Exploring Teen Counseling Options

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW and Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC

Updated April 1st, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Being a teenager comes with a unique set of challenges. Many teenagers may experience stress during adolescence due to heavy academic workloads, discovering their identity, and social lives. Today, families often seek counseling to manage these stressors.

Counseling may support teens experiencing bullying, or who may question their gender or identity. Other teenagers might experience a mental health challenge during the teenage years that requires counseling. Counseling aims to help teenagers discover their place in the world and learn more about themselves, and counselors can be a supportive presence in a teen's life.

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Considering therapy for your teen?

Teenagers often experience significant mental, physical, emotional, and physiological changes, which can feel challenging, and may be supported through counseling. Their brains are still forming, so they may struggle with decision-making and understanding their emotions. Knowing the teen age range can help parents better understand their teenagers's physical and biological experiences, and how they can be supported by counseling.

If your teen experiences difficulty handling school, social, or family stress, teen therapy may be beneficial. Many teenagers do not know that counseling for teens is an option or might have heard mental health myths at school that deter them from wanting to try.

Parents may consider teen counseling services after they notice their children struggling with academics, self-esteem, or behavioral issues. Dropping grades or a significant precipitating event may also signify that your teen could benefit from counseling.

Before discussing the subject of teen counseling with your teen, consider allowing them to have a voice in the conversation. Teenagers might feel defensive or confused when you bring it up. Ask them how they'd feel speaking to a professional and if they want to choose a counselor. You might also consider asking them when they'd feel most comfortable attending counseling and how often they want to go.

Chronic conditions, disordered eating, and other behaviors that could place them in immediate danger require careful assessment from trained therapists. It is especially important to be aware of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other potentially dangerous behaviors that can be a serious risk to the health of the teen and those around them. It is often important to identify the individual needs and teen mental health concerns in order to provide them with the most supportive counseling.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available.

Although you may have the "final word", including your teen in choosing a suitable counselor might make the prospect of counseling sound more comforting to them. You can also explain the therapeutic process and how teen counseling could benefit them. If you see a counselor yourself, explain how counseling benefits you and lead by example.

Expectations for parents

As a parent, knowing what to expect from teen counseling can be beneficial. The process may look slightly different from adult counselor.

Starting teen counseling: Benefits of teen counseling for your child

You might not be invited to your teen's first session with their counselor. Parents often act as their teen's representatives regarding medical decision-making. Although clauses may not apply to minors in therapy, a counselor might ask a parent to agree to specific contracts before treating their teen. In some cases, a counselor may not offer information to you if they believe it could harm the minor. A counselor's job is to build a strong therapeutic relationship with their teen patient and help them become independent by setting goals and measuring progress through counseling. One's age is an important factor in determining the type of therapy they receive. It is also important to keep in mind that progress may be slow, and they may need more than a few counseling sessions before seeing positive changes.

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Understanding your teen's core mental health issue

The type of therapy used in treating teen mental health conditions may depend on the precipitating problem. If you want your teen to attend counseling because they're struggling academically, the counselor may find underlying causes or other concerns to work through first. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps teenagers learn skills to cope with stress, manage emotions, and improve communication. It is sometimes used to treat those with eating disorders or other mental health challenges.

Often, establishing rapport and trust is essential in therapy. After the initial intake session (with or without the parents), the counselor may spend the next session getting to know them. The counselor could ask questions about their likes and interests, as well as their family history. If the teen has a health history of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, the counselor may ask what treatments or coping skills they’ve tried in the past.

The counselor may collaborate with you and your teen

As the parent, the counselor may speak to you about some of the concerns brought up in counseling, especially those related to severe mental health conditions, depending on their policies. As you collaborate with the counselor, you may choose to have open discussions with your teen and improve dynamics at home. This can be a great way to measure therapy progress, as you are the first people to notice changes in behavior and attitude. Some therapists may run a counseling session for you and your teen in two separate session environments so you both can work on moving forward together.

Try to respect their aloofness by not openly discussing their information with them without consent. If you want to learn more, ask your teen if they're open to talking to you about what they learned in the session; communication is vital in helping them.

Find teen counseling

Where do I find teen counseling near me? When looking for licensed counselors for therapy services, you might meet with your teen's primary care physician or pediatrician and discuss a potential referral to a psychologist or other accredited mental health professionals in your area. In many cases, a counselor may offer a free consultation to evaluate the teen’s overall mental health condition.

You might also consider several types of mental health professionals or specialists, including:

Teen counseling professionals
Social workers
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Neuropsychologists
Teen behavioral experts
Online teen counseling professionals
School counselors

Each option may have a different cost, specialty, or expertise level. For example, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications for mental health concerns and provides medication management services. For many people, medication and therapy may be an appropriate combination for mental health treatment.

Questions to ask about online therapy for teens

While seeking mental health support for your teen, you can start your search online and call the professionals that stand out to you. You can ask about any concerns you have and discuss factors like the counselor's availability, whether they accept insurance, and your potential out-of-network benefits or out-of-pocket costs with insurance coverage. Some health insurance plans may help cover in-person counseling or online counseling services.

How to prepare your teen for counseling

When you first talk to your teen about therapy, they may feel resistant. It can be normal to resist what they're uncomfortable with. You might consider the following techniques to help them become open to the idea of teen therapy.

Let your teen lead

Most people struggle when decisions are made for them without their input. Before telling them to start therapy, provide them with information about the therapy process and treatment goals and ask them if they think therapy sessions could benefit them. You might pass along mental health resources and information about live sessions or in-person visits versus online therapy platforms.

Let them know that you support them, no matter what. If they decide to try counseling themselves, they may be more likely to approach it with an open mind.

