Adolescence is Hard

Navigating the ever-changing waters of adolescence can be challenging for both parents and teens alike. There may be many different reasons your teen could benefit from attending therapy. Some of the common things that teens may go to therapy for include:

Feelings of stress or anxiety
Restricting food intake or binge eating
Substance abuse or dependence
Poor sleep habits
Processing a trauma
Lack of motivation, concentration, and energy levels
Family conflict
Engaging in destructive and/or disruptive behaviors
Self-harming behaviors
Grades dropping/truancy
Friendship problems
Low self-esteem or loneliness
Not knowing how to regulate emotions
Needing a trusted adult for your child to talk to

For many teens, therapy can be an invaluable resource to help them navigate these challenges and help them develop tools to help them thrive. However, finding the right therapist for your teen can be a daunting task. Here are some things to keep in mind while looking for the right therapist for you and your teen.

Understanding the Need: Before you begin your search, have an understanding of why you’re seeking therapy for your teen. This can look like you sitting down and having a conversation with your teen and asking them what areas they feel they are currently doing well in and what areas they feel like they are struggling with. You can offer gentle observations such as “I’ve noticed that you are spending less time with your friends than before” or “It seems like you’ve been more stressed recently, would you agree?” In addition to exploring what your teen wants to work on in therapy, explore what type of therapist they would feel comfortable talking to. Someone older vs. younger, male vs. female, in-person vs. telehealth, etc. Another, thing to consider is if you are interested in individual therapy, family therapy, or both. This will help to make you feel more prepared when discussing your needs.
Seek Recommendations: One of the most effective ways to find a therapist for your teen is by seeking recommendations from trusted sources. Consider talking with your teen’s school counseling department, their pediatrician, coaches, nutritionist, college prep counselors, naturopathic doctors, physical therapist, if your in a parent support group turning to other members, friends, family members, or even past professionals that have worked with you or your family members.
Research: If you aren’t able to find a clinician through recommendations, there are other resources you can use! First is PsychologyToday, where mental health professionals can post a bio and you can search and compare to find exactly what you want. If you are looking for an in-network provider, call the number on the back of your insurance card and you can ask them to send you a list of providers who are in-network. Lastly, Google is a great way to find mental health professionals in your area. When using Google to find a clinician, be mindful and specific in your search; be sure to include “teen therapy” and the city that you live in.
Interviewing Potential Therapists: Finding the right therapist is often like dating, you might have to try talking with a few potential matches before the right one comes along. Many clinicians are willing to have a free consultation call to help determine if they are a good fit. When talking with the therapist take this opportunity to ask questions (if they discuss their theoretical orientation, feel free to ask them to explain this more in-depth to you), ask how long they have been working with teens, ask about how they involve families while working with teens, share about your teenager’s specific needs, explore if your needs align with what the therapist is offering, ask about their current availability, and you can ask about their previous training. If you have a teen who is independent or might be resistant to therapy (which is totally normal and okay), allow your teen the opportunity to consult with the therapist. When teens feel included in the conversation before, they are often more likely to engage once in the therapy room.
Consider Logistics: Logistics play a significant role in therapy. This will likely become a part of your teen’s weekly routine just like playing a sport, an instrument, or having a job. Consider factors such as the therapist's location, hours they offer sessions, and fees. Ensure that the therapist’s schedule aligns with your teens and family’s availability.
Involve Your Teen: Include your teenager in the decision-making process as much as possible. When teens feel included in the decision to go to therapy and feel like they have a say in who they will be talking to, they are more likely to be engaged and open upon starting therapy.

Finding the right therapist for your teen is a vital step in helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence. By not rushing the process and including your teen throughout will lead to you making an informed decision with a teen who is more willing to talk to someone. Seeking professional help is a proactive and compassionate choice that can lead to positive changes in your teenager’s life.

If you are currently looking for a therapist for your teen, let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. Dani Schaer and I am extremely passionate about working with teens and their families. My goal is to help teens express what is on their minds, learn invaluable coping skills, begin to understand the mind-body connection, process life stressors, address relationship issues, and help build self-esteem and confidence from the inside out. Feel free to read more in my bio or schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation.