Youth Mental Health
What to do if you suspect your child has a problem
Children and adolescents in today's world have to deal with problems that we didn't even recognize a generation ago – and it is more difficult than ever to tell what is normal and acceptable from what is a problem.
Parents often have questions about behaviors they see in their youth. We encourage you to talk to your child's doctor or therapist. You can also call the Bryan Counseling Center at 402-481-5991 with questions or concerns.
Warning Signs
If can be hard to determine if your child's behavior is just a phase or a sign of something more serious. The following is a list of warning signs that can help you determine if your child is experiencing problems that may require help:
- Changing groups of friends
- Irritable or short-tempered
- Eating or sleeping problems
- Suspected alcohol or drug abuse
- Talk about death or suicide
- Increase period of depression or agitation
- Running away from home
- Fire starting
- Uninterested in favorite activities
- Increased frequency or arguments or disobedience
- Poor school performance
- Suicidal thoughts or gestures
- Multiple physical complaints or continuing physical problems
- Hyperactivity
Expertise to Treat Youth
Our staff of mental health professionals has expertise in helping youth dealing with many issues, including:
- Anger management
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD)
- Behavior and school problems
- Depression
- Self injurious behavior
- Difficulty adjusting to change
- Mood swings
- Relationship difficulties
Treatment Options
Counseling
Bryan Counseling Center offers a comfortable, confidential environment. Our services include:
- Individual and family counseling
- Psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulation, memory disorders, etc.
- Transitional services from mental health inpatient and partial hospitalization to outpatient counseling
Partial and Inpatient Hospitalization
Partial and inpatient treatment services require a physician order for admission. Treatment team members include a psychiatrist, therapists or social workers, nurses, mental health technicians, recreation therapists, dietitians, teachers, chaplain and other community treatment professionals as necessary. A staff teacher coordinates activities with you to help maintain your child's studies during partial hospitalization or inpatient treatment.
Partial Hospitalization
Treatment goals at this level of care are to help your child gain skills to manage their symptoms, to monitor any medication adjustments and to prepare for dismissal and follow-up care. Length of stay is approximately three to five days and is adjusted based on treatment progress.
In partial hospitalization services, youth attend treatment during the day and return home in the evening. The treatment program is based on the needs of each youth. Some attend an all-day program, while others attend their regular school for part of the day and the partial hospitalization program the other part of the day.
While in partial hospitalization, your child will have individual sessions with treatment team members and attend group sessions with other partial hospitalization patients and inpatients. Therapists or social workers will offer counseling, education and support. They will work with you to establish continued follow-up after your program.
Inpatient Treatment
Treatment goals focus on providing a safe and structured environment where your child learns how to manage symptoms. Length of stay is approximately three to five days and is adjusted based on treatment progress.
Inpatient treatment includes a daily schedule with specific activities based on each youth's needs. Treatment includes group sessions, individual sessions with treatment team members and individual assignments. Support, counseling and education will be provided to you and your child's social worker or therapist will be involved to discuss concerns, coordinate care and help establish a discharge plan. Your child will receive care in a safe and comfortable environment.
Patients that receive services in our youth treatment programs range from age five-18. If your child has graduated from high school, services may be more appropriately provided in the adult inpatient areas.
Treatment Approach
While no two treatment plans are exactly alike, some common components in partial hospitalization and inpatient treatment are:
- Individual psychotherapy with a psychiatrist or other trained mental health professional
- Structured group therapy
- Family intervention and supportive counseling
- Psychological and, if indicated, neuropsychological testing
- Drug and alcohol screening/assessment
- Social skills development
- Academic assistance
- Recreation therapy
- Stress management
- Medication
- Survival skills
Our staff provides a therapeutic environment of helping, healing and caring. We encourage youth to take responsibility for their actions. We provide supervision and treatment focusing on each youth's individuality.
Family Involvement and Support
We know you are concerned about how you can help your child regain health and make better choices. Family involvement is essential to your child's treatment and recovery. We offer families many ways to support and nurture change, including family counseling meetings. Each person is a part of the family, and when one family member has difficulty, the whole family is affected. All families have strengths and challenges. Our treatment team helps your family grow by identifying strengths and finding ways to manage difficulties.
Insurance
Our services are covered by most major health insurance plans. If you have questions or would like help determining your insurance coverage, call us. We will be happy to assist you.
Visiting Hours
12-12:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Call Today
We can talk with you about your child's situation and, if appropriate, provide an assessment to help determine what services can best meet his or her needs.
Bryan Counseling Center
Phone: 402-481-5991
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: South of Bryan West Campus, 2300 S. 16th St.
Crisis Assistance
For crisis assistance take your youth to the Bryan West Campus mental health emergency department, 2300 S. 16th St., or call 9-1-1.
