Reaching Out as a Parent

Often the first point of contact is the teenager's school. They often have mental health professionals, such as school psychologists, counselors, and school social workers, on staff, or they may have referral sources who can help you. Early intervention is essential to a successful intervention.

"Successful school-based mental health programs are woven into the fabric of the school including its classroom and instructional priorities. To accomplish this integration successfully, schools must combine the development of their comprehensive school-based mental health program with systematic schoolwide reform efforts. By joining schoolwide reform efforts, school-based mental health professionals can emphasize the benefits of building collaborative efforts within and between schools and community mental health providers, social services, juvenile justice agencies, and families." Quote from Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice.

If you are involved with a local church, contact the clergy to find out if they have intervention programs for troubled teens. The most important thing is to not remain isolated in your struggle with a troubled adolescent.

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