Anyone can get help at Agape House. Our ministry programs are extended beyond those enrolled in our day and residential programs to meet the needs of the greater Walworth-area community.

By making our therapeutic healing programs widely available, those who need support can receive it before difficult situations or hidden problems escalate to a point where in-program placement is necessary. Our community programs are led by skilled, compassionate professionals.

• Counseling
• Parent Support Group
• Mentorship
• Bible Study
• Group Therapy

If you’re interested in learning more about our programs or enrolling, please click here to contact us and we will be in touch with you soon.

Prioritizing Mental Health for Teens

America’s teens are in the midst of what the U.S. Surgeon General recently called a mental health crisis. The pandemic, excessive screen time and all the usual stresses of adolescence are driving up rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. Here are top tips from writer Tonya May Avent, for raising teens grounded in faith, family and emotional well-being.

1. Your children were created for a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Teach children about God, and seek His direction daily when making parenting choices. Studies show that having a solid grounding in faith and membership in a religious community can boost teens’ mental health. For parents, trusting God can be a source of strength when the going gets tough. Remembering that God has His own relationship with your kids—and his own vision for their future—can help you keep your role in perspective
   
   
2. It takes a village. Resist the temptation to be a super-parent and do everything on your own. God has given us a family, friends and a community for a reason. Don’t be shy about asking for help, and don’t refuse help when it’s offered. When you pray to God, be sure to accept His help when He responds, even if it differs from what you expected.
   
   
3. Hone your emotional intelligence. Learn which of your teens’ words and actions trigger you. Practice self-control and pray for help, if necessary. When teens act out, they’re really saying, “I need you to be my rock.” Focus on God and be mindful of your own insecurities, so you can be the calm, wise and consistent mentor your teens need.
   
   
4. Get professional help. No one thinks twice about taking their children to the doctor for physicals or when they’re sick. Mental health is no different. Trained therapists know how to work with kids and families to resolve seemingly intractable problems. God’s answer to prayer is often: “Get help.” There’s no shame in that. Your pastor, child’s doctor or other parents can refer you to resources. It may take a few tries before you find a therapist who is the right fit for your child.
   
   
5. Take care of yourself. Caregivers, including parents, often neglect their own needs. To be the best version of yourself for your children, take time to refuel. Learn what brings you joy, and schedule it regularly. Personal and spiritual retreats, prioritizing your marriage and cultivating friendships are excellent spirit boosters. You can’t pour into others when you’re empty.
   

These mental health tips are from an article titled, “Healing Together,” found in the August/September 2023 issue of Guideposts magazine.