Teens and Therapy

Generally speaking, it is almost always a good thing for a teen who is struggling in any areas of their life to receive therapy or counseling. Teens often have a difficult time working through the many stresses or potential problems associated with adolescence. Being able to simply talk through their situation with someone they trust can help tremendously.

Teens and Therapy: Parent Involvement

Having said that, it should be pointed out that there isn’t a therapist or counselor out there that should take over the role of the parent. For the day to day stresses, parents should be available to their teens to discuss not only what’s going on in their life, but also about their worries and fears. Of course, when needed, professional counsel should also be provided.

Teens and Therapy: Types of Therapists

1 - Psychiatrist: This person is a medical doctor that not only provides verbal counseling, but also can prescribe certain medications that can help the individual with certain disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other related problems common among teens.

2 - Psychologist: These professionals deal mostly with the counseling side of treatment and can help diagnose certain problems such as learning disabilities.

3 - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: These professionals are nurses that have a Master’s degree and a special certificate to specialize in mental health issues and counseling. Like psychiatrists, they are able to prescribe medications that can help with depression or anxiety as well as other mental health issues.

4 - Mental Heath Counselor: These individuals graduate from college and are a licensed therapist that has advanced training in counseling. These professionals are often called family counselors or marriage counselors.

There are many different types of therapists and counselors that focus on a specific area of help. To help find a professional therapist in your area, a good place to start would be a school counselor. They will have information that will help choose a counselor that has the expertise tailored to the needs of your teen. These school counselors can provided valuable insight and help you begin the process in finding the right counselor.

Signs of Potential Problems

It is important to recognize the signs of a struggling teen early on and get help before small problems turn into bigger problems later on in life. Some of the common signs that a teen might be struggling and in need of professional help are:

Depression

A decline in grades

Lack of interest in hobbies or friends

Extreme mood swings

Anxiety

Possible drug and/or alcohol use

Helping your teen receive the help they need to be happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, should be considered when there are any signs that they are struggling in school or in life in general.