How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health
How to Find a Counselor for your Teen
Finding the right counselor for your teen can feel a little like trying on Cinderella’s glass slipper… sometimes it just doesn’t fit and that’s okay!
So how do you find the right one?
If your teen is open to it, I encourage your teen to be involved in the searching process. After all, they’re the one who will be sitting across from this person each week. The goal isn’t just to find someone qualified (though that matters), but also someone your kiddo actually feels comfortable with and maybe even looks forward to talking to.
What to Look For
There are a lot of counselors out there, and many (myself included) specialize in working with adolescents, so that’s a great place to start.
1. Specialties & Experience
Think about what your kid is going through. Whether they have a diagnosis or just some things they want support with, try to find a counselor who has experience in those areas.
For example, if your adolescent struggles with anxiety and ADHD, look for someone who lists those as specialties. Websites like Psychology Today make this super easy! You can filter by insurance, location, virtual versus in-person counseling, and specific concerns.
2. Personality & Style
This one matters more than people think! Every counselor has a different vibe. For example, some are more laid-back and validating, while others are more structured and goal-oriented.
Reading bios can give you a feel for this, and many counselors offer free consultations. These are a great, low-pressure way to see if it feels like a good fit for both you and your kid.
Everyday Communication Tips
Whether you’re talking about mental health or just day-to-day life concerns, how you communicate with your teen makes a big difference.
Use I- Statements
Instead of sounding blaming, I-statements help you express how you feel without putting your kid on the defensive.
“I feel overwhelmed when I come home and the dishes aren’t done.”versus
“You never do the dishes.”
Same message, very different delivery.
Practice Active Listening
Sometimes your teen just wants to feel heard (don’t we all?).Try:
Little verbal cues: “mmhmm,” “go on”
Nodding, eye contact
Reflecting back in a positive manner: “It sounds like that was really frustrating.”
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of yes or no questions, try ones that invite more sharing:
“What was the hardest part of your day?”
“How did that make you feel?”
Listen… Don’t Fix (Right Away)
This one’s tough. It’s natural to want to jump in and solve the problem—but sometimes your teen just needs to vent.
A simple trick:“Do you want me to listen, or help you figure it out?”
Signs to Pay Attention To
It’s important to be aware of signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. These should always be taken seriously.
Also, asking your teen directly about these things will not “put the idea in their head.” It actually helps open the door for support.
Possible Signs of Self-Harm
Wearing long sleeves in hot weather
Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns
Keeping sharp objects nearby
Frequent “accidents”
Ongoing low mood, anxiety, or feelings of worthlessness
Possible Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Talking about death or feeling like a burden
Withdrawing from others
Giving away belongings or saying goodbye
Risky behavior or increased substance use
Intense emotional pain or hopelessness
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s important to reach out for support.
Crisis Resources (24/7):
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
CARES Hotline: 1-800-245-9049
A Little About Me
I specialize in working with adolescents and aim to create a space where teens feel safe, comfortable, and understood (without feeling judged or lectured). My approach is flexible and tailored to each teen’s personality, needs, and learning style. I pull from a mix of therapeutic approaches and focus on building on what’s already working in their lives.
I’ve worked with adolescents across a variety of settings, supporting concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, relationships, self-harm, and more. I’ve also worked closely with families, because supporting a teen often means supporting the whole system around them.
A little more background here may be useful. My experience includes serving as a school-based counselor at a local middle school, where I addressed concerns such as peer relationships, academic stress, and substance use. I have also worked closely with families involved with Child Welfare, using our sessions to support not only mental health needs but also parenting and safety concerns that the family may have. Most recently, I provided Functional Family Therapy, working with high-risk adolescents and their families to navigate complex behavioral and mental health challenges.
Read More
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950
Crisis Resources:
Article written by: Alyssa Watson, LPC