How To Find A Therapist For My Teenager
Home/  Blog/ How To Find A Therapist For My Teenager

How To Find A Therapist For My Teenager

 

 

According to the World Health Organization, one in 7 10-19-year-olds worldwide experiences some kind of mental health disorder. This includes conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and behavioral disorders (Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.).

 

People in this age group can benefit greatly from working with licensed professionals and seeking mental health treatment. However, it can be hard to find a therapist for your teenager.

  

For those who need help finding mental health professionals who work with teens, or who have questions about teen counseling, this guide is an excellent starting point.

 

 

Table of Contents

(click on a question to be directed quickly)

What should I look for when finding a counselor for my teen?
Why is it so hard to find a therapist that works with teens?
How do I know if my teen will like working with a therapist?
What do I do if my teen doesn’t want to go to therapy?

 

 

 

 

 

What Should I Look for When Finding a Counselor for My Teen?

 

At first, it might seem like all mental health professionals work exclusively with adults. That’s not the case at all, though.

 

The following are some specific steps parents and guardians can take to find teen therapists:

 

Ask for a Referral

Start by asking for a referral from a trusted friend or family member. A child’s physician may also be able to provide a referral for a therapist or counselor. If you call up a mental health clinic, explain what you are looking for and talk with the receptionist to ask for a recommendation.

 

Use the Psychology Today Database

Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist database can be useful when searching for therapists and counselors who specialize in helping teenagers.

 

The database provides a variety of filters that allow parents to narrow down their options based on age ranges, conditions treated, etc.

 

Research Condition-Specific Organizations

For teens who have been diagnosed with a specific mental health condition like ADHD, parents may want to consider reaching out to condition-specific nonprofit organizations.

 

Representatives and members from those organizations may be able to provide insight when it comes to choosing a therapist, finding someone in a specific area, etc.

 

 

 

Therapy for teens

Photo by cottonbro

 

Why Is It So Hard to Find a Therapist That Works with Teens?

 

There’s currently a shortage of therapists in general in the United States, let alone therapists who work exclusively with teens or specialize in helping teenagers.