Four Reasons to Take Your Teen to an Adolescent Psychiatrist

From mood swings to school issues, all teens have difficulties. Occasionally, a teen's distress might rise to a level where it's imperative to seek professional assistance.

Therapy certainly doesn't need to be reserved for life-altering events or severe mental health problems, however. Meeting with a therapist can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

A teen's mood swings could benefit from meeting and talking to a mental health provider, so don't hesitate to arrange an appointment with a professional. Talk to the family pediatrician or schedule an appointment directly with a therapist. Occasionally, a few short therapy sessions can make a significant change to a teen's overall well-being.

Teens often benefit from joining with a therapist to talk to about a diversity of topics ranging from relationship issues to inquiries about sexual identity.

Here are the top four reasons teens enter therapy:

1. Depression

Mood disorders frequently start during the teen years. If left untreated, depression can last into adulthood. If a teen seems sad, irritable and withdrawn, talk to a pediatrician. An accurate diagnosis and early involvement are critical components for effective treatment.

2. Anxiety disorders

While it's ordinary for teens to worry occasionally, some teens experience intense anxiety. Whether a teen has trouble speaking in front of the class or is constantly worried bad things are going to occur, therapy could help a teen learn how to manage symptoms.

3. Behavior problems

Suspensions from school, aggressive behavior or repeat curfew violations may be symptoms of a more serious issue. A therapist might help uncover potential mental health issues, skill deficits or social problems that may be driving a teen's behavior.

4. Substance abuse issues

Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol can become a severe problem for teenagers. A substance abuse counselor can measure a teen's substance use and help choose the most appropriate course of treatment. Individual therapy, detox, group therapy or residential treatment might be options depending on the severity of a teen's problems.

Teens deal with grief a little differently than adults, and the loss of a loved one can be particularly severe during adolescence. Individual, group or family therapy can help teens sort out feelings and make sense of injuries.

While most teens fight with self-confidence issues at one time or another, some encounter serious self-esteem issues. When those concerns are left unaddressed, teens are at a higher risk of problems such as academic failure and substance abuse. Therapy can help boost a teen's self-esteem.

If you're questioning treatment for a teen, err on the side of caution and contact a professional. If your teen isn't interested in therapy, however, don't worry. Many teens are hesitant to talk to someone.

Encouraging a teen to try therapy for a couple of sessions will allow the teenager to decide whether to stop or continue.

If a teen outright refuses to counsel, a parent can be the one to talk to a therapist. A parent may be able to gain new ideas and skills for helping a teen cope better.

Request an appointment here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.