7 Signs Your Teen Needs a Therapist and How to Find Good One

We lead stressful lives, but are there any telltale signs that your teen needs a therapist? What are they? Read on to find out the top signs a therapist might be a good option for your teen.

1 They’re Stressed

While you can feel stressed due to work experiences, bills, and the changing climate of our world, if teenagers feel like they can never calm down, that’s a telltale sign that something is going on. Stress isn’t healthy for the body, so if they feel constantly stressed about things, then you should consider therapy. While physical issues such as debts aren’t normally teenage problems, therapy helps with the mental blocks that they’re feeling, such as stress about college.

2 They Feel Worried all the Time

A little worry is normal, but if they feel like they’re worried constantly about things you shouldn’t be so hung up on, that can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Seeing a therapist can help to untangle the worry too, which means that you’re better equipped to handle the problems of life. Teens can have anxiety too, especially about the future.

3 They Feel Unmotivated

Motivation is a reason to keep going. If you don’t have that, it kind of makes you feel like you’re constantly stuck. If your teen feels unmotivated to do anything, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Speaking with a therapist can help them figure out the cause behind their lack of motivation, and help them develop coping mechanisms.

4 They’re Unruly

Teens have a tendency to not follow what their parents ask of them, but if they are constantly against you on everything, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. If they have anger issues and need anger management, sometimes a therapist can help get to the bottom of why the kid is being so unruly, so that you can figure out how to best help them as well.

5 They Beat Themselves Up

A little criticism isn’t always bad, but if your teen is constantly striving for perfection and feels super upset after they mess up, it could be a sign of some problem they don’t know how to deal with. The simple answer to that is, of course, to find a therapist to get the teen to talk about the issues so that they’re not holding themselves back.

6 They’re Not Communicating

Communication is a big problem that parents have with teens, and oftentimes, this is a major concern, since they might not tell you what’s wrong. If you notice your child isn’t talking all that much, consider a therapist. They might be able to dig deep and find out if there are some unexpressed emotions keeping your child from expressing themselves.

7 There Was a loss or Death

If there was a loss or death, teens struggle with it too. They might turn to unsavory solutions such as drugs or alcohol to cope, and if they aren’t taking the death well, therapy is a great resource for them.  They can get the grief that they’re handling out in the open, so that they don’t get stuck on it. Remember, they’re still young too, so this can be hard for them to express, which is why, if there is a loss or death, discussing it is ideal.

Where to Find a Therapist for Your Teen

For teenagers, sometimes a school counselor can offer a referral to a local therapist to help them sort it out. If your teen is more comfortable seeing a person, then consider this option. But, online therapy is a much more viable option. It can be easier for the teen since it doesn’t involve sitting in a room awkwardly and is a good resource for them to use. Therapists online are certified, so you don’t have to worry about credentials, and your child can go to them whenever to discuss issues.

If your teen has a busy life or isn’t comfortable sitting face-to-face with a therapist, then you should definitely consider this type of therapy, for it will help them iron out any issues in a healthy, safe manner, and make it easier for them to live their life.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel is a research and writing expert whose work focuses on health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of the online mental health resource BetterHelp.com. With a dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to target subjects related to wellbeing.