Opinion: A Month into Summer, Don’t Neglect Adolescent Mental Health
By Shelley Zimmerman, Hospital Administrator, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center
It’s been a month since school let out for the summer. The daily grind of early alarms and packed lunches has been replaced by late mornings, camps, part-time jobs, and plenty of screen time. For many teens, summer brings a welcome break. But for others, especially those facing emotional or mental health challenges, these unstructured weeks can be anything but carefree.
We talk often about ‘learning loss’ during summer break. But what about the loss of structure, connection, and routine that schools provide? For adolescents, these aren’t just conveniences; they’re lifelines. Teachers, counselors, and trusted adults offer stability, and their absence over the summer can leave vulnerable youth feeling isolated and unsupported.
Recent national data highlights what many parents and providers already know: youth mental health is in crisis. According to the CDC, more than 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. And anxiety and depression diagnoses among adolescents have risen sharply in the past decade, with anxiety increasing by more than 60% and depression by nearly 45%.
At MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, we see the effects of this seasonal gap firsthand — and we’re here to help fill it. Our direct admission process allows adolescents in need of inpatient mental health care to be admitted without the delays and stress of an emergency department visit. It’s a more compassionate, streamlined approach to care.
Our adolescent inpatient program, serving youth ages 13 and older, remains fully open and active throughout the summer months because we know that mental health doesn’t take a break.
Parents, caregivers, pediatricians, and community leaders: if you know a young person who’s struggling emotionally, don’t wait. Early support can make all the difference. To learn more about our services or to refer a teen for care, visit www.miravistabhc.care.