Understanding Self-Injurious Behaviors in Teens
Self-harm refers to deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain or distress. While often misunderstood, this behavior is more common than most parents realize, affecting roughly one in four girls and one in ten boys under 18. Ascend’s self-harm treatment program for teens is here to offer support and healing in a safe environment.
Self-injurious behavior isn’t a mental illness itself. Instead, it’s a sign that a teen is struggling to manage intense emotions. That’s why our self-harm treatment program focuses on helping teens find healthier ways to cope and reconnect with their emotional well-being.
Causes Of Teenage Self-Harm
Many teens experience extreme stress from school, family issues, and social dynamics. Some teens discover that self-injury can temporarily relieve that emotional intensity, releasing endorphins that numb emotional pain. But that quick relief can lead to a cycle that’s hard to break.
Self-harm isn’t about “attention.” It’s often a way to survive emotional pain. Some teens report feeling disconnected or invisible. Others self-injure because their peer group normalizes the behavior. At Ascend, our teen treatment programs for self-harm help explore what’s underneath the behavior and find healthier ways to express what they’re going through.
Self-Harm Warning Signs & Symptoms
Cutting and burning are the most visible signs that indicate the need for a self-harm treatment program, but there are other behaviors to look for. You may notice:
- Unexplained marks or scars on arms, legs, or torso
- Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather
- Avoiding situations where skin might be exposed
- Frequently locking themselves in private spaces
- Collecting sharp objects or hiding tools used to self-harm
- Peers who also engage in self-injury
If you’re seeing these signs, Ascend’s self-harm treatment program for teens can help your family take the next step.
Teen Self-Harm Treatment at Ascend
Ascend offers one of the most comprehensive teen treatment programs for self-harm, blending clinical and experiential therapies. Treatment includes one-on-one therapy, group work, family counseling, and creative therapies like art, music, or equine care — all designed to help teens feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We begin with a full assessment to understand your teen’s needs, triggers, and support system. Then we create a personalized plan within our self-harm treatment program to address emotional pain and build long-term coping skills.
To learn more, reach out to our admissions team today by calling 310.388.3713. Healing starts with understanding and support.
FAQ
1. What is a self-harm treatment program for teens?
Our self-harm treatment program provides emotional and therapeutic support for young people who use self-injury to cope with distress. At Ascend, our program combines evidence-based and experiential therapies to help teens build healthier coping tools and a stronger sense of self.
2. Why do teens engage in self-harming behavior?
Self-harm can offer a temporary release from emotional pain. Many teens feel overwhelmed, invalidated, or emotionally disconnected and use self-injury to feel something or regain control. Our teen treatment programs for self-harm help uncover the root causes and teach safer ways to cope.
3. What are the signs a teen may be self-harming?
Common signs include unexplained cuts or burns, wearing long sleeves even in warm weather, and withdrawing from social interaction. Teens may also hide sharp objects or become unusually private. If you’re noticing these behaviors, a self-harm treatment program could be the next step.
4. How does Ascend help families during self-harm recovery?
Our self-harm treatment program includes family therapy and parent education. We help you understand your teen’s experience and support their recovery process while rebuilding connection and trust.