We're Here To Help!

Adolescent & Young Adult

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Annandale, NJ

A Safe Space For Healing

Evidence-Based Therapy to Build Psychological Flexibility and Lasting Well-Being in Adolescents

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of evidence-based psychotherapy that helps adolescents accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to actions that align with their values. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT teaches teens how to relate differently to them reducing the struggle with internal experiences that often contribute to Anxiety, Depression, Trauma responses, and unhealthy coping behaviors.

At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, ACT is delivered as part of a trauma-informed approach that empowers teens to build resilience, increase psychological flexibility, and live a more engaged and meaningful life even in the presence of emotional discomfort.

Why ACT Works for Adolescents

Adolescence is a period of rapid change, identity formation, and emotional intensity. Teens may feel overwhelmed by thoughts like “I’m not enough,” “This will never get better,” or “I can’t handle this.”

ACT Helps Adolescents

✓ Accept difficult thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them

✓ Commit to actions that support values, goals, and long-term well-being

✓ Develop psychological flexibility, the ability to respond adaptively to stress, change, and challenge

✓ Break free from avoidance, suppression, or unhealthy coping behaviors

Rather than teaching teens to “get rid of” difficult experiences, ACT empowers them to build life skills that help them thrive with discomfort... a powerful shift for long-term emotional health.

How ACT Fits Into Trauma-Informed Care

ACT Therapy is especially effective within a trauma-informed framework That

• Supports emotional safety and non-judgment

• Encourages curiosity and mindful awareness

• Helps teens separate from self-critical or distressing thoughts

• Builds compassion toward self and others

• Reduces reliance on avoidance behaviors, including substance use or self-medication

At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, ACT Therapy is integrated into individualized treatment plans, helping teens increase acceptance, reduce suffering, and strengthen purpose while honoring developmental and emotional needs. Let us help your loved one separate from self-critical and distressing thoughts & behaviors, Call Us Today!

Portum Behavioral Health Is Here To Help Your Loved

One Recover Their Life In A Safe Space For Healing!

(551) 306-4000

What Teens Learn with ACT Therapy

at Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

Acceptance

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Acceptance means helping adolescents learn how to notice and make space for difficult emotions such as Anxiety, sadness, anger, or shame without feeling overwhelmed by them or trying to push them away.

Rather than teaching teens to “get rid of” uncomfortable feelings, acceptance helps them understand that emotions are temporary experiences, not threats. By reducing the struggle against emotions, teens often experience less distress, greater emotional control, and more confidence in their ability to cope.

This skill allows adolescents to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively or turning to avoidance behaviors like substance use, withdrawal, or emotional shutdown.

Cognitive Defusion

Cognitive Defusion helps adolescents learn that their thoughts are not facts and do not have to control their emotions or behavior. In ACT, teens are taught how to observe anxious, self-critical, or distressing thoughts such as “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t handle this” without becoming overwhelmed or believing them automatically.

By creating space between thoughts and actions, teens gain greater emotional flexibility, reduce reactivity, and feel more empowered to make choices based on their values rather than fear, shame, or avoidance.

This skill is especially helpful for adolescents struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma responses, or unhealthy coping patterns such as with substance use, as it weakens the grip of negative thought cycles and supports long-term resilience.

Mindfulness

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness helps adolescents learn how to slow down and reconnect with the present moment in a calm, nonjudgmental way. Many teens struggling with Anxiety, Trauma, or Mood Disorders feel stuck in worries about the future or distressing memories from the past.

Mindfulness teaches them how to gently notice thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise without immediately reacting, shutting down, or trying to escape them. Over time, this practice strengthens emotional regulation, reduces impulsive behaviors, and helps teens feel more grounded and in control.

By building nonjudgmental awareness, adolescents develop the ability to respond thoughtfully to stress rather than being overwhelmed by it, supporting both emotional healing and long-term resilience.

Values Clarification

Values Clarification helps adolescents identify what truly matters to them at a deeper level such as relationships, personal integrity, growth, health, or future goals especially during times when emotions feel overwhelming or direction feels lost. Many teens struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Substance Use feel disconnected from their sense of purpose and make decisions based on avoiding pain or discomfort.

