Adolescent Wellness Academy Opens in Miami-Dade

AWA is hosting an open house on September 19, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

A program to fill the gap between traditional therapy and hospitalization with intensive, family-focused treatment

Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), a leading provider of mental health services for teenagers in South Florida, has opened a new location in Miami-Dade County after finding success in Broward County for the last five years. This expansion comes at a pivotal moment, as Florida faces a growing adolescent mental health crisis. Nearly one in five teens in the state wrestle with mental health challenges, yet many lack access to adequate resources. Many parents want help for their teen, but do not know how and where to find it. AWA aims to offer intensive treatment to teenagers before a crisis happens. The program provides a solution for families that need more intensive treatment for their teens, but want to avoid drastic solutions, such as hospitalization or residential facilities.

“We believe that building stronger family relationships and healthy routines are key to teens’ recovery. Our programs allow teens and families to create sustainable, lasting changes that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives,” said Dr. Jacqueline Pablos, AWA’s Clinical Director.

The new facility at 9350 Sunset Drive, Suite 118, Miami, FL 33173, is dedicated to teenagers and was designed to provide a welcoming and healing environment. AWA offers Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs.

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at AWA is an after-school program for adolescents dealing with various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and behavioral challenges. The program aims to provide a higher level of care than traditional therapy while allowing teens to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities, such as attending school and living at home. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides on-site school support with a certified teacher and therapeutic treatment for teens who need comprehensive, all-day clinical support while living at home.

Utilizing evidence-based therapies tailored to clients’ unique needs, AWA engages teens through experiential activities such as art and music therapy. Teens have also praised the judgment-free environment where they can express themselves. “We believe that healing happens through connection. Many teens are suffering alone; here, they can be part of a safe community and connect with other teens,” said Dr. Pablos.

“AWA has given me a place to be seen, understood, and supported. I don’t know where I would be without their help,” shared one local teen. 

 

AWA recognizes the importance of parental involvement in adolescents’ well-being and treatment success, which is why their primary goal is to keep families together. Supporting a teenager can be challenging, and parents often need guidance and support. AWA’s parent support groups provide a platform for parents to gain insights, develop parenting skills, and learn through shared experiences.

“My daughter has transformed since joining AWA, and so have I. The support and care we received have been life-changing for our family,” remarked one parent of the program. 

“Parents often arrive overwhelmed with emotions like exhaustion, loneliness, and guilt. From the first call to our program, they become part of a caring community. At AWA, we treat people, not symptoms. We are dedicated to supporting families every step of the way,” said Anny Smulevich, AWA Admissions Director and Board Member at Care Resource. To ensure treatment is accessible to all families, AWA accepts most major insurance plans and has bilingual therapists and staff to ensure that cost and language are not barriers to treatment.

By expanding to Miami-Dade County, AWA can offer mental health services to even more Florida families. To celebrate the opening of the new facility, AWA is hosting an open house on September 19, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The event will feature guided tours of the facility, a meet-and-greet with staff, conversations on mental health awareness, and information about AWA’s programs and services. Interested families and professionals in the mental health space are encouraged to attend the open house.

RSVP here or by calling 866-473-1440.

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