When Should a Teenager See a Therapist?

Getting treatment for a teen struggling with mental health problems is not always easy. Teens may feel embarrassed, struggle to communicate how they are feeling, or think nothing is wrong with them. It can be difficult for parents to watch their teen struggle and refuse help.  

Therapy is an essential part of the healing process for teens struggling with their mental health. There are several benefits that can help them improve their overall quality of life and success in the future.

If you recognize your teen is struggling with their mental health and daily functioning, it may be a good idea to consider getting them therapy. Parents can encourage their teens to get treatment by having open conversations about mental health and reframing therapy as a tool to help them feel better. 

Why Do Some Teens Need Therapy?

Therapy can help with common issues experienced by teens such as low self-esteem, academic stress, and mental health problems. However, it can be difficult for parents to determine whether their teens actually need professional help. Even if your teen is not diagnosed with a mental health disorder, therapy can be a great way for them to learn the necessary skills to overcome a variety of challenges. 

Therapy is also used as a treatment for many mental health problems. Research shows that almost half of mental health disorders develop by the age of 14. Early intervention and therapy as a teen can help build awareness around their diagnosis, making it easier to live with and overcome. Some of the reasons teens may also need therapy, include: 

• Dealing with a transition such as moving schools
• Divorce of parents 
• Family conflict 
• To build self-awareness
• Conflict in friendships or romantic relationships
• Bullying, or being a victim of gossip 
• Exploring sexuality and gender identity
• Medical injury or chronic illness 
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling isolated or misunderstood
• Discrimination (racial, cultural, sexual orientation, etc) 

Benefits of Therapy for Teens 

The teenage years are an important time for development, and when most teens begin to build behaviors and coping skills that will follow them into adulthood. Developing healthy ways to reduce stress, and deal with challenges head-on is essential for teenagers’ personal growth.

Teens may experience their feelings more intensely than adults, but have a harder time managing them. Therapy can help teens understand the root of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors while providing them with essential tools to work through them. 

Some of the benefits of therapy for teens include: 

• Increases self-esteem 
• Improves strained relationships 
• Builds self-awareness 
• Reduces stigma around mental health 
• Develop healthy coping skills to reduce stress and boost wellness 
• Improves symptoms of mental health disorders
• Helps find solution to common problems in life 
• Provides a sense of support and understanding 
• Increased academic performance 
• Better daily functioning 
• Communication skills

When Should a Teenager See a Therapist 

For teens diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it is highly recommended to get them therapy as a direct intervention and treatment to improve their symptoms. Teens should also see a therapist if they are experiencing distressing symptoms that are getting in the way of functioning in daily life. 

It’s important for parents to recognize the signs of potential mental health problems in their teens. If you notice some of the following red flags in your teen, you may want to consider reaching out for professional help: 

• Sudden decline in academic performance 
• Social isolation
• Low self-esteem
• Rapid mood swings
• Anger, aggression or violent outbursts 
• Decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed 
• Lack of motivation
• Changes in sleep or appetite 
• Expressing hopelessness or worthlessness 
• Talking about death or expressing suicidal thoughts 
• Self-harm behavior 

What If They Don’t Want to Go? 

Teens may not always want to go to therapy. They may feel ashamed, think nothing is wrong or don’t think it works. Continue to encourage your teen and express that you care for their mental health. 

Some tips for parents to help make their teen reluctant to accepting treatment could include: 

• Reframe therapy and let them know it is like going to the gym for their brain
• Focus on their needs and ask them what they hope to get out of therapy (building friendships, improving grades, developing the confidence to try new activities, etc) 
• Express care, and that you want to see them get better
• Take the time to find the right therapist, sometimes this takes trial and error for teens to find a mental health professional they feel comfortable with 
• Don’t give up on your teen or force them into going, continue to try to encourage them 

How To Get Therapy for Your Teen? 

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Reach out to your family doctor, they can connect you with the right person and make a referral. Parents can also get in touch with the guidance counselor at the school to receive resources. 

Doing your own research as a parent is also a good idea. Google may be an easy place to start and there are a number of directories online such as Psychology Today, Therapy Den and Choosing Therapy. These may show what kind of therapists they specialize in, if they accept insurance and what age range they work with. 

Factors to Consider 

There are many kinds of therapies and treatment programs that exist to support your teens’ mental health. Choosing the right provider can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a therapist with your teen include: 

• If they accept your insurance provider 
• That they work with the age range of your teen
• What kind of therapy they provide (CBT, DBT, art therapy, music therapy, etc) 
• What they treat (some therapists only specialize in certain mental health disorders) 

Therapy for Teens in Texas 

If you notice your teen is struggling with their mental health, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more. 

Sources 

Mental disorders at the beginning of adolescence: Prevalence estimates in a sample aged 11-14 years. Public Health Pract (Oxf).