Psychotherapy for Teens: Navigating Emotional and Social Challenges
Going through puberty is a challenging time for everyone emotionally and mentally. Some teenagers may need more help than others when it comes to accepting themselves and navigating the world around them.
Health experts have found that one in seven kids from the ages of 10 to 19 have experience with at least one mental health condition. Teen psychotherapy (talk therapy) helps kids learn how to cope with their emotions in a healthy way.
Teen psychotherapy may be especially beneficial for teenagers diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Even if a teen you know doesn’t have an official diagnosis, teen psychotherapy helps them to navigate adolescence in a supportive environment.
How Does Teen Psychotherapy Work?
Psychotherapy is the process of sitting down with a licensed mental health professional to discuss problems that affect a person’s emotional and mental health. In teen psychotherapy, it’s important for the therapist and client to have a trusting relationship.
While a trusting relationship is also important for adults, it may take teens longer to open up to the process of therapy. This is especially true if they already feel uncomfortable talking about difficult topics with their parents or friends.
While therapy is typically given weekly, a licensed mental health provider may adjust the frequency of therapy sessions based on the needs of the individual.
It’s common for teens with the following health conditions to start psychotherapy with a recommendation from a counselor:
Eating disorders
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Substance abuse
Suicidal thoughts
Extreme mood swings
Questions a Therapist May Ask in Teen Psychotherapy
In the first couple of sessions, a licensed therapist may ask targeted questions depending on what a teenager needs the most help with. First, they may start with general open-ended questions to get to know the teenager better including:
How are you?
How are you feeling today?
Is there anything specific you want to discuss?
What difficulties are you currently facing?
If social relationships with others are a concern, a therapist may ask more questions about a teen’s social life. Social interactions are a common theme with the increased presence of social media and the significance of friendship in childhood.
Like talk therapy with adults, each teen therapy experience is unique depending on the personality and needs of the teen.
What are the Different Types of Psychotherapy for Teens?
Different types of psychotherapy may be more beneficial than others in helping to support the emotional and mental health of teens. In addition to traditional talk therapy, other forms of therapy for teens include:
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This form of therapy is ideal for older teens who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm, or dealing with constant negative thoughts and emotions.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This therapy method is ideal for teens with depression and other conditions that primarily affect their emotional stability.
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Kids who have trouble with their identity and self-acceptance may benefit from this form of therapy focused on self-image.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy: This form of therapy focuses on behavior patterns and emotions surrounding conflict.
Supportive therapy: This type of therapy prioritizes providing support for teens to help them cope with stress and improve self-esteem.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): This form of therapy focuses on the actions, emotions, and thought patterns of a child that may lead to harmful behaviors.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This type of therapy helps a child understand and accept deeper thoughts and emotions stemming from their experiences.
Art and play therapy: A therapist utilizes modes of artistic expression and comforting games to get a teen to open up about unconscious thoughts and emotions.
Most types of therapy can be done in a group or individual setting. Some teens may feel more comfortable in a group setting where they can identify with others going through a similar experience as them.
Family therapy is another form of group therapy ideal for kids who have conflicts with their parents and other family members. Some therapists may suggest a combination of one or two different types of therapy.
For teens with busy schedules or medical concerns that create a barrier to in-person therapy, virtual therapy is also an option.
Common Activities Associated with Teen Therapy
There is no single set of activities that are exclusive to teen psychotherapy. However, a therapist may use certain therapeutic practices more often with kids than they do with adults.
Common activities related to different types of therapy include:
Painting to express emotions
Drawing to depict past experiences and the emotions surrounding them
Journaling weekly
Playing board games
Using music as a form of expression
What are Teen Residential Treatment Facilities?
Some therapists offer residential treatment facilities for teens who need additional support for a longer period of time. Residential treatment facilities are on-campus environments where teens can receive 24/7 support.
They may also provide medication for teens who have been clinically diagnosed with certain mental health conditions.
Where Can I Learn More About Mental Health Services?
LifeMD specializes in mental health support for adults 18 and older. While LifeMD does not provide services specifically for children or teens, we're here to guide you or your loved one toward taking the first step in prioritizing mental well-being.
LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of adults. There are also tips and resources for alternate care options for people without health insurance.
Start your healing journey today with a licensed professional who understands your needs.
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