Learn more about Crown Adolescent Health’s Newton OCD IOP for teens and adolescents and how we can help your family find long-term healing and wellness together.
Adolescence can be a challenging period, filled with rapid developmental changes and new social dynamics. When compounded by mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it can be particularly overwhelming for young individuals. At the Crown Adolescent Center in Newton, MA, specialized treatment programs are available to help adolescents navigate and manage OCD effectively.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. For adolescents, OCD can interfere significantly with daily life, affecting academic performance, family relationships, and friendships. Understanding the complexities of OCD in this age group is essential to offering effective treatment.
Treatment Programs
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adolescents is a significant mental health concern, with studies indicating that it affects approximately 1% to 3% of children and teens globally. In the U.S., around 1 in 200 adolescents are diagnosed with OCD, translating to about 500,000 young people. This makes OCD relatively common, with symptoms typically emerging between the ages of 8 and 12, or in adolescence.
OCD is often misdiagnosed or overlooked in adolescents, particularly since symptoms may be mistaken for typical adolescent behaviors or other mental health issues. Data also suggest that early onset of OCD tends to be more severe, and if left untreated, it can persist into adulthood, significantly impaired quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing the condition effectively, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication often providing relief for many adolescents.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children can manifest through a range of signs and symptoms that often interfere with daily life. Commonly, children with OCD experience persistent, intrusive thoughts or fears (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety. To alleviate this anxiety, they may engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). These compulsions can include actions like excessive handwashing, counting, checking things repeatedly (e.g., doors or locks), or arranging objects in a particular order.
Other symptoms of OCD in children may involve an overwhelming need for reassurance, a fear of germs or contamination, and irrational worry about harm coming to themselves or others. Children might also struggle to focus on schoolwork or social activities due to intrusive thoughts, and their compulsive behaviors can become time-consuming, leading to significant distress or impairment. Recognizing these signs early is crucial, as professional treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the child’s quality of life.
Our most intensive level of care involves an individualized treatment plan to meet each client where they are. A wide range of therapies and services can be utilized to help the teens in our care build healthy coping skills and learn how to manage symptoms of mental health concerns even after leaving treatment.
This step down from our full day program provides continued support as clients begin to return to their everyday activities. Through daily sessions in our centers, your teen can continue to build the skills they need for long-term recovery.
If a hospital stay is part of your child’s recovery journey, we’re able to provide outpatient services that can help them build a strong foundation for further progress when they’re back home. Hospital-based services involve counseling, therapy, and support for family members.
If your teen or adolescent is struggling with mental health issues or dual-diagnosis conditions, we can help. Take our free online quiz right now to get the answers you need.
The Crown Adolescent Center is dedicated to offering comprehensive mental health services tailored specifically for adolescents, particularly those struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Their approach centers on individualized care, ensuring that each adolescent’s unique challenges are addressed through evidence-based practices. The treatment process begins with a thorough assessment, which includes clinical interviews, psychological testing, and input from family members and educators. This comprehensive evaluation allows the center’s clinicians to fully understand the nature and severity of the adolescent’s OCD, paving the way for an effective and personalized treatment plan.
The treatment plans at the Crown Adolescent Center are customized to each adolescent’s needs, taking into account their strengths, preferences, and personal circumstances. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as a cornerstone of these treatment plans, helping adolescents reshape negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. For those specifically dealing with OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of CBT, is used to gradually expose adolescents to their fears while guiding them to resist the compulsions that typically follow. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) further supports adolescents by teaching them to focus on the present moment, reducing the impact of obsessive thoughts.
Family involvement is also prioritized through therapy and education, ensuring that the family unit is equipped to provide ongoing support. Additionally, psychiatric evaluations and medication management are available when necessary, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to treating OCD.
We have a team of dedicated specialists who can answer any questions you may have about mental health treatment in general, our program or getting started.
Getting professional treatment for your child’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve their quality of life. One of the key advantages is the tailored therapeutic interventions provided by mental health professionals, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). These evidence-based treatments help your child confront their obsessive thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviors, which can be debilitating without intervention. The structured, supportive environment provided in professional settings equips children with effective tools to manage their OCD and fosters long-term resilience.
Another significant benefit is professional treatment’s comprehensive approach, which often includes medication management, family therapy, and ongoing support. Family involvement helps improve communication and understanding, making the home a more supportive environment for recovery. Additionally, having access to psychiatric evaluations ensures that, when necessary, medication can be introduced to complement therapy and enhance its effectiveness. Professional OCD treatment empowers your child to develop healthier coping strategies and regain control over their life, contributing to long-term mental wellness and stability.
Success in treating adolescent OCD at Crown is multifaceted. Clinically, adolescents often show significant reductions in obsessive and compulsive symptoms, leading to enhanced functioning in daily activities. Success is also gauged through personal growth markers, such as regained academic focus, improved family relationships, and increased participation in school or extracurricular activities.
One inspiring success story involves a 16-year-old boy struggling with severe hand-washing compulsions, which led to social withdrawal and academic decline. Through ERP and family therapy at Crown, he learned to manage his compulsions and began participating in school events, ultimately leading his school’s debate team to a championship victory.
At Crown Adolescent Health, we work with most major insurance carriers to help cover many of the costs associated with treatment at our teen programs in Massachusetts.
We are here to be your partner in teen & adolescent mental health & wellness. Contact our caring team to learn more about how we can help you with our innovative treatment programming.
Addressing OCD in adolescents demands a specialized approach that recognizes their unique developmental needs and the complexities of their social environments. At the Crown Adolescent Center in Newton, MA, a comprehensive and empathetic approach equips adolescents with the tools they need to manage OCD effectively and reclaim their lives. By utilizing evidence-based therapies, involving families, and integrating community resources, the center stands at the forefront of adolescent OCD treatment, fostering resilience, recovery, and long-term personal growth.
