Acceptance and commitment therapy for teens (ACT)
Parents can often face a unique challenge during their child’s teenage years. You may be looking for ways to help your teen cope with their adolescence in a healthy way. If your teen is experiencing mental health issues, one approach you may want to consider is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
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What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Teens?
Acceptance and commitment therapy for teenagers is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings don’t have to control your behavior. Instead, teens can choose how to act, even if their thoughts and emotions are uncomfortable. This is different from cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on recognizing negative thoughts and changing them. This kind of therapy can be a part of troubled teenager programs.
ACT for adolescents specifically helps them learn how to deal with the teenage years in a more productive way. The goal is to help teens accept the things they cannot change and commit to taking action in areas they can control.
Acceptance and commitment therapy can help with a variety of teen mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
Benefits of ACT for Teens
There are many benefits that acceptance and commitment therapy can bring for teens. One benefit is that it can help them learn to accept themselves for who they are. It can also help teens become more mindful of their thoughts and emotions and learn to handle difficult situations.
Lastly, ACT can help teens learn that negative experiences are a part of life but it’s how you respond to them that matters. This can help teens have a more positive outlook.
Help Your Teen Find Balance with ACT
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional stress, acceptance and commitment therapy can guide them toward healing. Our ACT program helps adolescents accept their experiences, focus on what matters, and take meaningful steps forward. Contact us today to learn how we can support your teen’s growth and well-being.
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6 Core Principles of Teen Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy is founded on six core principles that help teens develop psychological flexibility. These principles allow teens to focus on the big picture as they work through their emotions. The six core principles of ACT for teens are:
Acceptance
This principle involves helping teens learn to accept the things they cannot change and rather look to things they can control.
Cognitive Defusion
This principle helps teens learn to disassociate themselves from their thoughts. It helps them understand that thoughts are just thoughts and not facts.
Being Present
This principle involves learning mindfulness techniques to help your teen focus on the present rather than worry about the future.
The Observing Self
This principle helps teens develop a more objective perspective of their thoughts and emotions, rather than judging them as good or bad.
Values
This principle helps your teen identify what is important to them and what they want to stand for in life. Then they can start making choices that align with these things.
Committed Action
This principle helps your teen take action towards their goals. It involves setting plans and taking small steps to make progress.
Our goal in developing Key Healthcare was to create programs that gave teens the guidance they needed to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Based on our own experiences, we believe that everyone has the ability to change if given the proper structure and connection
Ryan Blivas & Evan Powell
Founders of Key Healthcare
Teen Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Key Healthcare provides ACT for teenagers as a part of our teen treatment programs. Teens will participate in individual and teen group therapy sessions that utilize ACT to treat their mental health condition(s).
In addition to our intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, we also offer a comprehensive residential treatment program for teens. To learn more about our extended care programs, contact us today.
It might feel like a big step, but remember why you’re here—you’re looking for a way forward.
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Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance use challenges?
Request a confidential call today – our team will walk you through the admissions process, treatment options, costs, and what to expect. Reaching out is a powerful first step toward a healthier future for your teen and your family.
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Insurances we Accept
Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.
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Get in touch with Key Healthcare
Get in touch with Key Healthcare to learn how our teen-focused mental health and addiction treatment programs can support your family. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the admissions process, and help your teen take the first step toward lasting recovery.
If you are ready to get help for your child, we are here to help. Feel free to call us, email, or fill out our contact form to get started today. You can also verify your insurance to begin the process.
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Structure, support, and a path forward. See how programs at Key Healthcare help teens thrive.
Take the first step by verifying your insurance today and finding out what coverage options are available for your family. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand how to access the care your teen needs.
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Author
Medically reviewed by
Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT
As Executive Director, Dr. Mayeh is dedicated to maintaining Key Healthcare’s reputation as a premier adolescent treatment center, fostering a stable and supportive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership focuses on clinical integrity, staff development, and creating a culture of compassion and growth.