Teens Have the Summer Off, But Their Mental Health Still Matters

Jul 29, 2025

Summer break is often seen as a time for teens to relax, recharge, and enjoy a much-needed pause from academic pressures. But while school might be out, mental health doesn’t take a vacation. In fact, summer can be an especially important time to focus on emotional well-being.

At Mental Health Systems (MHS), we believe that investing in your teen’s mental health during the summer months can set the stage for a stronger, more resilient return to school in the fall. With structured programs tailored for early adolescents and teens, MHS offers essential support during a season that can be both freeing and overwhelming.

Table of Contents

Teen Mental Health: A Growing Concern

The need for mental health support among teens has never been more urgent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

42% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.
1 in 5 adolescents have seriously considered attempting suicide.
Only about 50% of adolescents with a mental health condition receive treatment.

These numbers are even more troubling when we consider that summer often disrupts school-based mental health services. Without daily routines or consistent adult support, many teens experience a rise in anxiety, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation during the break.

That’s why summer isn’t just a time to rest—it’s a key opportunity to build coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Why Summer Is an Ideal Time for Teen Therapy

While school routines can be hectic and stressful, they also offer structure. When that disappears during summer, some teens feel adrift or more emotionally vulnerable. Therapy during summer helps to:

Fill the gap left by the loss of school support systems.
Provide structure and consistency in an otherwise unstructured time.
Address emotional or behavioral concerns early, before a new school year starts.
Build confidence and resilience in a low-pressure setting.

Instead of waiting until stress returns in the fall, teens can enter the school year equipped with tools to manage emotions, improve relationships, and face academic and social pressures with more ease.

Two Unique DBT Programs for Adolescents at MHS

MHS offers two specialized Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs designed for youth, depending on age and developmental needs.

Early Adolescent DBT Program (Ages 12–14)

This program is designed for middle school-aged youth who are beginning to struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, or relationship challenges. It focuses on:

Introducing foundational DBT skills in a developmentally appropriate way.
Teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Engaging parents or caregivers to reinforce skills at home.
Creating a safe, age-appropriate space for sharing and growth.

Early intervention at this stage can dramatically reduce the risk of worsening mental health in later adolescence.

Adolescent DBT Program (Ages 14–18)

This program supports high school-aged teens who may be facing more complex emotional and behavioral challenges, such as:

Depression and anxiety
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Risk-taking behavior
Family or peer relationship conflicts

The Adolescent DBT program includes:

Weekly individual therapy
Multi-family skills training groups
Collaboration with schools and families

The goal is to help teens develop real-world skills that they can apply to daily challenges, both at home and at school.

Why Families Choose MHS

What makes MHS different? We specialize in DBT—a highly structured, evidence-based therapy that has been shown to reduce self-harm, suicidal ideation, and emotional dysregulation in teens. Our licensed therapists bring deep expertise in working with youth and their families, offering a comprehensive, compassionate approach to care.

At MHS, we don’t just treat the teen—we work with families to build a supportive ecosystem that fosters long-term growth and healing.

Invest in Your Teen’s Mental Health This Summer

Don’t wait until the school year begins to address your teen’s emotional struggles. By enrolling in a DBT program at MHS, your teen can gain critical skills, build confidence, and enter the fall set up for success.

Contact us to learn more or schedule an intake

The MHS Journals