Teens struggling with their mental health have often lost sight of what they want their future to look like. By setting clear goals that they can work toward, they take steps toward improving their well-being. Motivational interviewing therapy is an evidence-based method mental health professionals use to help individuals explore their mental health and spark motivation for the future.  

Family First integrates motivational interviewing (MI) into our adolescent therapy programs. By taking a comprehensive approach to treating teen boys aged 13-18, we help them identify their goals and build the motivation to reconnect with themselves and build a healthier future. Find help for your son at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, center by calling 888.904.5947. 

What Is Motivational Interviewing Therapy for Adolescents? 

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that enhances motivation for change, especially for adolescents. It helps them address ambivalence about their behavior, articulate personal goals and values, and align behaviors with aspirations. This therapy fosters ownership and self-efficacy. 

Teens who are struggling with problematic behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm, or isolation often feel stuck and hopeless. Motivational interviewing therapy empowers them to explore their thoughts and feelings around these behaviors, understand the underlying reasons for them, and find their own motivation to change. 

The Impact of MI Therapy 

Motivational interviewing therapy offers numerous benefits for adolescents, including:  

• Enhances motivation 
• Improves decision-making skills 
• Heightens self-awareness 
• Empowers adolescents to take charge of their actions 
• Fosters a sense of responsibility and independence that can support long-term behavioral change 

This therapy is particularly beneficial for adolescents struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, and eating disorders. By integrating MI into our supportive programming, we help adolescents navigate these challenges, enabling them to thrive both personally and academically. 

How Motivational Interviewing Works in Care 

MI therapy is just one part of our program designed to help adolescents explore, understand, and manage their mental health. While we work closely with teens, we also focus on the family, helping create a healthier, more supportive home environment. 

For Teens 

Evidence-based and experiential therapies are at the core of our treatment program. By helping teens work through their underlying mental and emotional health rather than just addressing their challenging behaviors, we help them recognize healthier tracks for their futures. We provide comprehensive support through: 

• Academics 
• Therapy 
• Experiences 
• Communication 
• Continuing care 

We also provide thorough family support so parents and teens can rebuild strong bonds that may have been impacted by mental health challenges. 

For Families 

Parents will engage in therapy, education, and support sessions to better understand their teen’s mental health struggles, how to support their teens effectively, and to strengthen communication skills. As teens recognize the goals they want to work toward through motivational interviewing therapy, parents can help them develop strategies to achieve those goals. 

Family First communicates with parents at least three times per week about their teen’s progress, and our case managers are available 24/7 via text. After program completion, alumni and families receive at least a year of aftercare support.  

Call Family First for Motivational Interviewing Therapy in Florida 

Every teen dealing with mental health issues is unique and needs a personalized treatment plan. By incorporating motivational interviewing therapy into custom therapy plans, we help teens reconnect with their values and motivations for the future. Plus, during his stay, your teen will experience adventure and learn life skills through our off-campus outings led by mental health professionals.  

If your son is struggling with mental health challenges, reach out to us for comprehensive support at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, center by calling 888.904.5947 or completing our online form.