Mental Health Care For Adolescents: What To Look For In A Teen Therapist

If you have a teenager and you’re wondering how to find a teen therapist that can make a difference in their life, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, there’s a teen mental health crisis in the United States, and thousands of parents are wondering how to find a therapist who can help. 

Adolescent therapy presents an opportunity for teenagers to engage in counseling sessions with a certified and experienced therapist in a safe environment. The counselor serves as a neutral party with training in helping teens open up about their emotions, feelings, and anxieties.

How to find a quality teen therapist 

A quality teen therapist is someone who is certified and experienced in working with teenagers. The therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and comfortable environment, and all credentials should be displayed for public viewing. A quality therapist may be able to break down barriers and help teens reach a certain degree of comfort. This doesn't always take place immediately, but over time, it often happens. If a teen doesn't like or connect well with a therapist, it’s acceptable to search for another therapist. 

In the search for a teen therapist, a convenient location can make it possible for the teen to attend most or all sessions, but you might also carefully consider reviews of therapists to see if they have a good reputation in the industry. 

When searching for the right therapist for your teenager, you might ask the following questions:

Does the therapist treat teens?

The therapist you choose should have training and experience in treating teens. Some therapists may have some training in treating teens but primarily work with adults. 

What areas does the therapist specialize in?

If your teenager is experiencing symptoms of a particular mental health condition, you might ask if a therapist has knowledge and experience in treating those symptoms.

Some therapists may not be comfortable addressing certain conditions that teens have because they aren't sure they possess the necessary training to counsel them adequately. You can ask them directly if they have experience treating cases like your teen is experiencing.

Does your teenager feel comfortable with the therapist?

Following the initial appointment, you might encourage your teen to discuss how they feel about the therapist. One of the strongest indicators that the process will be successful may be that the teen is comfortable and feels that their therapist is a good match. 

It may help to schedule intake sessions with multiple therapists to determine which one would be the best fit. It’s acceptable to look around until you find a therapist that feels right for your teenager.

Reasons to seek therapy for teens: Adolescent mental health concerns

Teenagers may need therapy for a variety of reasons. Some teens seek counseling or therapy to help them feel better about a certain situation in life. Others may need it due to a dramatic life-changing event or mental health concerns. Teenagers from various demographic groups view anxiety and depression as a serious issue that affects their peers.

Almost everyone encounters a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable in life. However, not everyone is mentally prepared to handle such situations. Once feelings of anxiety or uncertainty become a regular occurrence, they can lead to significant mental health concerns. Teen therapy is designed to help teens process these feelings appropriately.

Potential sources of teen mental health concerns 

• Violent encounters. If a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or violent encounter, it could disturb their mental well-being. 
• Emotional stress. Stress is a normal occurrence that affects almost everyone at one point or another in life. Enduring large amounts of stress can interfere with a teen's mental well-being and cause them to become emotionally disturbed.
• Loss of a relationship or a loved one. Losing a loved one to death, relocation, or other circumstances can be life-changing. It can cause an onset of sadness, fear, or loneliness. These feelings can become so strong that they begin to impact other areas of life negatively.
• Mood disorders. Sometimes, if left untreated, mood disorders can evolve into depression and progress into the adult ages. If you have noticed signs of irritability, sadness, and withdrawal, you might speak with your teenager’s healthcare provider. Early intervention may help your teenager make progress more quickly.
• Negative changes in behavior. Episodes such as repeated curfew violations, school suspensions, and aggressive attitudes could indicate a need for help. A teen therapist is trained to help them address and cope with these concerns and identify potential mental health conditions.
• Anxiety disorders. It's normal for feelings of anxiety to surface. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety affects up to 40 million adults in the United States. The condition is treatable with therapy, and receiving treatment early on could prevent the condition from worsening as teens grow older.
• Social or school-related problems. Teens can sometimes be rude or fail to regard others' feelings when expressing themselves. Teenagers who have experienced bullying, academic difficulty, or challenges making friends may benefit from therapy. They can acquire the support they need and learn productive skills to better maneuver their social and school environments.
• Substance use. Many teens are introduced to alcohol and drugs. Quality therapy for teens can help evaluate teenagers for abuse of substances and recommend the best treatment options. Some substance use requires individual or group therapy, detox, outpatient, residential therapy, or treatment.
• Self-esteem issues. Almost every teen experiences concerns related to their self-esteem at some point in life. Some instances are more severe than others, and when left untreated, a teenager can become at risk of experiencing other challenges, such as substance use disorder or depression. Therapy can be an effective approach to helping teens address low self-esteem.
• Divorce of parents. Changes in home life can make it difficult for teens to manage life in general. It may prove helpful for teenagers who are experiencing the effects of divorce to talk to a therapist. This can give them an outlet to speak with someone outside the family who has a neutral position. In many divorce cases, teens need someone to listen to how they feel about the divorce.

Different types of teen therapy 

Because individual needs vary, the therapeutic approach may vary also. In certain cases, a combination of options may be necessary. Ultimately, the category of therapy is usually determined by the concerns being addressed.

Below are some therapy options to consider for teens:

Individual teen therapy

In individual therapy, teens meet with the therapist one-on-one to discuss their concerns. The sessions typically last about 45 minutes to an hour, and during this time, teens may be asked to describe their feelings regarding the challenges they're facing. Some therapists give take-home assignments designed to help teens learn to cope with and face their challenges. In some cases, it may prove helpful and necessary for the therapist to speak with parents or school administrators about what a teen is experiencing.

Group teen therapy

Group therapy for teens takes place in a setting with their peers. It provides an opportunity for teens to see how others like them manage the challenges they are facing. While it may be challenging at first, usually, after a few group sessions, the atmosphere becomes more comfortable. Groups vary in size but usually consist of at least five teens with one or two counselors or leaders. Topics are usually presented for discussion, and questions can be asked during the session. Group teen therapy sessions vary in time but are usually up to 90 minutes long.

Family therapy for teens

Family therapy usually includes teenagers and their parents. Some instances include other people within the family if the therapist feels it will help. This setting allows teenagers to address and work through challenges that involve the family. The therapist guides the family throughout the session and often gives instructions for at-home exercises as well.

Considering online therapy for your teen

If you’re considering therapy for your teenager but feel reluctant to attend therapy, you might consider online therapy, which research has shown to be effective for children and adolescents. With online platforms like TeenCounseling, your teenager can engage in therapy completely from home via audio or video chat. They can also contact their counselor in between sessions via in-app messaging, and their counselor will get back to them as soon as they can. 

If you think that your teenager might benefit more from family therapy, you can reach out to Regain. You can attend therapy together from the comfort of your own home at a time that works for both you and your teen, as well as anyone else in your family that you would like to attend.

The benefits of online therapy for parents of teenagers

If your teenager doesn’t feel ready for therapy but would like to speak to someone yourself, you can still reach out to a counselor at Regain. You can be matched with a licensed therapist experienced in helping parents navigate the challenges of parenting adolescents. This can be especially helpful for couples with a teenager in the home, as parenting can cause strain on their relationship.