Why Therapy Can Help Teens
Adolescence is a time of significant change and growth. Therapy can help teens:
- Navigate identity development and self-discovery
- Manage stress, anxiety, and depression
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Improve relationships with family and peers
- Address trauma or difficult experiences
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Navigate academic and social pressures
- Develop emotional regulation skills
Best Types of Therapy for Teens
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Effective for anxiety, depression, and helping teens identify and change negative thought patterns.
Why it works for teens:
Teaches practical skills, results-focused
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Great for emotional regulation, self-harm, and relationship issues.
Why it works for teens:
Specifically adapted for adolescents
Family Therapy
Involves the whole family in addressing issues and improving communication.
Why it works for teens:
Addresses family dynamics affecting teen
Group Therapy
Teens can connect with peers facing similar challenges in a supportive group setting.
Why it works for teens:
Peer support and normalization
Art or Creative Therapy
Uses creative expression as a way for teens to communicate and process emotions.
Why it works for teens:
Non-verbal expression, engaging
Signs a Teen Might Benefit from Therapy
- •Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood changes
- •Withdrawal from friends and activities
- •Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- •Academic struggles or decline
- •Behavioral changes or acting out
- •Substance use or risky behaviors
- •Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
- •Difficulty coping with stress or trauma
What to Look for in a Teen Therapist
- Specialized training in adolescent therapy
- Experience working with teens
- Good rapport and connection with your teen
- Understanding of adolescent development
- Appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
- Comfortable communication style for your teen
- Approach that matches your teen's needs
Find a Teen Therapist
Search our directory for therapists who specialize in working with teenagers and adolescents.