What To Expect From Teen Counseling
Being a teenager can be extremely difficult. It is common for teens to face various pressures, from heavy academic workloads and selecting a future career path to forming their sense of identity. Some teenagers may experience bullying or peer pressure or question their gender or sexual identity as they navigate relationships for the first time. With all of the stresses of our modern world, many teens can benefit from online counseling as they navigate these challenges.
Why Should I Consider Teen Counseling For My Family?
It's important to remember that, although teens are becoming adults, they're still very much children.Teenagers undergo many changes physically, emotionally, and psychologically, which can be challenging to cope with. Their brains are in the process of becoming fully formed, so they're not yet able to make decisions or handle mature situations as well as adults can. At the same time, their bodies are growing, and they may struggle with the side effects of budding hormones. The addition of external stressors can easily tip teens over the edge, even if they're struggling with things that seem small to adults. Additionally, the prevalence of social media in today's culture has been linked to social comparison and lowered self-esteem.
To make matters worse, today's teens are also spending less and less time with their families because their parents tend to work longer hours, while teens spend more time on extracurricular activities and schoolwork. Family time is essential in keeping stress levels low. Because of this, the lack of adequate family time can add to the challenges that teens face today.
When teens reach the point where they cannot effectively handle school, social, or family stress, therapy can help them learn to cope. In fact, studies show that 2 out of 3 teens benefit significantly from talk therapy. Many parents consider this option after they notice their teen struggling with academics or behavioral issues. However, it's important to note that dropping grades and a larger precipitating event almost always cause negative social behaviors. When you decide that your teen should attend counseling, you're not only allowing them to work through their current struggles, but you're also giving them the chance to work through past events that may be troubling them.
Teen Counseling Expectations For Parents
As a parent, it can be helpful to know what to expect from teen counseling. Read on to learn more about what you might experience.
Even Teens Receive Privacy In Therapy
When your teen begins counseling, you may be surprised to find that you're not expected or even invited to attend. You may be surprised to learn that the counselor cannot share information regarding these sessions with you as this violates therapist-client confidentiality. The therapist can provide general information regarding progress, diagnosis, and referrals (if any), but that's it.
You may feel resistant to the idea that the therapist is bound by confidentiality rules when your child is still a minor. However, this allows your teen to express their thoughts and emotions openly without the fear of consequences. This is very important to teens because they value their privacy and often feel very little autonomy from their parents.
Your Teen's Therapy May Seem Off-Topic
The type of therapy used with teens depends on the precipitating problem. If you want your teen to attend therapy because they're struggling academically, the counselor may start there and then dive deeper. Why? Establishing rapport and trust is essential in therapy. After the initial intake session (with or without the parents), the therapist may spend the next session getting to know the teen. Make sure to trust the process, even if it seems off-topic from the outside.
Therapists Are Mandated Reporters
As previously mentioned, all of the information your teen shares with the therapist is considered confidential, with the exception of anything the therapist is legally mandated to report. These exceptions include the intent to harm themselves or others, sexual or physical abuse, and suicidal thoughts. You may find comfort in this; if there's a serious issue, your teen will receive the help they need, and you will be informed. Otherwise, your teen will still be working through any concerns they may have without having to worry about the repercussions of sharing their feelings.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and resources.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
How To Prepare Your Adolescent For Therapy
When you first talk to your teen about therapy, they may feel resistant. This is normal, so try not to worry. You might consider the following techniques to help your teen become open to the idea of therapy:
Let Them Lead
Teens don't typically like it when decisions are made for them. Before telling them, they need to go to therapy, give them information on the process and ask them if they think it could benefit them. Let them know that you support them, no matter what. If they make the decision, they're much more likely to follow through and benefit from it.
Offer Incentives
If your teen is having a hard time accepting the idea of therapy, consider offering a reward. For example, you could tell them that if they attend a single session to give it a try, you'll buy their tickets to see their favorite band. This will incentivize them without locking them into a long-term counseling relationship. They may find that they get something out of therapy and choose to continue seeing their counselor. Find something your child loves and see if they're willing to give therapy a try in return.
Include Them in the Process
Teens are on their way to adulthood, and they probably don't want to be treated like young children. With that in mind, consider allowing your child to help you choose a therapist and let them decide when they'd like to schedule their appointments. Include them when you search on Google for "teen therapist near me". You might also let them see the research behind why you think therapy is a good idea. If they feel like you're a team, they may be more likely to follow through with your suggestion.
Guiding Your Child With BetterHelp
It can be difficult to know how to react when your child has trouble coping or adjusting to life as they transition to adulthood. If this is the case, there are many ways to seek help, including therapist-assisted parenting strategies. They can teach you more about your child's mental health condition and potentially help you through any resultant mental health issues you may be experiencing.
Studies show that online therapy programs can help parents whose teenagers are experiencing complicated emotions related to teen 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 and thus helping teens with anxiety overall. The report posits that therapist-assisted interventions can help parents motivate their children to continue treatment. This form of treatment utilizes therapist-assisted videoconferencing and interactive educational resources to reinforce important topics or concepts. Online therapy provides remote access to these tools, increasing accessibility and eliminating many common barriers to treatment, such as perceived stigma, financial burden, and geographical limitations.
With BetterHelp, you'll be able to attend therapy sessions remotely—via live chat, messaging, voice call, or videoconferencing. And you'll have the option of messaging your therapist outside of sessions. When you want to discuss a specific issue or have a question, send a message, and your therapist will get back to you as soon as they can. A qualified counselor can help you better guide your teenager when they are experiencing complicated emotions. Below, you'll find reviews of BetterHelp counselors who have worked with people of all ages.
Counselor Reviews
"Charlotte helped me figure out the root of some of my problems from middle school to understand my current self better. Thanks to her, I'll continue to work on those things and let go of the past."
"She is amazing with helping me figure things out. If I didn't have this app or Amanda while I'm at school, I don't think I'd make it."
Conclusion
Getting a teen to attend counseling may be a challenge, but it's usually in their best interest. Luckily, there are ways to ease them into the process. Let them lead, reward them, and consider creative options like BetterHelp. With your assistance and teen counseling, your teen can have a happier, healthier life.
Commonly Asked Questions About This Topic:
How do I know if my teenager needs therapy?
There are several signs your teen might need mental health care.
- Problems at school.
Problems at school can range from poor academic performance to behavior problems. They may show signs of extreme stress, and the pressure may be coming from the school staff, their peers, you as their parent who wants them to succeed or their own desire to do well or get into the college they choose. Their grades may drop drastically, or they may skip school altogether.
If they are sad or moody at home, it could be that they are having problems at school. If you are concerned about how they are doing at school, the best thing you can do is have a talk with your teen. However, if they don't want to share with you, you might talk to their school counselor.
In any of these cases, you might realize that your teen's mental health problems might be more serious than you imagined. If so, consider getting advice, diagnosis, or treatment from licensed mental health professionals. A licensed mental health counselor can talk privately with your teen and help them improve their mental health condition through talk therapy sessions. In addition to therapy, your teen may need psychiatric care for medication management if they have a severe mental health condition such as major depressive disorder. Licensed therapists usually don't have the training to offer medication management and are not able to prescribe medications. For that, a psychiatrist or family doctor may be able to help.
However, if you don't have access to mental health services in your area, you might consider online therapy as a way to get teen counseling wherever you are. Online therapists licensed provide mental health care can help your teen work through their mental health issues, offer emotional support, and teach them coping skills.
You might wonder, could a minor sign of distress be worth the trouble of seeking help from mental health professionals? In many cases, the answer is yes. Often, attending to your teen's mental health early can prevent more significant mental health conditions later on.
Other signs they might need mental health help and a little emotional support include:
- Avoiding social situations
- Being angry and irritable
- Worrying excessively
- Drastic changes in sleeping or eating
- Talking about hurting themselves
What type of therapist should a teenager see?
A teenager can either see a therapist for individual therapy or with other family members for family therapy with a family therapist. It's a good idea to talk to your teen about which they prefer.
As for the type of mental health provider they see, that depends on many factors. If they have serious mental illnesses, teens often need to see a clinical psychologist who specializes in their specific type of mental health challenge.
However, if they are talking about selfharm or hurting someone else, you need to get them crisis resources. We have provided links on this page that might be useful for our readers, such as the National Suicide Hotline. Whatever you do, if your child is talking about harming themselves, get them immediate help.
Choosing licensed professionals to talk to your teen can be a worrisome thing. However, it's important to take certain things into account. Your teen needs a trained listener. However, teens need trained listeners who are also vetted therapists and licensed professionals. Telemental health phone calls, video calls, chats, or other ways of communicating need to be conducted with vetted therapists to ensure your teen's safety.
What age should you start seeing a therapist?
The age a child starts therapy can vary considerably. The type of therapy often depends on the age. For example, if a 3-year-old needed therapy because of a trauma, it might be play therapy. With teens, though, many types of therapy can be helpful. If your teen needs therapy, they are old enough to get it with your consent.
Remember that in most states, online licensed counselors need parental consent to provide therapy to teens younger than 18. However, after they are 18, they can have therapy with a licensed counselor without parental consent. Are you wondering, "Can a minor sign for treatment? As with other legal obligations, a legal adult must sign.
What do you do if your teenager refuses to go to counseling?
Think about why your teenager doesn't want to go to therapy. Then, try to address potential issues.
For example, your child might not want to be seen going into a local mental health office to have in person therapy. They may feel embarrassed to be seen at in person visits. Fortunately, teen counseling is available through online services. Your teen could see a licensed professional therapist, such as a licensed clinical social worker, a clinical psychologist, or other mental health professionals in video sessions, a private chat room, or therapy by phone calls.
These online licensed therapists can offer emotional support at a time when your teenager most needs it. It is a cost effective way for your teenager to talk to a licensed professional therapist in the privacy of their own room. An online therapist can offer teen counseling and provide medical advice diagnosis and care for severe mental health conditions as well. With licensed therapists providing therapy sessions online, your teen can get the care they need without in person therapy.
Research telemental health care and how it's different from conventional mental care. Let them know about adolescent mental health rules for therapy, such as that licensed therapists cannot tell you any of the details of your private conversation unless they are in danger. Talk to them about how easy it is to talk to a therapist in video sessions. Remind them that it's just like talking to their friends on Skype or whatever video call platform they use. Ask them if they would like to try it and how many live sessions they want to try.
You can also read medically reviewed articles to find out more about teens and mental health. Medically reviewed articles are reliable and can shed light on the benefits of mental health online services.
Getting mental health treatment online is easy and relatively affordable. Your teen can speak with licensed therapists about their mental health conditions or even just their school challenges. You can start with a free consultation.
Remember that in most states, online licensed counselors need parental consent to provide therapy to teens younger than 18. However, after they are 18, they can have therapy with a licensed counselor without parental consent. Are you wondering, "Can a minor sign for treatment? As with other legal obligations, a legal adult must sign.
Are you wondering, does insurance cover online therapy? In some cases, it does not. In others, it does. However, although online providers do not always accept insurance, they can provide mental health treatment for a cost that may be close to the copay you pay at offices that do accept insurance. In some cases, mental health benefits from insurance are inadequate if your teen needs ongoing support. Therefore, the convenient, affordable option of having counseling sessions online may be your best solution. To be certain, though, it's always best to ask your insurance provider what they cover.
Are therapists allowed to tell your parents things?
Whether your child is having therapy through telemental health or not, the therapist is limited in what they can tell the parents. If parents participate, it is usually only to hear general reports about how the teen is progressing.
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