NAMPA, Idaho — During the pandemic, teens may struggle with their mental health due to having an irregular routine and limited time with friends or school.
Imagine by Northpoint helps with mental health diagnosis and resources for adolescents who struggle with their mental health and need support.
"There's a high need for adolescent mental health treatment," Corporate Clinical Director for Imagine by Northpoint Erica Lopez says. "We see a lot of conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, even schizophrenia you kind of name it. But were also helping a lot with what's going on at home and the environment."
With COVID-19, Imagine has seen an increase in clients because they do not have the same outlets or resources they usually rely on.
"We're seeing a lot of our clients coming in with a lack of resources in the community. They are not able to play sports. They are not able to see their friends. They are not able to have these outlets that they have had, so naturally, that increases their mental health symptoms," Lopez says.
These symptoms can worsen quickly, so Imagine offers a 30 hour a week PHP program and in-person schooling and more.
"We're doing a lot of meditation and mindfulness, art therapy, communication skills and family work. We have a really heavy family component here, so the family members or foster parents or whoever is being a care member for our clientele at the time comes here once a week for family sessions and talks to the counselors often," Lopez says.
The staff at Imagine say it's rewarding to watch these teens overcome their struggles to get to a better place in their lives.
"It means a great deal to us when we get someone in here who just been struggling, has no outlets, no friends, no social support. They are here with us for 5 to 6 weeks, and we just see a different kid go out the door and feeling more confident," Lopez says.
If you or someone you know may need this service, head to Imagine's website to find more resources to get help.
