The natural landscape of Minnesota includes nearly 12,000 lakes, but its teenagers and young adults can still require mental health care. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) adolescents in Minnesota are nearly 19% more likely to use alcohol than their counterparts across the US population. However, the NCDAS also reports that teens in this state are 2% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average teenager in the US. Over the past 20 years, Minnesota (MN) has also become a far more diverse state in terms of its population – so the need for culturally-appropriate mental health services has increased, as well. (There are 11 federally-recognized and distinct Native American tribes in Minnesota.) Described below are the five best mental health treatment centers in MN for teens and young adults:
1) Mayo Clinic Psychiatric Hospital (Rochester, MN)
The Mayo Clinic’s psychiatric hospital is recognized as one of the top psychiatry hospitals in the world. Children and adolescents are treated on an inpatient basis in its Child, Adolescent and Family Services Unit, while young adults requiring inpatient care are typically treated in its adult-focused Psychiatric Acute Care Unit. That inpatient care is provided under the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, which also offers outpatient care to both youth and adults. The psychiatric hospital unit aimed at children and adolescents specializes in stabilization and treatment for youth who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, such as those who are suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing psychosis.
Payment Options: Diverse types of health insurance are accepted (as well as self-pay).
2) Newport Academy (3 sites in Minneapolis, MN area)
Situated near Minneapolis – and around a one-hour drive from its international airport –residential care to teens experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse problems is provided by this mental health treatment center in the Minneapolis area. Meanwhile, outpatient services are also provided by this center in Minneapolis. The Newport Academy Minnesota residential program for teen boys and its separate program for teen girls are both located in a serene natural setting. These residential programs provide compassionate, outcomes-driven care in a comfortable, home-like environment. In the teen outpatient program, clients typically have a structured daily schedule that includes individual and group therapy sessions. Besides its 3 sites in MN, Newport Academy also offers similar services at numerous nationwide sites. Notably, this center specializes in the treatment of teens and young adults. Their treatment approach includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- Individual and/or family therapy;
- Recovery lifestyle (for patients/clients recovering from an addiction);
- Nutrition
3) Five Rivers Mental Health Center (Mankato, MN)
Outpatient mental health services are provided to children, teenagers, and adults at this mental health counseling center. Besides individual, family, and group therapy (and other offerings), this center has a specialized offering, Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) – which provides a therapeutic approach to intervention when a child or teenager experiences an impairment in functioning as a result of mental health distress. CTSS services are time-limited and are delivered using a combination of services designed to reach the goals outlined in an individualized treatment plan. Psychological testing and diagnostic assessments are also provided by this mental health center which is located around 81 miles by car from Minneapolis.
Payment Options: Diverse types of health insurance are accepted (as well as self-pay).
4) Fairview Health Services – Adolescent Inpatient Treatment (Minneapolis, MN)
Located on the campus of the University of Minnesota Medical Center (West Bank Hospital), specialized inpatient treatment aimed at youth aged 13-18 needing crisis intervention or mental health care. A unique treatment plan is developed for every child or adolescent patient, in order to make the mental health care personalized and more effective. Within this secure inpatient unit is an even more secure unit, the Intensive Treatment Center (ITC). The ITC is designed to care for youth that require a quieter and less stimulating environment, and it provides a higher staff-to-patient ratio. Admission to the ITC is determined by the treatment team. Family involvement is a central component of the philosophy of this youth inpatient facility.
Payment Options: Diverse types of health insurance are accepted (as well as self-pay).
5) Northern Pines Mental Health Center (Brainerd, MN; Mailing Address: Little Falls, MN)
Established in 1964 with a six-county service area, this comprehensive community mental health center serves both youth and adults and has six other sites besides its Brainerd, MN location. Some of the services provided are: mobile crisis outreach services, Adult Community Based Services (ACBS), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services for adults and youth, Children and Family Services (CFS), school-based services, mental health and wellness education, medication management, and outpatient therapy.
Payment Options: Diverse types of health insurance are accepted. As an essential community provider governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, it also provides reduced or no-fee services (based on its sliding fee scale).
Depression and Anxiety in Teenagers and Young Adults
The American Psychological Association (APA) noted in 2021 that both depression and anxiety in teens and young adults have escalated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Adolescence is often a time when peer pressure and the need to “fit in” with the social group can lead to increased episodes of depression and anxiety. Among psychologists, 84% who treat anxiety disorders said that they had observed an increase in demand for anxiety treatment since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, those who treat depression said that they had observed a similarly increased demand. The lack of ability to see friends in school – resulting from the need to protect them from acquiring or transmitting the Covid-19 virus – has increased depression, anxiety, and alcohol consumption in teenagers and young adults. Furthermore, a Center for Disease Control (CDC) research study found that the percentage of obese in children and teens increased to 22% during the pandemic, as compared to 19% prior to the pandemic.
Whether your offspring – or you – is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem, seeking mental health care can make a huge difference for future health and overall quality of life.
