disorder. Each teen has individual 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 include some of the following:

Medication management: Medication is not a primary treatment option when it comes to self-harm, but it may be used in your child’s treatment plan to help treat the symptoms of a co-occurring disorder. 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 to allow each adolescent with the opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist to delve into issues one may not be comfortable sharing in group.

Group therapy: At Highland Ridge we offer both psycho-educational 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 recovery process and is integrated into the treatment approach. Family interactions will focus on the ways in which self-harm may have impacted the family as a whole, education about self-harm, 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 with us 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. At Highland Ridge Hospital, returning the teen to the community is an important treatment goal. Highland Ridge Hospital is proud to offer a variety of options for care for our community. No matter what level of care you need, Highland Ridge Hospital is ready to help you locate what you need.

Our treatment center is in Salt Lake City and serves residents from all over Central and Northern Utah. Call one of our admissions counselors today for a free, confidential screening to see how Highland Ridge can help you regain a happy, healthy life.