Adolescence is a transformative period filled with rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. For many teenagers, navigating this complex stage of life comes with unique challenges that can feel overwhelming, compounded with the nuances of today’s environment – which challenges the teen psyche now more than ever. Teen therapy is a powerful tool that can help adolescents build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and address mental health concerns. Our team has put together a rundown of some of the most common issues that teens face today, a listing of the types of therapy we offer at Behaved Brain, and how these approaches can support their well-being today and as they grow into adulthood.
Addressing the Issues of Today’s Teen
Teenagers today are navigating a world vastly different from previous generations. And their struggles are not just anecdotal. The CDC estimates that 40% of teens experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 22% of teens have seriously considered attempting suicide – per the American Psychological Association. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin at age 14. This all points to the importance of early intervention when it comes to addressing and improving teen mental health, especially when considering that, according to the same study from NAMI, the average delay between when symptoms first appear and intervention is approximately 11 years. At Behaved Brain, we’re dedicated to reducing that gap.
So, what’s causing such dysregulation in our teens? It’s not a straightforward answer, but here’s what we do know: mental health is a result of a combination of biological, social and environmental factors. So treating it requires targeting each of those categories. Generally speaking, many teens struggle with academic pressures, social expectations, and future uncertainties, leading to heightened anxiety. Feelings of sadness, isolation, or hopelessness are increasingly common among teenagers. And societal standards and body image concerns contribute to conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Beyond that, it’s becoming more understood that our food, water, and environment is leading to serious mental and physical health challenges.
If that wasn’t enough, we’re also contending with the technology revolution. Social media and cyber bullying has led to online harassment, causing severe emotional distress and diminished self-esteem. Separately, screen addiction through excessive use of social media and gaming is interfering with sleep, academics, and interpersonal relationships.
Academic pressures and high expectations from parents, teachers, and peers can cause significant stress, resulting in burnout or feelings of inadequacy. And as substance abuse continues to rise in teens and young adults, experimentation with drugs or alcohol can quickly escalate into dependence or addiction, often masking underlying emotional pain.
All this leads to the fact that mental health disorders are on the rise throughout our society, beginning from a younger and younger age. So at Behaved Brain, we take a holistic approach to teen therapy, dialing into the biological, social and environmental challenges that each of our teen clients is facing, followed up with a customized therapy plan of action to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Addressing these challenges early through teen therapy is crucial for fostering mental health and personal growth.
Types of Therapy for Teens
There are various therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the diverse needs of teenagers. Below are some of the most effective types of teen therapy we offer at Behaved Brain:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches for teens. It helps adolescents identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ways of thinking. This therapy is especially effective for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. For example, if a teen struggling with academic pressure, they can learn to challenge thoughts like, “If I fail this test, I’ll never succeed,” and replace them with more constructive beliefs.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is beneficial for teens dealing with intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, or borderline personality traits. It emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT techniques encourage teens to pause, reflect, and communicate their feelings calmly.
Family Therapy
Family dynamics often play a significant role in a teen’s mental health. Family therapy involves working with the entire family unit to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive environment. Families who are experiencing frequent arguments or disagreements are taught to utilize new tools and strategies to foster empathy and active listening.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a supportive environment where teens can connect with their peers facing similar challenges. This approach fosters a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation. At our regular teen groups, hosted at Behaved Brain, teens struggling with social anxiety practice fostering friendships and building confidence in a safe group setting.
Art and Creative Therapies
Art, music, and drama therapy allows teens to express themselves nonverbally, making these approaches particularly effective for those who struggle to articulate their emotions. A teen coping with trauma might use painting or journaling to process their experiences and emotions.
Trauma Therapy for Teens
For teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events, trauma-focused therapy provides a safe space to heal. Techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused CBT can be highly effective. Through trauma therapy, teens learn to work through their fears and triggers in therapy sessions, learning practical tools to address flare ups in real life situations.
Organizational Therapy
For teens, and especially those managing ADHD symptoms, organizational therapy is an incredible technique to help structure the mind. With a focus on time management, administrative skills, and balance, organizational therapy helps teens better manage their responsibilities, goals and expectations. Through the use of planners, visuals guides, reminders and other organizational tools, each teen begins to develop a toolbox of organizational skills that supports them now and well into the future.
Neurofeedback Therapy for Teens
At Behaved Brain, we’re proud to offer Neurofeedback Therapy for our teen clients. This approach, which uses a real-time feedback loop between the therapist and client through neurotechnology, helps identify triggers in real time while offering solutions to help manage and mitigate them.
What to Expect from Teen Therapy
Teen therapy equips adolescents with tools to identify, understand, and manage their emotions more effectively. Through individualized therapy, teens learn better communication and conflict-resolution skills, improving interactions with family members and peers. Teen therapy fosters self-awareness and self-compassion, helping teens build a positive self-image. Our approach at Behaved Brain helps teens develop strategies to handle stress, setbacks, and challenges more effectively. Furthermore, addressing issues during adolescence can prevent them from escalating into more severe and persistent problems in adulthood.
Tips for Parents of Teens
As mentioned already, early intervention is key. Reducing the gap between the first signs of struggle and therapy is the best way to improve success rates in teen mental health. The first step is to recognize the signs of struggle. Pay attention to changes in your teen’s behavior, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or declining academic performance. See something? Say something. Create a safe space for your teen to share their feelings without fear of judgment by starting and open and safe conversation.
If symptoms don’t improve, seek professional help. As parents of children, we know that mom and dad are not always the number 1 source of solace. If your teen is struggling, consult a licensed therapist who specializes in adolescent mental health, or contact our team at Behaved Brain. Encourage therapy without making it feel like a punishment or obligation. Finally, participate in family therapy sessions when appropriate to strengthen the support system.
Starting Teen Therapy
Teen therapy is a vital resource for helping adolescents navigate the challenges of growing up. From managing anxiety and depression to improving family relationships, therapy provides the tools teens need to thrive. By recognizing the importance of mental health and seeking professional support, parents can empower their teens to overcome obstacles and build a bright future.
If your teen is struggling, consider reaching out to us at Behaved Brain to explore the benefits of teen therapy. Together, we can help your teen achieve emotional well-being and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