Include your teen in the family therapy or counseling process

As your child moves towards young adulthood, consider allowing them to help you choose a therapist and let them decide when to schedule their first session. Many therapists also offer family therapy and group therapy sessions, which can include both the teen and other families in attendance.

You might also let them see the research behind why you think mental health services are valuable choices. If they feel like you're a team, they may be more likely to follow through with your suggestion.

Going to counseling as a parent of a teenager

Knowing how to react when your child has trouble coping or adjusting to life as they transition to adulthood can be challenging. If this is the case for you, there are many ways to seek help, including therapist-assisted parenting teen tips.

A professional counselor may teach you more about your child's mental health condition and potentially help you through any resultant mental health issues you may be experiencing. Caring for your mental health may teach healthy coping strategies to your child and reduce stigmas around seeking mental health support. Studies show that online therapy programs can help parents learn strategies for parenting teen girls and boys who are experiencing complicated emotions related to mental health issues. One study published in Internet Interventions—a peer-reviewed scientific journal—found that an online parenting platform was effective in helping parents recognize symptoms of depression and anxiety in their teens. This recognition lets the parents know when to step in and seek help for their children.

The report posits that therapist-assisted interventions can help parents motivate their children to continue treatment and that parents can be a valuable support team for their children while receiving mental health care. This form of treatment uses therapist-assisted videoconferencing and interactive educational resources to reinforce critical topics or concepts.

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Gain professional insight into common adolescent challenges

Speak to a therapist (18+)

A qualified mental health professional can help your child learn positive coping skills when they experience complicated emotions. If you're ready to try online therapy, consider an online therapist through a platform like BetterHelp for those over 18. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, BetterHelp can provide various online therapy methods and counselor options. If you hope to sign your child up for online counseling, TeenCounseling is available to those ages 13-19.

Takeaway

Can a minor sign of trouble, such as slipping grades or pushing parents away, mean that your child needs mental health support? Knowing where to start looking for help can be difficult. By encouraging your child to visit a counselor specializing in young adults, you may be able to get them the support they need to handle teen life.

If you're facing challenges related to your teenager's struggles, therapy is also available for parents. Consider reaching out online or in your area to get started.

Frequently asked questions

How can therapy benefit a teen managing mental health issues?

Teen counseling provides a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and emotions, helping them navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, and peer pressure. A counselor can offer coping strategies and emotional support tailored to a teen's specific needs through teen counseling.

What are the advantages of online therapy for teens?

Online therapy offers convenience, allowing teens to receive counseling from the comfort of their own home. This format can be especially appealing to teens who may feel more comfortable communicating in a familiar environment, and it also provides flexibility in scheduling sessions when teens are busy with homework, clubs, and sports.

What is the importance of therapy in the lives of youth today?

Therapy provides a safe space for teens to learn how to manage the many challenges adolescents face. While professional support can be crucial for teens who are addressing mental health problems, it can also be a place where they can develop coping skills, learn to manage stress, and improve their overall well-being.

Why should we provide proper therapy to adolescents?

Counseling can improve a teenager's mental health in many ways. Working with the right therapist can help a teen learn healthy coping mechanisms through teen counseling and develop the life skills needed to overcome common challenges in everyday life.

What is the need for adolescent therapy?

An estimated 49.5% of teens have a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Providing supportive mental health care through early intervention strategies can help teens cope with mental health symptoms and may help keep them from having a significant impact on their lives.

What is the need for guidance and therapy in adolescents?

The teen years are a time of significant change that can be difficult to manage. Counseling can help many teens work through emotional challenges, social anxiety, academic pressure, family conflict, and other concerns related to this pivotal time in their lives.

Why students should tell their problems to a counselor?

In-person teen counseling can provide invaluable support to help teens manage challenges in their daily lives, cope with and understand hormonal changes, and identify underlying issues or behavioral problems that may need to be addressed. Counseling can support teens through challenges and growth.

How do counselors build relationships with students?

A school counselor or teen therapist can use many techniques to build relationships with students, including active listening, building trust, using positive reinforcement, and taking time to get to know about the students’ lives.

What is the importance of therapy sessions for students?

When students attend counseling sessions, they have an outlet where they can talk about common problems that many teens face, including academic performance or concerns related to their relationships with family members or other teens.

What is the purpose of therapy in school?

Therapy in school is typically designed to give students the support they need to address any challenges that may be impacting their learning, social wellness, or overall well-being.

What is adolescent therapy?

Adolescent therapy is a treatment option that uses therapeutic approaches designed to teach teens to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

What age is appropriate for therapy?

Children as young as preschool age can benefit from therapy. The type of therapy depends on the child's age. Play therapy is generally considered a suitable option for preschool and school-aged children.

What is the main purpose of youth therapy?

Children can benefit from working with a therapist who can provide insight into their experiences and help them learn to cope with significant problems that may impact their lives as they mature into adulthood.

Why do youth need therapy?

Teenagers may need counseling for many reasons. Many teenagers may need support to work through academic or social challenges, while others may be facing more challenging mental health problems.

The type of counseling needed can vary. For example, when treating depression, individual therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may be beneficial. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve how one feels. Another option is commitment therapy, in which teens learn to accept that it is okay to have negative thoughts and feelings and commit to making meaningful changes in their lives despite these feelings.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

If a legal guardian or parent feels that their child is exhibiting changes in behavior or persistent anxiety or sadness, it may be beneficial to consider teen counseling.

What is the most important in therapy?

One of the most important parts of counseling is having a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the teen. This type of relationship includes trust, safety, and collaboration and can lead to better outcomes.

Additional questions on the benefits of teen counseling

How can therapy support the overall mental health of adolescents?

What qualifications should you look for in counselors who specialize in treating teens?

What impact does teen counseling have on students?

Explore the complexities of parenting in therapy

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.

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