Growing up comes with many emotional, social, and developmental changes. While occasional mood swings, worries, and challenges are a normal part of childhood and adolescence, persistent changes in mood, behavior, or functioning may be signs of a mental health condition that deserves attention.
You are not alone. Nearly one in five children experiences a mental health condition each year, and many mental health disorders first appear during childhood or adolescence. The encouraging news is that treatment works. With early intervention and the right support, young people can develop healthy coping skills, regain stability, and thrive.
At TaraVista, caring for children and adolescents is one of our specialties. Our dedicated teams have years of experience and specialized training in pediatric behavioral health. Because children and teens have different emotional, developmental, educational, and family needs than adults, they receive care on separate inpatient units designed specifically for their age group.
Facts at a Glance
- Nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents experiences a mental health condition each year.
- Approximately 50% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% begin by age 24.
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults.
- Early identification and treatment can improve emotional well-being, school performance, relationships, and long-term outcomes.
Common Mental Health Concerns in Children & Teens
Mental health conditions can affect children and teens in different ways than adults. Symptoms may appear as changes in behavior, emotions, school performance, friendships, or family relationships.
Some of the most common concerns include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Bipolar disorder
- Mood dysregulation
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Psychosis
- Significant behavioral or emotional changes affecting daily life
Every child is unique, which is why treatment should always be individualized.
Treatment Works
Children and adolescents benefit from care that recognizes they are still growing, learning, and developing. At TaraVista, every patient receives an individualized treatment plan developed by an experienced multidisciplinary team that specializes in pediatric behavioral health.
Treatment may include:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management when appropriate
- Individual therapy
- Daily therapeutic groups
- Family therapy and family meetings
- Expressive and recreational therapies
- Safety planning
- Coordination with schools and outpatient providers
- Discharge planning to support continued success at home and in the community
Our goal is to help every young person stabilize, build resilience, strengthen family supports, and return home with the tools they need to continue healing.
When It’s Time to Call TaraVista
If your child’s mental health symptoms are becoming more severe or are affecting their safety, relationships, or ability to function at home or school, it may be time to seek a higher level of care.
Consider contacting TaraVista if your child or teenager:
- Is expressing thoughts of suicide or engaging in self-harm
- Is experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or another mental health crisis
- Is unable to safely remain at home or in the community
- Is experiencing significant emotional or behavioral changes
- Is struggling to function at school or in daily life
- Is not improving despite outpatient therapy, medication, or other community supports
- Has been evaluated by a mental health professional who recommends inpatient treatment
Our Admissions Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, discuss your child’s needs, and help determine the most appropriate next step.
Call 978-615-5252 to speak with an Admissions Specialist.
Children & Teens Have Different Needs
Children and adolescents are not simply small adults. Their brains are still developing, and their emotional, social, and educational needs are unique. Effective treatment takes all of these factors into account.
That’s why TaraVista offers:
- Separate inpatient units for children (ages 5–12) and adolescents (ages 13–17)
- Age-appropriate therapies and activities
- Experienced clinicians specializing in pediatric behavioral health
- Family-centered treatment planning
- Coordination with schools and community providers
- Safe, structured therapeutic environments designed specifically for young people
By tailoring care to each stage of development, we help children and teens build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and prepare for a successful return home.
Resources
- TaraVista Mental Health Resources: https://www.taravista.care/mental-health-resources/
- National Institute of Mental Health – Child & Adolescent Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: https://www.aacap.org
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): https://www.masshelpline.com
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
Healing Grows Here
For nearly a decade, TaraVista has helped thousands of children, adolescents, and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Our experience has strengthened one belief above all else: mental health is health, treatment works, and young people can get better.
Every day, our specialized child and adolescent teams partner with families to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps children and teens regain stability, build resilience, and move toward a brighter future.
If you have questions about whether inpatient treatment may be the right next step for your child or teenager, our Admissions Specialists are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 978-615-5252.
Healing grows here.
