Key takeaways

• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, low energy, trouble sleeping, and social isolation are all signs that your teen may benefit from therapy.

• Various types of therapy are available for teens, and the best choice depends on factors like budget, location, and preference.

• To find a therapist for your teen, seek referrals from their school and healthcare professionals. Also, explore directories from accredited professional organizations. You can also find a therapist covered by insurance using Emora Health.

Helping a teen with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming for parents. You may ask yourself, “How do I find a therapist for my teenager?” 

This article will guide you through the process, offering practical tips to help you find the best professional to fit your child’s needs. 

When Your Teen May Need Therapy  

Adolescence can be a tough time. While some teens navigate it without major concerns, 49.5% experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.

As their bodies grow and develop, teens go through new emotions and social challenges. As a result, they may feel more anxious, moody, or act impulsively.

When it happens occasionally, it’s often linked to typical teenage behavior. However, mental health symptoms that don’t go away might indicate a more serious problem.

If left unchecked, mental health problems can affect your child’s daily functioning. Getting help early can help reduce their impact on home, school, and relationships.

Potential warning signs that a teen may need therapy include:

• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Low energy

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time

• Spending more time alone and avoiding social activities

• Excessive exercise, dieting, or binge eating

• Self-harm behavior

• Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use

• Engaging in risky or destructive behavior

• Suicidal thoughts

Types of Therapy Available for Teens 

Therapy can help teens with mental health conditions and emotional challenges by alleviating symptoms, improving functioning, and enhancing well-being.

Therapy for teens can involve many different styles and methods of treatment. Your child may need a combination of approaches or a mix of medication and therapy.

Consult with your mental health professional to determine the best approach for your kid’s needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors.

In CBT, the therapist helps teens recognize harmful thoughts and replace them with healthier feelings and behaviors. Research shows that CBT can be effective in treating various mental health issues in teens, including depression and anxiety.

Family Therapy vs. Individual Therapy 

The way therapy is delivered can vary widely. For example, individual therapy focuses on the teen’s personal struggles. 

On the other hand, family therapy examines individual issues within the context of the larger family unit.

The goal is to help families strengthen relationships, communicate more effectively, and navigate stressful situations together.

Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy  

Both online and in-person therapy can be effective. The main difference is that in-person therapy allows your kid to have face-to-face contact with the therapist.

That way, the therapist can observe physical and emotional cues more closely and develop a more personalized approach to support your teen’s mental health.

Online therapy is a great option for teens with busy schedules filled with school and extracurricular activities. It can also help them feel more comfortable during sessions.

Steps to Finding the Right Therapist for Your Teenager 

Once you’ve determined the best type of therapy for your child, the next step is finding a therapist.

A quick Google search will show you plenty of options, which can be overwhelming. So, where do you start?

Start with a Referral 

To avoid getting lost among so many options, it might be a good idea to ask for referrals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  suggests exploring directories from accredited organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).

You can also ask your child’s school, a healthcare professional, or your insurance provider for recommendations.

Check Credentials and Experience 

You'll want to check the therapist’s license and qualifications to make sure your child is in good hands.

You can verify a therapist's license on your state's licensing board website by searching for their name and license number.

This confirms that they are legally recognized to provide care in your state.

Certifications from reputable organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) may also indicate additional specialization and expertise. 

Consider Your Teen’s Preferences and Comfort Level 

Involving your child in the decision-making process is essential. If your child expresses a preference for a specific type of therapy or feels more comfortable with a therapist of a certain gender, try to respect that choice.

Teenagers are more likely to open up and share their emotions if they feel comfortable with the therapist. 

Explore Online Options 

Some teens may find it hard to open up to strangers, especially when dealing with anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Online therapy can help create a more emotionally safe environment, making it easier for them to express themselves.

You can find a therapist for your teenager using Emora Health, which connects families with licensed therapists who specialize in evidence-based treatments like behavioral therapy, CBT, and social skills training — all covered by your health insurance.

Understand Costs and Insurance Coverage 

Therapy sessions for teens can cost between $50 and $150 per session without insurance. The price may vary depending on your location, the type of therapy, session frequency and duration.

If you don't have insurance and need coverage, consider enrolling in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or a Marketplace plan.

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist 

After selecting potential therapists, conduct a detailed interview to understand whether their approach aligns with your child's needs. Ask about their experience, training, treatment methods, session structure, and how progress is tracked. 

Key questions to ask include:

What Is Your Experience with Teen Mental Health? 

This question helps give you an idea about the therapist’s background, the type of mental health issues they have experience with, and how comfortable they are working with teens.

What Therapeutic Approaches Do You Use? 

This question helps you learn what techniques the therapist uses and whether they’re a good match for your teen’s needs.

How Do You Involve Parents in the Process? 

Parents play a significant role in a teen’s life, so it’s important to know how the therapist includes them in the treatment process and keeps them informed. 

Managing Expectations and Progress 

Remember to keep realistic expectations about therapy.

It may take time for your child to feel comfortable sharing their innermost feelings with the therapist, so improvements in symptoms may not be seen right away.

Take the time to explain this to your child and walk them through how the process will work. This can help them feel more at ease with the next steps and lead to better outcomes.

Addressing Resistance to Therapy 

Some teens refuse to go to therapy even though they need it.

They might be worried about their secrets being shared with their parents or fear being judged by their peers. Some teens may not recognize they have a problem or that therapy could help.

It’s important to encourage them and help them understand how therapy can benefit them. Have an open conversation with your child to understand what they’re feeling and what they need.

Find a therapist who is a good match for their personality to help build trust and create a safe space for them to open up.

It may take a while to get them to embrace therapy, but don't get discouraged and keep trying.

Additional Mental Health Resources for Teens

Teens often feel overwhelmed, stressed, and struggle with their emotions, but they don’t have to handle it alone. Many resources are available to support teens dealing with mental health challenges.

School Counselors and Support Groups 

Many schools have trained counselors who can provide guidance, emotional support, and referrals to mental health professionals. Check if this service is available at your child's school.

Crisis Hotlines and Online Resources 

Crisis hotlines offer free support from trained professionals who can listen and provide guidance. Some online platforms also offer text-based or chat support for those who prefer not to call.

Helpful resources:

• Help for Mental Illnesses  (National Institute of Mental Health)

• Support section for teens and young adults (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• OK2Talk (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• Support Section for Families and Caregivers (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)

Takeaway

Many teens face mental health challenges, but therapy can help them manage symptoms and navigate life’s difficulties.

Finding the right therapist for your child is a team effort. Involve your teen in the decision-making process and consider their preferences. This helps create a safe, trusting environment, which can make therapy more effective.

Find a Virtual Therapist for Your Teenager with Emora Health

Emora Health connects families with licensed therapists who specialize in evidence-based treatments like behavioral therapy, CBT, and social skills training.

Emora Health emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing not only the teenager's symptoms but also the well-being of the entire family.

By offering resources, counseling, and education, they help create a supportive environment where children can thrive.

Get started today.

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