A Parent’s Guide to Common Mental Health Therapy and Treatment Plans
One of the most overwhelming parts of parenting a struggling child is figuring out where to start. Should you select a therapist or a psychiatrist? What kind of therapy should I select? What if my child needs more intensive help?
This guide to treatment options for teens and children outlines the different types of mental health therapy and programs available so you can feel confident moving forward with a plan. If you are still not sure, it’s always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician and request recommendations.
1. Outpatient Therapy (The Most Common Starting Point)
This is what most people consider traditional therapy with a licensed therapist. Appointments may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on severity of symptoms and goals for your child.
Common types include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – most common
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Play therapy (for younger children)
Outpatient therapy works best when:
- Your child is stable and safe
- Symptoms are mild to moderate
- There is no immediate safety concern
2. Psychiatric Support
A psychiatrist, pediatrician, or psychiatric nurse practitioner can evaluate whether medication may help your child’s symptoms and concerns. They can also recommend further therapeutic treatment that may be helpful.
Medication can be appropriate for:
- Moderate to severe depression
- Anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
Medication is not a failure or an easy way out. It is one of many tools, and for many children, it can be life-changing when carefully administered.
3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP typically involves therapy multiple days per week for several hours per day while the child continues living at home.
- Weekly therapy isn’t enough
- Symptoms are worsening
- There has been recent self-harm or threat of harm
- School attendance is declining significantly
4. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is a step up from IOP. Children attend treatment most of the day, several days a week, but go home at night.
This level of care is helpful when:
- There is significant depression or anxiety
- There is suicidal ideation but no immediate plan
- Eating disorders that require structured monitoring
5. Residential Treatment
Residential treatment involves living at a treatment facility for a period of time. Residential treatment offers a much higher level of support when safety is at risk.
This level may be appropriate when:
- There are repeated suicide attempts
- Safety cannot be maintained at home
- There is severe eating disorder behavior
- Other treatments have not worked
This decision can be incredibly difficult for families to make. It’s important to note that residential treatment options are not a punishment, nor are they a parenting failure. Most parents choose this type of treatment upon the recommendation of their child’s mental healthcare team. It is simply a way to guarantee your child’s safety while they get the help they need, and can be an incredibly helpful step in your child’s healing and recovery.
6. Inpatient Hospitalization (Crisis Stabilization)
This is short-term hospital care during an acute crisis. This type of hospitalization usually occurs as the result of a mental health evaluation at an emergency room. (It is one of three options. Not every ER visit will result in inpatient hospitalization.)
This level of care is used when:
- A child has a suicide plan or intent
- There has been a recent attempt
- There is psychosis or severe instability
Hospitalization is focused on immediate safety and stabilization. It is not long-term therapy.
How to Know What Level of Care May Be Needed
A simple guideline for parents:
- Mild to moderate symptoms → Outpatient therapy
- Escalating risk or functional decline → IOP or PHP
- Safety cannot be maintained at home → Residential or inpatient
When in doubt, seek an evaluation. It’s always better to over-respond than under-respond when safety is involved.
If your child is in danger, dial 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room
The Role of Parents in Treatment
No matter the level of care, parental involvement matters.You are not expected to be the therapist. But you are their advocate, their anchor, and their safe place.
Support can often include:
- Attending family sessions
- Learning coping skills alongside your child
- Securing medications and sharp objects if needed
- Maintaining structure at home
- Taking care of your own mental health
A Gentle Reminder
Mental health treatment is rarely a straight line. There may be progress, setbacks, and adjustments along the way. But early intervention works. Honest conversations work. Professional support works. And most importantly, connection works.
Stay strong. Stay vigilant. Stay hopeful. We invite you to join one of our Parent Support Circles to connect with families just like yours where you can be supported and support others. We’re so much stronger together.
If your child is struggling, you are not alone. And neither are they.
Note: This article is shared for information purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice.
More support is available:
Be prepared in case a crisis happens: What Happens at the Emergency Room During a Mental Health Crisis
Learn about available Mental Health Support at School
Read our guide to Mental health basics every parents should know
You are not alone. Learn more about how we provide support for parents
If this article helped you, consider supporting Brighter Path Family Network. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your donation is tax deductible and allows us to continue providing help to families navigating mental health challenges with their child.
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This article is shared for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice.