My 13 yr. old daughter has anger management issues and I have been searching the web for either teen programs or counseling programs that can help us. I did find some summer programs but the cost was $30,000 for 1 month of camping in the wilderness. Does anyone have advice as to what programs or even counseling services that may be available? Preferably in the NY area?
Have you tried doing research through your health insurance company? How about through your child's school I'm sure they have private people who your daughter can see. I wish you and your daughter luck, it's hard but hang in there.
Besides being the mother of 2 boys, I am clinical social worker. You might want to try individual or group counseling with a therapist who specializes in adolescents and perhaps uses cognitive behavioral techniques. What that means is that they work with your daughter to recognize that her thinking does not have to control her behavior and teaches her techniques to use when she feels angry. This can be done individually or within a group setting. This website might help you find a therapist in your area. You should interview therapists with your daughter and find a good fit, weekly or 2X counseling can be quite effective without having to send her away to camp.
Good luck.
I'm a Special Ed teacher with an 18yr old.At 6 yrs old,she didn't have anger management issues.. she was a sweet intelligent girl with denial issues. I'm saying that because it took sessions with 4 counselors to find the right one. Outside counseling could be expensive so if you have health benefits ( with co-payments) you might try there first...that's what I did. When and how do these situations occur and is there a specific/intended person?Is it for attention? Does she have any hobbies or specific interests? Also, check out her diet ( snacks, sugar, food additives, food colorings,etc).
Mt. Sinai's Adolescent Helath Center offers excellent counselign for teens. They have individual and group counseling for your daughter. The NYU Child Study Center also offers many services for children and teens. As a social worker, it is great that you are trying to help your daughter. Being a teenager can be a very stressful time for both the teen and parents. I hope you find the help that your daughter needs.
Hi M.,
I feel your pain my son was the same way. He started some really destructive behavior as well because he was also depressed. I did get him into counseling and it took 4 counselors to find the right one. Children today are put under so much pressure, peer pressure, school pressure, in my opinion kids just can't be kids anymore. Drugs, sex, drinking, these all seem to be acceptable behaviors due to media exposure etc. It gets younger and younger. I always tried communicate as much as I could even though at times I was the one who he took his anger out on. I don't mean physical or anything just nasty and upset all of the time. It is difficult because you love and want to help them so much but sometimes they just fight you and won't let you in. I was a single mother for a while and did not have a huge income so my town offered services for counseling for me as well to help me to help him and deal with him. There are services in some areas that will go by your income an help you out. I don't think sending her away is going to help. I think you both need to work through this together. I think she may feel even more abandoned and angry if you send her away. If you need to talk you can send me a personal message and I will gladly give you my e-mail. I live in Jersey but so I do not have any resources in NY but if you need support maybe I could help. Good luck I know how difficult it is to see your child in pain.
