Teen Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Our therapists work with clients to help them identify the nature of their obsessions, how those thoughts get triggered, and how the relationship to the behavior plays out.

What is OCD?

Teen and young adult OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental illness characterized by unrelenting upsetting thoughts (or obsessions) which cause them to perform certain behaviors (compulsions.) Over time, OCD can become disruptive in multiple areas of a teen or young adult’s life, preventing them from being able to function healthily.

OCD-diagram
man-with-OCD

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How Does OCD Impact Young People?

The defining characteristic of OCD is that teens and young adults experience consistent irritating thoughts which they believe can only be alleviated and/or “reversed” by performing a certain behavior.

This creates a strong cause-and-effect cycle that teens and young adults essentially become stuck inside. Despite these ritualistic behaviors often being unenjoyable, teens and young adults experiencing these symptoms feel compelled to do them.

OCD Symptoms in Young People

While the specific obsessions and compulsions can differ, some of the common symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder include repetitive behaviors that are intrusive or inappropriate; intrusive thoughts and behaviors regarding cleanliness or order; thoughts and behaviors concerning hoarding or spending; thoughts surrounding morality or religion, thoughts pertaining to some form of harm; thoughts surrounding sex; and unexplained repetitive behaviors such as hand-washing, counting, touching, or locking doors, which are not connected to any known, conscious thought.

While everyone experiences repetitive thoughts and behaviors to some degree, teens and young adults with OCD experience these things to such a degree that it causes them considerable unrest and disrupts areas of their lives, such as their ability to perform well in school; to maintain relationships; and/or to behave appropriately in social contexts.

One of the challenges for teens and young adults with OCD is they’re still unable to change or control these behaviors even when they’re aware of the negative aspects. In some cases, this may cause them to try to hide the behaviors and/or to withdraw from others, in order to avoid judgment.

OCD Treatment at Paradigm

Paradigm Treatment specializes in providing teen and young-adult-focused mental health treatment, including care for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Our treatment plans are designed according to the individual’s unique needs, symptoms, goals, and interests. In this sense, no Paradigm Treatment plan is just like another.

In general, the way we approach OCD is designed according to the client’s compulsions and behaviors; what kinds of underlying stressors and/or experiences may be aggravating the condition; how the condition is affecting other areas of their lives; and other supplemental support, to contribute toward strengthening and benefiting the teen or young adult’s whole life.

To this end, our residential treatment strategies usually combine both traditional and progressive strategies, which address the mental and behavioral aspects of the illness.

Our Mental Health Professionals

From the mental and emotional standpoint, our therapists work with clients to help them identify the nature of their obsessions, how those thoughts get triggered, and how the relationship to the behavior plays out.

For instance, it’s helpful for teens and young adults to identify what kinds of unwanted thoughts trigger the obsession which then leads to a feeling, which causes them to perform the behavior.

We not only want to help teens and young adults recognize these patterns but also explore and process any deeper emotional underpinnings, which might be the source of tension for their current cycles, or even overcome OCD.

On the behavioral level, teen and young adult Obsessive Compulsive Disorder treatment helps clients become more empowered to resist urges and function healthily in their lives.

Sometimes, this means incorporating techniques that help teens and young adults cope with stress or calm their minds, so they can feel more in control of themselves. We also might work with clients to help them incorporate new, healthy behaviors which can become positive forces in their lives.

How We Treat OCD at Paradigm

Our residential treatment program for young adults and teens is 30-90 days in length. Duration of stay is based on clinical recommendations from the mental health professional you’ll work with.

We provide strategic and highly individualized care for every client in our program. Paradigm is a mental health residential treatment center – so we provide care for anxiety disorders and several other mental health conditions. OCD and related disorders require specific treatment, especially when dealing with young people.

Here at Paradigm, our comprehensive behavioral health services for young adults and teens use individual and group therapy as cornerstones for treatment. Since counseling is a major part of treatment, we ensure that our clients are participating in sessions several times a week.

Each of our residents participates in individual therapy four times a week. These sessions help our residents learn about themselves and other vital insights that can aid in processing trauma and personal issues.

We conduct group therapy sessions at least once a week. Combining group and individual therapy has proven to be a major benefit for our clients. Residents benefit from group therapy since connection, interpersonal growth, and recognition are so important for humans.

Our clients often gain strength and courage from these sessions – which prove to be priceless once back in society.

It is important to us at Paradigm to recognize the profound connection between our clients and their family members. Thus, we provide weekly individual family counseling sessions and group family counseling sessions.

These weekly sessions help mend family dynamics, as well as, help family members better understand each other. At Paradigm, our goal is to empower both our client and their family – not just for the length of their stay – but long after their time at Paradigm.

OCD is a mental health condition that is related to generalized anxiety disorder but does have its own definition. Anyone who is experiencing OCD symptoms has an understanding of unwanted and intrusive thoughts. We utilize cognitive behavioral therapy at our residential treatment program because it’s a major help in lessening the symptoms of OCD. Treatment for OCD at Paradigm consists of holistic approaches, as well as, traditional treatments like CBT.

CBT is a proven primary treatment that can help address the underlying causes of young adult OCD. This specialized therapy helps our clients recognize obsessive thoughts and it can help them develop more healthy ways to respond to them.

Teen DBT is a cognitive behavioral approach that focuses mainly on the connection between young people’s mental health disorder symptoms and how it impacts their social interactions.

We use DBT in conjunction with our other techniques, which are all meant to work synergistically. This strategy stems from the hope of helping our clients use their new tools throughout the rest of their lives.

At Paradigm Treatment, experiential therapy is a massive part of our treatment and recovery process. Treatment for OCD often consists of a host of different programs and therapies. Experiential therapy is highly effective since it keeps our clients in the moment.

Since it involves them participating in enjoyable activities, it sometimes even encourages them to pick up the particular hobby – long after their time at Paradigm.

Some activities we offer in our experiential therapy program include:
  • Art Therapy
  • Drama Therapy
  • Equine Therapy
  • Yoga Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Spiritual Health Program
  • Written/Narrative Therapy
OCD-treatment

Find Help at Our Residential Treatment For OCD at Paradigm

OCD affects a rather large number of the population. When OCD presents itself in young people, starting treatment can greatly improve their quality of life. At Paradigm Treatment, we are deeply committed to our families. Whether you are a parent looking for help for a teen ages 12-17, or a young adult ages 18-25, we’re committed to working with you and your child.

As a mental health facility accredited by the Joint Commission, we exceed rigorous performance standards. Meaning, we will do everything we can to help your family. Please give us a call today.

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