Therapy for Adolescents

Clinically Reviewed By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC 

How can therapy help adolescents?

Teenagers are developing a sense of self, becoming more independent, and finding their place in the wider world. Therapy may help them navigate their changing world with confidence. Therapy may also help teens understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they continue to grow and engage in self discovery.

Building emotional regulation and coping skills

Teens experience intense emotions. The feeling center of the brain matures faster than the logical, thinking part, leaving many adolescents struggling to know what they're feeling and how to deal with it.

A mental health professional may help teens identify, understand, and manage difficult emotions. Teens learn and practice healthy coping strategies they may apply immediately to a wide range of stressful situations. These emotional regulation skills can be important tools not only in adolescence, but also for long-term mental health. Some therapists may also introduce mindfulness practices to help teens stay present and manage overwhelming emotions.

Improving communication skills and relationships

The emotional challenges of adolescence can make communication difficult. Therapy may help teens express themselves more effectively, allowing them to build stronger, more healthy relationships with parents, peers, and other community members. 

In therapy, teens might get the support they need to build self-confidence and manage conflict. This support may have a ripple effect, benefiting dynamics across the entire family and improving communication skills with family members.

Addressing common adolescent mental health concerns

Therapy can help teens cope with many different mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Identity and self-esteem issues

• Academic stress

• Grief and loss

• Family changes

• Emerging personality disorders

• Bullying and other social challenges 

Through teen therapy, adolescents may work through these challenges with guidance tailored to their stage of development. Even small steps toward emotional well-being can help a teen's academic performance and social skills. Parents can help by talking to teens about how they'd like to benefit from therapy.

What should adolescents expect from online therapy sessions?

Other than the format, online therapy for young people is similar to face-to-face sessions. Teens will have the opportunity to privately discuss what's bothering them. The therapist's job is to provide support and guide the client toward solutions.

Types of therapy available for teens

Depending on their needs, teens may benefit from individual therapy or group therapy. Traditional face-to-face therapy, also known as talk therapy, is a common way teens work through difficulties and develop a deeper understanding of their inner world. 

Some teens may also benefit from other therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Your therapists may suggest modalities that could be a good fit.

How to get started with teen counseling on BetterHelp

After signing up for BetterHelp, users can be matched with a therapist in as little as 24-48 hours. Answering a few questions helps the platform identify a licensed professional suited to the teen’s needs.

Teens aged 13 to 19 can use BetterHelp’s TeenCounseling platform, built specifically for teens and their parents. Those aged 18 or 19 can use TeenCounseling or the main BetterHelp platform. While teens can start the sign-up process on their own, a parent or guardian is required to complete enrollment and handle payment. It's easy to take the first step and connect with us.

Accessible support for the challenges of adolescence

The teenage years are challenging for anyone, and mental health difficulties can make it even harder to cope. Online therapy offers the support and guidance that may make all the difference. Get started with BetterHelp.

FAQs

Find answers to your common questions about therapy for adolescents.

Is online therapy effective for adolescents?

Yes, research supports online therapy as an effective resource to support adolescents navigating common challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and social functioning. Virtual therapy proved to be as effective as face-to-face therapy for these challenges, possibly because teens were so willing to engage online.

Can a teenager use BetterHelp directly?

Teens aged 13–19 can access BetterHelp's dedicated adolescent platform. To move forward, teens will need to invite a parent or guardian to the account, as a parent or guardian is required to complete enrollment and cover the cost of the subscription.

Does therapy for adolescents include parents?

Some therapists involve parents in therapy sessions to support emotional well-being and family communication. Others prefer to keep things one-on-one.

How long does it take to see results from adolescent therapy?

Progress varies from person to person. Many teens begin developing and applying healthy coping skills quickly. Some see improvements after just a few weeks of therapy sessions.

Is what my teen shares in therapy kept private?

Therapy sessions are kept between the teen and their therapist, with limited exceptions including safety concerns. Your teen's therapist will explain disclosure rules and policies at the start of treatment.