Watching a teenager you love struggle with mental health or a substance abuse issue can be extremely overwhelming. Even when that teenager has a therapist and goes to regular counseling, it can be difficult to know if the counselor is the right one for your adolescent. Parents and guardians raising young adults can struggle to know who to reach out for help when their teenager is going through a difficult time.
The good news is that there are many options when it comes to finding the right therapist for the teenager you care about. With a variety of teen therapists and many options for teen counseling out there, it might be easier than you think to find a good match for your family member. To learn more about how you can find the right teen therapist for your child, read on.
Google Searches
The fastest way to find a great therapist for the teenager in your life is a Google search for “therapy for teens near me.” In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how many options there are for the teenager you care about through this simple search tactic.
Results will show a variety of choices when it comes to online counseling, group therapy, IOP programs, residential rehab centers, and more. You’ll even be able to find a variety of treatment modalities that might work best for your teenager, like art therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, and LGBTQ-friendly therapy.
The truth is that the teen years are hard. Most teens experience intense emotions around this life stage. Whether your child is struggling with bullying, substance abuse, a mood disorder, an eating disorder, mental illness, self-harm, or something else, there is a therapist out there who can help. Starting with a simple Google search in your area is a good way to know what options are out there for your teenager.
Professional Referrals
Because there’s so much available out there in the world of mental health help, it can be helpful to talk to your teenager’s doctor about what they recommend. Maybe you’re most concerned about self-esteem in teens because your young adult lacks a social life and suffers from low self-esteem. Being honest with their doctor about your concerns could mean a fantastic referral to an appropriate therapist or program.
Connections and Word of Mouth
Everyone, but especially teens, needs a strong support network. Consider reaching out to your own in a time of crisis with your young adult. Odds are that you know other parents with teenagers who’ve needed interventions or mental health help. Talking to them, school counselors, the school nurse, or your co-workers for who they’ve used for help could be a great way to know you’re sending your teenager to a therapist or program you can trust.
Sadly, many parents are afraid to reach out to their own friends and family when it comes to getting help for their teenagers. The stigma around mental health can make it challenging to open up about your concerns. However, in taking that risk with people you trust you may find that you and your teenager are far from alone. Knowing this can be therapeutic in and of itself.
At the end of the day, no matter how you find a therapist for this tricky age group, your ability to stay connected to your teenager and show them compassion as they face frustrations and challenges is a great way to let them know you support them. Finding an incredible therapist to help them through crisis, school problems, mental health issues, and behavioral challenges is a good way to give them hope for a productive and happy future. Best of luck to you as you find the right psychologist to work with your teenager. Someday, they’ll thank you for it.
