When you step into any healthcare setting, you are seeking care, comfort, and understanding. For many, it’s difficult to find a provider you trust. The feeling of connection matters deeply, even more when you are seeking treatment for someone you love.
At HopeWay, a leading non-profit mental health treatment organization, Taren Coley, MD is changing this experience for families of teens struggling with their mental health. As a Psychiatrist and the Director of Child & Adolescent Services, Dr. Coley leads HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health Program, bringing a unique combination of professional insight and personal experience to her work every day.
Balancing Professionalism and Parenthood
As a mother of three, Dr. Coley’s personal experiences deeply inform her work. “Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there,” she says. “Specifically speaking about raising teenagers, there are added layers every parent can relate to. We are trying to help our kids navigate societal pressures, ensure our kids feel empowered, and help them figure out what they want to do in life, among other things.”
Dr. Coley’s ability to relate to parents and caregivers creates a nurturing environment, where the entire family feels seen, heard, and supported. “As a nonprofit, HopeWay’s main priority is to provide mental health treatment you can trust,” she emphasizes. “There’s still stigma in our community about mental health, and that’s something we need to overcome. By being in this field and working with the next generation, I hope to normalize seeking help and show that mental health care can and should be safe and supportive.”
HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health Program
Under Dr. Coley’s leadership, HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health Program offers full-day treatment for teens ages 12-17 struggling with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The program includes individual and group therapy, integrative therapies such as art and yoga, and academic support led by a licensed educator.
Family involvement in the program is critical, especially in this stage of a young person’s development. “Active family participation ensures parents and caregivers are part of their loved one’s journey to recovery, which can also help heal the family unit.”
What To Do If You Think Your Teen is Struggling
“As a parent, you know your child best,” Dr. Coley shares. “It’s easy to dismiss certain things as ‘just a phase’, but oftentimes caregivers are the first to notice changes that can be concerning. Supporting their mental health, as well as our own, strengthens our families and communities. Treatment is a proactive step – not a last resort – toward a healthier, brighter horizon. Trust your gut.”
Knowing is the first step toward helping. Some of the early signs of teen depression might be:
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Increased irritability or boredom
- Decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy
“If your teen is showing any of these signs, don’t wait it out. You are not alone.”
For more information on HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health Program or other services, visit www.hopeway.org.