Malibu, California (PRWEB) October 26, 2013 -- According to figures from the academic sector, approximately 3 million gifted students are currently enrolled in schools throughout the United States. While all teens and adolescents face an increasing number of social and internal emotional challenges, those with greater than average intelligence and abilities are often confronted with their own unique set of difficulties. In order to address the particular needs of gifted teens suffering from mental health issues, Paradigm Malibu has launched their Academic Support Program for Gifted Teens.
Cole Rucker of Paradigm Malibu confirmed, "A high percentage of the adolescents we see at Paradigm Malibu are extremely bright young people. Many of the teens we see are intellectual scholars in AP and Honors classes, accomplished athletes or are highly proficient in the arts. It is not uncommon for these teens to also be struggling with Depression, Anxiety or other mood and behavioral disorders. It is our goal to help these students manage their mental health while fostering their enhanced abilities."
Research indicates gifted students often struggle in traditional classroom settings due to the lack of public education programs catering to those with higher than average intelligence. Some young people exhibit their boredom in school through behavioral issues, leading to misdiagnoses of their true talents. Their inability to focus and impatience with their learning environment are often falsely construed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Depression, among others.
On the other end of the spectrum, gifted students typically experience difficulties making friends with peers in their own age group, place excessive stress on themselves to excel in various areas and experience greater amounts of pressure from parents to prove their talents. This can, in fact, lead to Anxiety, Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder and a variety of other common issues. Rucker noted in addition to providing mental health treatment for struggling teens from all types of backgrounds with a diversity of issues, Paradigm Malibu employs a team of teachers, tutors and mentors. These professionals specialize in helping gifted students maintain their academic status during treatment, allowing them to continue to excel in their field of talent.
Paradigm evaluates each patient, developing a unique treatment plan based on the unique needs of each teen who comes to them for help. They offer a range of individual, family and group therapy sessions, as well as other programs. Traditional Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Drama, Music, Dance and Movement Therapies give teens a variety of expressive outlets while also catering to students with advanced artistic abilities. The facility utilizes Animal and Equine Therapies, Cinema, Biblio, Written and Narrative techniques as well to successfully reach out to countless young people, regardless of what their needs and interests may be.
Rucker concluded, "Quality treatment should be based on a teen's strengths and interests in order to create an effective and meaningful treatment plan. Many young people try to hide both their talents and their mental health issues, but it is vital that we treat their disorders while emphasizing their talents. This is the only way to help them find and maintain a balance between their gifts and their challenges."
About Paradigm Malibu:
Paradigm Malibu is the only residential teen drug treatment program for drug abuse, addiction, mental health and behavioral health issues that is owned and operated by licensed mental health professionals. They are proud to have a core team with more than 15 years of experience working together. The team at Paradigm provides a variety of personalized treatment programs for teens and adolescents, focusing on each one's unique strengths and difficulties. Visit Paradigm's website at http://paradigmmalibu.com.
Cole Rucker, Paradigm Malibu, http://ParadigmMalibu.com, 855 780 8335, [email protected]
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