Globally, teenagers are grappling with a mental health crisis, and Arizona is no exception. A recent report by the Arizona Department of Health Services has highlighted a troubling rise in mental health diagnoses among the state’s adolescents, including conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, an increase in suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors has been noted in recent years.
In response to this growing issue, Horizon Recovery, a local teen mental health and addiction treatment provider, is working to address the needs of young people through various therapeutic services. The organization, which operates facilities in Peoria, Glendale, Buckeye, and Scottsdale, offers inpatient and outpatient programs designed to treat both mental health disorders and substance abuse.
Patrick Buehl, executive director and co-founder of Horizon Recovery, emphasized the connection between the rise in adolescent anxiety and today’s digital world. “Unfortunately, anxiety rates in adolescents have skyrocketed, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re rising at unprecedented rates, and I think the biggest factor is today’s tech-driven world,” Buehl said.
Horizon Recovery provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to adolescent mental health, offering everything from inpatient residential care to outpatient therapy. For the most severe cases, the organization offers residential treatment for teens aged 12 to 17 who are struggling with both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Other services include intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs.
“We’ve created a robust program to help educate teens and parents about managing anxiety and understanding mental wellness. It’s vital to connect families with experienced counselors and clinicians who specialize in adolescent mental health,” Buehl explained.
The October 2024 “Adolescent Mental Health Report: Trends in Mental Health,” which analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and Arizona’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, found that 40% of adolescents reported experiencing poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This data highlights a significant increase in mental health struggles among Arizona’s youth and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems.
Buehl suggested several strategies to help mitigate the mental health challenges facing today’s adolescents. One key tool, he said, is education. Parents can make a significant impact by establishing boundaries around media consumption and promoting media literacy. He also stressed the importance of open dialogue between parents and teens.
“We encourage parents to create safe spaces at home for teens to discuss current events. It starts with establishing an environment of trust. When families validate their teens’ feelings, it creates a foundation for processing the world around them,” Buehl noted.
Horizon Recovery’s residential facilities provide an average length of stay of 60 days. The organization’s Buckeye facility is exclusively for females, while the Glendale-Arrowhead Lakes center serves males. Its newest location in northern Peoria at Deer Valley is gender-neutral, offering more inclusive care.
In addition to these services, Horizon Recovery partners with the Teen Pathways Alliance to offer the Peoria Supportive Housing Program, which provides stable housing for adolescents transitioning out of residential care.
Buehl emphasized the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, urging the community to support young people struggling with mental health challenges. “Seeking help is good. It’s healthy. As a community, we can show these adolescents that they’re not alone. Many of us have been through similar challenges, and there is real help available,” he said.
Related Topics