In ACT, Values Clarification guides teens to reconnect with who they want to be and how they want to show up in their lives, even when things are hard. By grounding choices in personal values rather than fear, impulse, or emotional distress, adolescents gain a clearer sense of direction, increased motivation, and a stronger foundation for healthy decision-making and long-term resilience.

Committed Action

Committed action helps adolescents learn how to take meaningful, values-based steps forward in their lives — even when discomfort, fear, or self-doubt is present. Many teens struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Substance Use feel stuck, avoiding challenges because emotions feel overwhelming or unsafe. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), committed action teaches teens that progress does not require feeling “ready” or free from distress.

Instead, they learn how to move toward important goals such as attending school, rebuilding relationships, or caring for their health while carrying difficult emotions in a manageable way. Through gradual, supportive goal-setting and practice, adolescents build confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency, learning that they can live in alignment with their values even during challenging moments. This process supports lasting change by helping teens replace avoidance with purposeful action and hope for the future.

Build Skills That Support Your Teen Now and Into the Future

Trauma-Informed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Integrated Into Treatment at Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ.

(551) 306-4000

Levels Of Care For Mental Health & Substance Use Services at Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

Levels of Care That Include ACT Therapy

Adolescent Partial Care Program

At Portum Behavioral Health, our Adolescent Partial Care Program provides an intensive level of care designed for adolescents aged 13-18 who are navigating complex mental health challenges. This structured program supports young people who need a higher level of support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require 24-hour inpatient care.The program focuses on stabilization, coping skills, and emotional resilience through individual, group, and family therapy, in a safe, supportive environment.

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP offers the right level of support for teens ages 13-18 who need more structure than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require full-day care. Through individual, group, and family therapy, teens build coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment focused on lasting healing and recovery.

Aftercare Program

Our Outpatient Aftercare Program supports teens and young adults who have completed higher levels of care, such as Partial Care or Intensive Outpatient Programs. Through continued therapeutic guidance and skill reinforcement, clients maintain stability, strengthen coping strategies, and stay connected to recovery while returning to daily life.

Virtual Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

At Portum Behavioral Health, our Adolescent Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program provides structured, evidence-based treatment for teens aged 13–18 who are managing mental health or co-occurring substance use challenges. By combining professional guidance with the comfort of home, our Virtual IOP makes recovery more accessible, flexible, and effective.

Supportive, Outpatient Care Incorporating ACT Therapy In Every Level Of Care at Portum

Call Now To Schedule A Confidential Assessment!

(551) 306-4000

Why Families Choose Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

Trauma-Informed Adolescent & Young Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services Care

Trauma-Informed Foundation: Every part of our Outpatient Treatment is rooted in understanding your teen’s lived experience not just symptoms.

Adolescent-Focused Care: Our programs are designed specifically for teens and young adults, not adapted from adult care models.

Family Engagement: We partner with parents to create a consistent support system beyond the therapy room.

Evidence-Based Interventions: Our clinical methods are proven to reduce mental and emotional symptoms and strengthen coping skills.

Local, Accessible Treatment: Conveniently located in Annandale, offering consistent, community-connected care.

Take The Step Toward Support & Healing With Confidence

A Safe Space For Healing... and it starts with understanding, safety, and connection

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers adolescents powerful tools to navigate emotional challenges, reduce avoidance, and build a life aligned with purpose and values. Our trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate ACT programming helps teens move from struggle to resilience. Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, is here to help you take the next step toward lasting recovery in A Safe Space For Healing.

Call today to speak with an Admissions Specialist and schedule a Confidential Assessment!

Serving: Lebanon,NJ High Bridge,NJ Flemington,NJ Readington,NJ Clinton Township and greater New Jersey region.

Contact An Admissions Specialist 24/7, A Safe Space to Heal Is Waiting

Call to learn more about our treatment programs, admissions process, and pricing.

(551) 306-4000

Admissions & Insurance

Most Major Insurance Accepted, Call Us Today!

We accept most major insurance plans and can quickly and confidentially verify your benefits to help you understand your coverage options. Our team is committed to making it easier for your loved one to access the care they need at Portum Wellness & Recovery.