How to Find the Right Help for Your Teen

Every guide on this site ends here. This one explains the levels of care, how to know what your teen needs, insurance, what to ask a program, and what to do in a crisis.

We're not clinicians or doctors, and this practical guide isn't medical advice. For guidance about your teen, always talk with their doctor or therapist. If you're worried about their safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

7 articlesBy Jeremy MannéMore on the way

If you're new here, start with these

Start here

Can I Make My Teen Go to Treatment? What Parents Can Do When a Teen Says No

Whether parents can require a teen to attend mental health or substance use treatment depends on state law, and the rules often differ for outpatient …

Then

The Emergency Room and Crisis Options: What Parents Should Know

Parents facing an adolescent mental health crisis can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when anyone is in immediate danger, and that includ…

Then

How Insurance Works for Teen Mental Health Treatment, in Plain Terms

Insurance coverage for adolescent mental health treatment depends on your specific plan, so the most useful first step is a benefits check that asks a…

Every article in this guide

Getting Help

Can I Make My Teen Go to Treatment? What Parents Can Do When a Teen Says NoWhether parents can require a teen to attend mental health or substance use treatment depends on state law, and the rules often differ for outpatient care, inpatient care, and substance use treatment.8 min The Emergency Room and Crisis Options: What Parents Should KnowParents facing an adolescent mental health crisis can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when anyone is in immediate danger, and that includes any time a teen may have swallowed pills or something dangerous.9 min How Insurance Works for Teen Mental Health Treatment, in Plain TermsInsurance coverage for adolescent mental health treatment depends on your specific plan, so the most useful first step is a benefits check that asks about the exact level of care your teen needs.10 min Levels of Care Explained: Therapy, IOP, PHP and Residential Treatment for TeensTeen mental health care runs on a continuum, from weekly outpatient therapy through intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and residential treatment, with each step adding more hours and more structure.10 min Questions to Ask an Admissions Team Before Your Teen Starts TreatmentBefore a teen starts any treatment program, parents should ask about licensing and accreditation, staff credentials, family involvement, insurance, school, and discharge planning.10 min What a Good Teen Treatment Program Looks Like, and the Red Flags to AvoidA good adolescent treatment program holds a current state license, employs licensed clinicians, and can explain which evidence-based therapies it uses and why they fit your teen.8 min How to Know What Level of Care Your Teen NeedsThe level of care a teen needs is decided by a licensed mental health professional's evaluation, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) calls that evaluation the starting point for any worried parent.10 min

When it's more than home can handle

You don't have to figure out the next step alone

We're not clinicians, so the Getting Help guide explains your options in plain language and points you toward people who can evaluate your teen. If you're worried about safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

Levels of care, explained →What level of care your teen needs →Crisis options →