Mood Disorders Treatment for Teens and Young Adults
Therapy can significantly reduce mood disorder symptoms and provide valuable tools and coping strategies for managing the conditions. Fill out the short form below, or give us a call, to learn how we support people with mood disorders.
More than 90% of clients see improvements in their most severe mental health symptoms.
How are mood disorders diagnosed?
Mood disorders are usually diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional using clinical questionnaires and interviews. This evaluation involves a thorough review of a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and their duration. The diagnostic criteria of each mood disorder are outlined in established diagnostic manuals, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
How does Charlie Health treat mood disorders?
Teens and young adults with mood disorders are given a renewed sense of connection during treatment at Charlie Health. Using a comprehensive combination of individual, group, and family sessions multiple times per week, we take a personalized approach to mood disorder treatment.
Group sessions in particular allow teen and young adult clients with mood disorders recognize that they are not alone in their struggles. In these sessions, our clinicians and Care Team help clients with mood disorders identify their underlying issues and triggers to help them move from struggling to thriving. This is when healing truly starts.
We proudly partner with many major insurance providers, including commercial and Medicaid
What are the best therapy options for mood disorders treatment?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps treat mood disorders by addressing negative thinking and behaviors that contribute to these conditions. In CBT, people work with a trained therapist to identify distorted or irrational thought patterns underlying their mood disorder and replace them with more rational ones, leading to improved well-being. CBT also teaches people coping strategies and behavioral changes that promote healthier emotional responses. Over time, this process can reduce mood disorder symptoms.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores the underlying factors contributing to a person’s mood disorder, often connected to early life experiences. By raising these unconscious factors to conscious awareness, people can work through unresolved issues and gain a better understanding of their emotions, which can improve mood disorder symptoms. Psychodynamic therapy also helps people with mood disorders develop healthier coping mechanisms and more adaptive ways of relating to others.
Mindfulness-based CBT
Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) integrates traditional CBT techniques with mindfulness practices to help people with mood disorders manage their reactions to negative thoughts and emotions. It also teaches meditation and deep breathing as emotion-regulation tactics, which can be particularly helpful in the treatment of mood disorders. Mindfulness-based CBT empowers those with mood disorders to accept their experiences and develop healthier responses to the symptoms of their condition.
Mental health conditions associated with mood disorders
Other related areas of care may include
How it works
Reach out
Call our Admissions Team 24/7 or fill out our quick online form to verify your insurance coverage and get started
Get matched
We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to create your personalized virtual treatment plan
Start healing
Meet your peers in groups and your primary therapist in as little as 24 hours
FAQs for Mood Disorders
See All FAQsWhat are the main types of mood disorders?
- Bipolar disorder: involves cycling between depression and mania or hypomania
- Cyclothymic disorder: a milder form of bipolar disorder with less extreme mood swings
- Major depressive disorder: characterized by persistent, severe sadness and hopelessness
- Persistent depressive disorder (formerly dysthymia): marked by chronic, low-level depression
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: a condition in children and adolescents with severe temper outbursts and chronic irritability
What are the main symptoms of mood disorders?
- Prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability (in depressive disorders)
- Alternating between extreme energy and deep lows (in bipolar disorders)
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and decision-making
- Aches and pains and often interfere with daily activities and relationships
Can teens be diagnosed with mood disorders?
Yes, teenagers can be diagnosed with mood disorders. The diagnostic criteria for these disorders apply to teenagers just as they do to adults, with adjustments for age-related factors. It’s essential for mental health professionals to be especially attuned to the signs and symptoms of mood disorders in adolescents, as they may present differently in this age group. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in order to provide appropriate treatment and support to help teenagers effectively manage their mood disorders and prevent potential long-term issues.
Can you grow out of mood disorders?
Not usually, as mood disorders typically don’t improve without treatment. While the severity and duration of symptoms may vary over time, many people continue to experience recurring episodes or chronic symptoms if left untreated. However, with appropriate treatment from a mental health professional, many people can effectively manage their mood disorders, experience long periods of remission, and lead fulfilling lives.
How common are mood disorders?
Mood disorders are a relatively common mental health condition. Major depressive disorder, in particular, is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, affecting over 17 million people nationally (or 7% of the United States population). Bipolar disorder is less common, affecting about 2.8% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives.
What causes mood disorders?
- Genetic factors: A family history of mood disorders can increase the risk of developing one.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood, can contribute to mood disorders. For instance, low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.
- Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, and chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate mood disorders. Early life experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect, can also contribute.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, like chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders, can lead to mood disturbances.
*Analysis based on self-reported outcomes data from 2023 clients who had severe anxiety or moderately severe to severe depression at intake, and improvements at discharge.