It can be very challenging to find a good therapist, or any therapist, for your teen. Some teens are very motivated to go to therapy, others are not.
Mental health is just as important in teens as it is any other age group. Below are some commonly asked questions and thorough guidelines to help your teen have a successful therapy experience.
Table of Contents
(click on a question below to be directed quickly)
Does therapy help teenagers?
Do teenagers need therapy?
Are there therapists that just work with teens?
How to help my depressed teen?
What to Do If Your Teen Refuses to Go to Counseling?
References
Does therapy help teenagers?
Simple answer, yes, therapy can most definitely help a teenager. Adolescence, which includes people 10-19 years of age, is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood that is often accompanied by many difficult and confusing changes. Due to these many changes, it can be incredibly beneficial for a teen to have a skilled and trusted therapist to ask questions and receive guidance about how best to navigate these sometimes scary and unsettling changes.
Do teenagers need therapy?
If they are struggling with their mental health, then yes. Like any other person, a teenager will benefit from having a trained mental health professional. Additionally, they may feel comfortable to talk to about things they are finding difficult. It is common for teenagers to struggle with a variety of mental health issues throughout the transitional stage of adolescence.
If you or other family members are worried that your teen may be struggling, it may be time to have a conversation about seeking out additional support. Be sure to approach any conversation with empathy and curiosity. Be careful to not make your teen feel judged or at fault for struggling. Feelings of guilt and shame often closely accompany any person when they are struggling, so gently normalize that everyone struggles at different times, and that you are there to help them through this difficult time.
Are there therapists that just work with teens?
Yes, there are many therapists that primarily work with teens. However, there are also many therapists that see adults while they also see teens. It depends on the comfortability and preferences of the therapist, so when in doubt, feel free to ask!
Mental health professionals