When is it Time?

Teen mental illness is a serious problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 20% of adolescents in the United States experience a mental illness each year. This means that one in five teens will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.

If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help your teen to understand their mental illness and develop coping mechanisms. They can also provide support and guidance to your teen and their family.

This article will discuss the signs that it is time to seek professional help for teen mental illness. It will also provide information on how to find a therapist or counselor who is experienced in working with teens. The article will include a list of resources for parents and teens who are looking for help finding a therapist.

Signs that It is Time to Seek Professional Help

There are a number of signs that it may be time to seek professional help for teen mental illness. These signs include:

• Changes in behavior. This could include changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, or school performance.
• Changes in mood. This could include persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Increased substance use.

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it is important to talk to them about your concerns. You can also talk to your teen’s doctor or a mental health professional.

How to Find a Therapist or Counselor

There are a number of ways to find a therapist or counselor who is experienced in working with teens. You can ask your teen’s doctor for a referral, or you can search online for therapists in your area.

When you are looking for a therapist or counselor, it is important to find someone who is a good fit for your teen. You should ask about the therapist’s experience working with teens, their treatment approach, and their fees.

Additional Tips for Finding a Therapist or Counselor

• Ask your teen what they are looking for in a therapist. What kind of therapy do they think would be helpful? What are their preferences in terms of gender, age, or ethnicity of the therapist?
• Consider your teen’s insurance coverage. Some therapists are covered by insurance, while others are not. If your teen’s insurance does cover therapy, you will need to find a therapist who is in your insurance network.
• Interview potential therapists. Once you have found a few potential therapists, schedule an interview with each one. This will give you a chance to ask questions and get to know each therapist.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the therapist. This is important, as you will be working with this therapist on a regular basis. If you do not feel comfortable with them, it is not a good fit.

Resources for Parents and Teens

There are a number of resources available to help parents and teens who are looking for help finding a therapist. These resources include:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
• Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): https://www.aacap.org/
• MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/

Concerned About Your Teen

If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help your teen to understand their mental illness and develop coping mechanisms. They can also provide support and guidance to your teen and their family.

There are a number of resources available to help parents and teens who are looking for help finding a therapist. Please reach out for help if you need it.

Here are some additional tips for finding a therapist or counselor:

• Ask your teen what they are looking for in a therapist.
• Consider your teen’s insurance coverage.
• Interview potential therapists.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the therapist.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your teen. Seek professional help today to learn more about our programs and how we can assist. Hillside Horizon for Teens is dedicated to helping teenagers with mental health to reclaim their lives. Let us walk this path of healing with you.