HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has launched its first adolescent intensive outpatient program (IOP) offering behavioral health services to teens between the ages of 12 and 17.
The S.A.I.L. (Seeking an Incredible Life) adolescent IOP provides evidence-based treatment consisting of group therapy sessions as well as individual visits with a therapist and psychiatrist. Group sessions are led by a licensed therapist trained in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation.
Studies from the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine show that an estimated 13-20% of children in the U.S. experience some sort of mental disorder each year, and among adolescents, suicide is a leading cause of death.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, cases of adolescent depression have more than doubled, with the suicide rate increasing 10%.
“There is an urgent need for behavioral health services for adolescents in Okaloosa County,” said HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric Schuck. “Currently, children and teens in dire need of help are not able to receive needed and timely care because there are so few options available in our community.”
S.A.I.L. IOP is intended for youth struggling with:
• Crisis management
• Symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and/or anxiety
• Non-suicidal self-injurious behavior
• Self-esteem and body image
• Gender identity and expression
• Family conflict
The S.A.I.L. IOP aims to give parents the tools to better understand and support their teen in order to address dynamics within the family and provide appropriate treatment.
Participants attend three-hour after-school sessions Monday through Thursday from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s Behavioral Health Clinic is located at 1020 Titan Court, Suite 100, Fort Walton Beach.
For more information or to schedule a free assessment, call 850.315.8009.
