Should my Teen get Mental Health Treatment This Summer?

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and the school year is rapidly coming to a close. This can only mean one thing, summer is here! There’s so much to love about summer: warm weather, vacation plans, community events. It’s like the sun shines a ray of energy and relaxation onto everyone. There’s just one little thing to consider. School may be out, but work is definitely still in and that leaves teens with a lot of unsupervised time.

Concerns About Summer Break

Without the routine schedule of school and school-related activities, it’s easy for teens to fall into a loop of endless scrolling, screen time, staying up late, and sleeping in.

If you’re worried about your teens spare time in the summer, a quick google search will show that you’re not alone. There are many forums asking for a healthy daily routine for teenagers. And for good reason. A lack of routine during the summer can lead to sleep disruption, social isolation, reduced motivation, and even a decline in academic performance for the upcoming school year, commonly called summer slide. 

Add in a mental or behavioral health concern like depression, anxiety, or addiction, and these problems increase drastically.

But there is good news! If you have a teen who experienced mental health challenges or setbacks this year, summer can be a great time to get on track and create a path for meaningful healing and growth.

Enter Residential Treatment

A structured therapeutic residential treatment program can be a lifeline for families during the chaotic summer months. Many times, parents think that without tests and other stressors, teens may get better on their own, but most often the lack of structure exuberates the issues. When studying the effects of summertime experiences on children’s development, researchers found that unsupervised time was linked to increased engagement in risk-taking and anti-social behaviors while participating in out-of-school programs was associated with improvements in grades and psychological resilience.

In fact, here are three reasons why summer is the ideal time for teen mental health treatment.

• No Missed School: Your teen won’t have to worry about missing classes or scheduling conflicts, allowing for a full focus on mental health.
  
• An opportunity to catch up: Many programs, including our own, offer tutoring and dedicated time for schoolwork, giving your teen the time to pursue additional life skills or catch up on missed assignments.
  
• Anonymity: There is nothing wrong or taboo about seeking mental health treatment for a loved one. But if you’d like to keep the matter private, summer provides the perfect buffer. There are many reasons teens may be away from the summer including vacations with a friend, visiting family, or attending a traditional camp. 

Exploring Summer Teen Treatment Options

At Centered Health, we offer two exceptional residential treatment programs for adolescents. More than just talk therapy, we designed these programs to offer structure and community in a peaceful homelike setting.

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Nestled in the hills of Agoura, Hillcrest offers a serene, expansive setting where teens can focus on healing away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life. With serene views of the Santa Monica Mountains, a pool and tennis court, and a warm, supportive staff, Hillcrest helps teens find clarity, confidence, and a sense of self-worth.

Beachside Teen Treatment Center

Located in beautiful Malibu, Beachside combines the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean with structured, evidence-based care. Here, teens benefit from a therapeutic daily routine and a team of expert clinicians, all with an unobstructed view of the beach.

Healing Through Activity

While clinical care is the core of our programs, we believe in healing the whole person. That’s why teens at both Hillcrest and Beachside offer a variety of experiential therapies and outdoor activities designed to boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and teach real-world coping skills. These include:

• Equine Therapy – Strengthen communication and emotional regulation through guided interaction with horses.
• Surf Therapy – Build resilience and mindfulness in the Pacific Ocean under the guidance of licensed surf therapy professionals.
• Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains – Connect with nature, decompress, and stay active through scenic hikes.
• Creative Therapies – Express emotions through music, art, and movement in structured, therapeutic ways.

Not only do these experiences create opportunities for growth, connection, and mind-body connection, but they’re also once-in-a-lifetime activities for any teen ready to enjoy the summer.

Common Concerns About Summer Treatment

We understand that considering residential treatment during the summer can come with some hesitation. Here are a few common concerns we hear and how we help families navigate them:

 “We already have a vacation planned.” Vacations are valuable for family bonding and creating memories. But when a teen is struggling with their mental health, their future well-being often needs to take priority. Even if the full summer isn’t available, treatment can be customized around your family’s schedule — and can often have more long-term impact than a short-term getaway.

“I don’t want my teen to feel isolated or miss out.” Our programs are designed to foster community, connection, and confidence. Your teen won’t be alone — they’ll be surrounded by a small, supportive peer group and guided by a compassionate clinical team. Daily group activities, group therapy, and experiential outings mean plenty of time for social connection and fun, all within a safe and structured environment.

“Can we afford this?” At Centered Health, we’re proud to work with many major insurance providers to help make summer programming more accessible. Our admissions team can help you understand your benefits and walk you through the process so that the cost doesn’t become a barrier to the support your teen needs.

Make this Summer a Turning Point for your Teen

If your teen is struggling with behavioral issues, summer is not a time to wait and hope things improve. With the school year on pause, now is the ideal moment to prioritize their well-being and set them up for success, emotionally, academically, and socially.

Whether your child needs support with anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health challenge, we’re here to help with a customized treatment plan.

Give your teen a summer filled with support, structure, and the chance to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our residential treatment facilities.