Learn more about Crown Adolescent Health’s Newton Self-harm IOP for teens and adolescents and how we can help your family find long-term healing and wellness together.
Self-harm behaviors among adolescents are distressingly common, with many young individuals engaging in self-injury as a means to cope with overwhelming emotions or difficult situations. In Newton, MA, the Crown Adolescent Center offers a lifeline for these teens, providing specialized treatment that stands as a beacon of hope and healing.
Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), involves deliberately inflicting pain on oneself without suicidal intent. Behaviors such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself are often symptomatic of deeper psychological issues. Adolescents may turn to self-harm to manage emotional pain, convey distress, or exert control over their bodies.
Treatment Programs
Signs of adolescent self-harm can be subtle and vary from person to person, but there are common indicators to watch for. Here are key signs:
Physical Marks: The most visible signs are unexplained cuts, burns, bruises, or scars, often located on areas that can be easily hidden, like the arms, thighs, or stomach.
Wearing Concealing Clothing: Adolescents who self-harm may wear long sleeves or pants even in warm weather to hide their injuries.
Frequent Accidents: They might make excuses for injuries, explaining them as frequent accidents or clumsiness.
Emotional Distress: Look for signs of intense emotional distress, such as feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or overwhelming guilt, which can contribute to self-harming behaviors.
Social Withdrawal: They may begin isolating themselves from friends and family, avoiding social situations, or becoming secretive about their activities and whereabouts.
Behavioral Changes: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or increased risk-taking behavior can signal underlying emotional pain or distress.
Possession of Self-Harming Tools: Finding razors, lighters, or other sharp objects in their personal belongings may indicate self-harming behavior.
Declining Academic Performance: Trouble concentrating in school or a noticeable drop in grades could reflect underlying emotional struggles that lead to self-harm.
Early recognition of these signs can lead to timely intervention and mental health support, which is crucial for addressing the underlying causes of self-harm and preventing further harm.
Self-harm is a concerning issue that affects a significant number of adolescents worldwide. Research shows that around 17% of teenagers engage in self-injurious behaviors at least once during their adolescence. This behavior, often associated with underlying emotional distress, tends to peak during the teenage years, with the highest rates typically occurring between ages 12 and 15. Girls are more likely to engage in self-harm compared to boys, with some studies indicating that nearly 1 in 4 adolescent girls have harmed themselves intentionally.
The reasons behind adolescent self-harm are complex and often linked to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Recent studies suggest that 70% of teenagers who self-harm are also battling underlying mental health disorders. The rise in social media usage and exposure to online bullying has further exacerbated the issue, contributing to increased stress, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation among teens. Despite the alarming statistics, many adolescents do not seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment, making early intervention and open dialogue crucial for prevention and support.
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.
Seeking professional treatment for self-harm is crucial for children and adolescents struggling with this challenging behavior. One of the primary benefits of professional intervention is the access to evidence-based therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of your child.
Therapists skilled in treating self-harm use modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children develop healthier coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and self-awareness. These therapeutic approaches empower young individuals to understand the underlying issues contributing to their self-harm and work towards healthier responses to emotional distress.
In addition to therapeutic interventions, professional treatment offers a safe and supportive environment where your child can express their feelings without fear of judgment. In a clinical setting, children can discuss their experiences and emotions with trained professionals who understand the complexities of self-harm. This space encourages open communication, allowing children to explore their thoughts and feelings while learning effective coping mechanisms. Furthermore, engaging in group therapy with peers facing similar struggles can foster a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation, helping children realize they are not alone in their experiences.
Another significant advantage of professional treatment is the involvement of family in the recovery process. Many treatment centers emphasize family therapy, providing education and resources to help families better understand self-harm and improve communication dynamics. This collaborative approach strengthens family relationships and equips parents and guardians with the tools to support their child’s healing journey. By addressing the family unit as a whole, professional treatment fosters a more supportive home environment, which is essential for sustained recovery.
Lastly, seeking professional help for self-harm can significantly reduce the risk of more severe mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Early intervention through therapy can prevent the escalation of self-harm behaviors and the potential for suicidal thoughts or actions. By addressing self-harm with the help of qualified professionals, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring your child’s emotional well-being and promoting a healthier, more resilient future.
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.
Located in the heart of Newton, the Crown Adolescent Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to adolescents, including those struggling with self-harm. Emphasizing a compassionate and individualized approach, the center employs evidence-based therapies to assist adolescents in overcoming self-injury and building healthier coping mechanisms.
At Crown, treatment begins with a detailed assessment conducted by mental health professionals trained in adolescent behaviors. This process involves clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and discussions with family members to gain insight into the adolescent’s emotional state and potential triggers for self-harm.
The Crown Adolescent Center recognizes that each adolescent’s experience with self-harm is unique. Therefore, customized treatment programs are developed to address the specific needs of each individual. These programs utilize a mix of therapeutic approaches proven effective for reducing self-injurious behaviors.
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.
At our Children Self-Harm Treatment Center in Newton, we understand that addressing self-harm behaviors in children and adolescents requires a compassionate and multifaceted approach. Our commitment to fostering healing and resilience is reflected in the diverse therapeutic modalities we employ, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each child. By integrating evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological complexities associated with self-harm, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where children can learn to navigate their feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
While therapy is central to self-harm treatment, some adolescents may benefit from medication to address underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. At Crown, medication management is handled with care, ensuring that any prescriptions are part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Beyond traditional therapies, Crown Adolescent Center integrates holistic approaches to address the overall well-being of adolescents:
Crown Adolescent Center understands the importance of a supportive environment in the recovery process. The center collaborates with schools in Newton to ensure academic support measures are in place, helping adolescents maintain their educational progress while undergoing treatment.
Community involvement is also pivotal. Crown partners with local organizations to raise awareness about adolescent self-harm, advocate for mental health initiatives, and reduce the stigma surrounding self-injury. These efforts contribute to creating a community that is informed, compassionate, and supportive of those in need.
Success in treating adolescent self-harm at Crown is measured not just by the cessation of self-injury but by the overall improvement in the adolescent’s quality of life. Indicators of successful outcomes include enhanced emotional regulation, increased engagement in social and academic activities, and improved family relationships.
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.
Crown Adolescent Center is committed to not only treating self-harm but also preventing its recurrence. This involves equipping adolescents with lifelong skills to manage stress and emotional pain. The center offers ongoing support groups and therapy sessions for those who have completed initial treatment, ensuring that their journey to recovery is sustained over the long term.
Addressing adolescent self-harm requires a compassionate approach that recognizes the complex emotional landscape of young individuals. At the Crown Adolescent Center in Newton, MA, a comprehensive treatment framework is in place, designed to address the root causes of self-injury and promote healing and resilience. By employing evidence-based therapies, involving families, and fostering community collaboration, the center plays a crucial role in guiding adolescents away from self-harm and toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
