Therapy for Teens: When to Seek Help

BY NICOLE LAU

The Psychology of Internal Locus: Why Most Suffering is Optional - Module 4: Parent and Educator Guide - Part II: Educators and Mentors

Sometimes teenagers need professional help. Not because they're broken - because they're struggling. And when seeking therapy feels like admitting failure, families avoid getting help. When worth depends on having "perfect" teen, therapy feels like shame. When identity is tied to not needing help, professional support feels like worthlessness. This is external locus preventing necessary care - avoiding therapy to protect worth, delaying help, letting teen suffer.

When worth depends on not needing therapy, teens don't get help they need. Parents feel ashamed. Teens feel broken. Everyone suffers in silence. But therapy isn't failure - it's wisdom. Getting help isn't weakness - it's strength. Professional support isn't shame - it's care. This is the truth families need to hear.

Here's what matters: therapy can help. When teens struggle with external locus, anxiety, depression, trauma, therapy provides professional support. When families understand therapy is strength, they seek help early. When worth is inherent, getting help doesn't threaten it. This is internal locus approach to mental health - seeking help when needed, no shame, just care.

When to Seek Therapy

Signs teen needs professional help:

Persistent Sadness/Depression: Lasting more than two weeks. Withdrawal, hopelessness, loss of interest.

Anxiety Interfering with Life: Can't function. Panic attacks. Constant worry. Avoidance.

Self-Harm: Cutting, burning, other self-injury. Immediate professional help needed.

Suicidal Thoughts: Any mention of suicide. Emergency help immediately.

Eating Disorders: Restricting, binging, purging. Distorted body image. Professional treatment needed.

Substance Abuse: Using drugs, alcohol to cope. Addiction developing.

Trauma: After abuse, assault, loss, trauma. Professional trauma therapy helps.

Severe External Locus: Worth completely dependent on external validation. Creating suffering.

Types of Therapy for Teens

What's available:

Individual Therapy: One-on-one with therapist. Most common. Addresses personal issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changes thought patterns. Effective for anxiety, depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emotion regulation, distress tolerance. Good for self-harm, intense emotions.

Family Therapy: Whole family participates. Addresses family dynamics, communication.

Group Therapy: Teens with similar issues. Peer support, shared learning.

Trauma Therapy: EMDR, trauma-focused CBT. Specialized for trauma healing.

Art/Music Therapy: Creative expression. Good for teens who struggle with talk therapy.

How to Find Therapist

Getting started:

Ask for Referrals: Doctor, school counselor, friends. Get recommendations.

Check Insurance: What's covered? In-network providers?

Online Directories: Psychology Today, TherapyDen. Search by specialty, location.

Teen Specialization: Find therapist who works with teens. Adolescent expertise matters.

Interview Therapists: Many offer free consultation. Ask about approach, experience.

Consider Fit: Teen needs to feel comfortable. Fit matters more than credentials.

Sliding Scale/Low-Cost: Community mental health centers, training clinics. Options exist.

Preparing Teen for Therapy

How to talk about it:

Normalize It: "Lots of people see therapists. It's like having a coach for your mind."

Not Punishment: "This isn't because you're bad. It's because I want you to have support."

Their Space: "What you talk about is private. Therapist won't tell me unless safety concern."

Give Control: "You can choose therapist. If first one doesn't fit, we'll find another."

Address Stigma: "Getting help is strength, not weakness. I'm proud of you for trying."

Supporting Teen in Therapy

What parents can do:

Respect Privacy: Don't demand details. Let them share if they want.

Be Consistent: Regular appointments. Make it priority.

Be Patient: Therapy takes time. Progress isn't linear.

Do Your Own Work: Family therapy if recommended. Heal your patterns.

Celebrate Courage: Going to therapy takes courage. Acknowledge that.

Trust the Process: Therapist is professional. Trust their expertise.

When Therapy Isn't Enough

Higher levels of care:

Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Several hours/day, several days/week. More support than weekly therapy.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Full days, go home at night. Intensive treatment.

Residential Treatment: Live at facility. 24/7 care. For severe cases.

Psychiatric Hospitalization: Emergency, short-term. Safety crisis.

Medication: Psychiatrist can prescribe. Sometimes needed alongside therapy.

The Long-Term Gift

Teens who get therapy when needed:

Learn coping skills. Build resilience. Heal worth wounds. Develop emotional intelligence. Know seeking help is strength. Pass healthy mental health attitudes to next generation.

This is the gift. This is getting help. This is caring for mental health.

Seeking Help Is Strength

This is the message for families: Seeking therapy is strength, not weakness. Your teen isn't broken - they're struggling. Professional help isn't failure - it's wisdom. Getting support doesn't threaten worth - it protects it. If your teen is suffering, get help. Don't wait. Don't feel ashamed. Therapy can help. Mental health matters. Your teen deserves support. Seeking help is one of the strongest things you can do.

This is caring for mental health. This is seeking help. This is strength.