3 Charlie Health Parents on the Struggle to Find Treatment for Their Teen

It’s well known that we’re in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, and accessing mental healthcare for young people remains challenging. Parents seeking more than once-weekly therapy for their children often encounter limited local options, long waitlists, and insurance issues—among other setbacks. Charlie Health spoke with three parents who encountered these barriers before finding Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Before Charlie Health, these parents were turned away from treatment facilities, lost insurance coverage for previously provided services, and ultimately ended up in the emergency room as a last resort. Below, read about the barriers they faced while trying to find mental healthcare for their children and how they finally got connected with Charlie Health’s IOP.

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Anonymous, parent of 14-year-old Charlie Health Client

“My daughter had become very angry. Everything set her off. She was yelling at us, and she was physically hitting her sister. We got a referral to a local mental health inpatient program, but they said they didn’t have any room for her. I was at the point where I was ready to take her to the psychiatric ward. I messaged the inpatient program again because I was desperate, and they sent me the information about Charlie Health. We called, and she had her first Charlie Health appointment that afternoon. 

I realized in Charlie Health’s family therapy that taking my daughter to the psychiatric ward would have been more detrimental to her mental health. She felt like everybody was leaving her, so if I had taken her there and left her, it would have made things even worse. I am so appreciative of Charlie Health for getting us through that time and getting her in so quickly.”

Tasia C., parent of 17-year-old Charlie Health Client

“When my daughter started struggling with mental health, I found her a psychiatrist who she really liked working with. Then my job changed, and my insurance no longer covered it. I had to find her something else before her anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder returned. I searched for a year and luckily found Charlie Health. 

I really liked that it catered to young adults, but I had some hesitations about the whole “intensive” part. I said to my daughter, “Let’s try it. If you don’t like it, you can always stop.” Within the first week, she was acting like my child again. Before Charlie Health, she had stopped drawing for several months. After starting treatment, I saw her sketching on the iPad again. Now she has the tools she needs to help her through anxiety.” 

Jennifer A., parent of 14-year-old Charlie Health Client

“I took my daughter into the emergency room late on a Friday night because she was panicking, and she alerted their mental health system. She was on the verge of hurting herself. Because of that, she had to have a staff member stay in the hospital room with her overnight until she could talk to the therapist the next day. I knew she needed additional care, but I did not think that inpatient was the best for her. I was worried she would have shut down more in inpatient. 

When she talked to the therapist, they finally released the staff member and suggested it would be best for her to have outpatient care. They recommended Charlie Health. I was very relieved because I didn’t want my daughter to go backward with her mental health anymore. I felt like she would be most comfortable talking with people her own age, and sure enough, she eventually connected with other kids in the group and realized she’s not alone.”

Find mental healthcare for your child at Charlie Health 

If your child is in need of more than once-weekly therapy, Charlie Health might be able to help. Our personalized virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers mental health treatment for teens, young adults, and families dealing with various complex mental health challenges. 
Charlie Health’s compassionate mental health professionals are here to listen to your story, understand your needs, and create an appropriate treatment plan as soon as possible. We’ll also work with your insurance provider, if covered, to make sure you get the help you need and deserve. Fill out our quick assessment to get started today.