Therapist for Teenager Near Me: Best Teenage Counseling Service

If you’re looking for a ‘therapist for teenager near me’, you may be disappointed in some of the search results; that’s why we’ve compiled this go-to guide.

Depression is a common mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, and teenagers are no exception.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 4.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020.

Ava Cheng, Researcher

Shockingly, we discovered that this number represented 17.0% of the U.S. population ages 12 to 17. 

So, let’s jump into the world of teen therapy, its benefits, and understand how counseling and online platforms can make a difference.

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Get Therapy on Your Terms with Talkspace for Teens

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced & licensed teen therapist online within hours.

✓ Therapists & Doctors

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✓ Insurance accepted, pay an average copay of $15

✓ Plans as low as $69/week for non-insured

✓ Financial aid available

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Finding a Good Therapist for Teenager Near Me or Online

Let’s remember that every teenager is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating this time.

We can support teenagers with patience, empathy, and open communication as they navigate this exciting but challenging phase.

Research indicates that online therapy can effectively mitigate symptoms associated with depression.

TeenCounseling.com‘s affordable therapy program helps teens develop a sense of self-awareness and a professional support system that teaches them healthy coping mechanisms, which is why they earned our recommendation.

TeenCounseling has a network of reviewed, vetted, and certified teen therapists to choose from near you, giving you the ability to request specialists to focus on your unique objectives.

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Try BetterHelp

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

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Comparing Pricing: In-Person Vs. Online Teen Therapy

When it comes to comparing the costs of in-person and online therapists, there’s a big difference.

In-person therapy sessions usually last 45-60 minutes and cost around $140 to $180 each time.

If you’re a family seeking therapy, it can be even more expensive, ranging from $220 to $310 for sessions that last 75-90 minutes.

But there’s a cheaper option:

• With TeenCounseling.com, teen therapy plans cost $65-100 per week, including weekly live sessions, group classes, and you can message your therapist anytime.
• For those with insurance and seeking medication management, Talkspace offers teen therapy with an average co-pay of $15.

Choosing online therapy helps you save money without compromising the quality of the therapy.

So, if you want therapy that’s affordable and still really good, you should definitely think about trying online teen specialists.

Prevent Teenage Depression With the Right Teenager Counselor

Teen counselors recognize that dealing with depression can be challenging, and seeking help, such as teen counseling, is a crucial step toward feeling better.

It is vital to remember that therapy provides a judgment-free space for you or your loved one to work through the complex emotions and issues that may be contributing to depression.

Therapists are trained to provide evidence-based treatments for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is effective in treating depression in adolescents.

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Try TeenCounseling.com Therapy

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced teen therapist online within 48 hours.

✓ Over 14,000 licensed therapists

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ Subscription plans starting from $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ 20% off through Therapy Helpers

Take Assessment

CBT is a type of psychotherapy commonly used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy focusing on the relationship between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

CBT is based on the idea that negative or irrational thoughts can lead to negative emotions and behaviors, which can contribute to mental health problems.

By identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors, individuals can learn to develop more positive and healthy coping mechanisms.

Dr. Azhar Qureshi

In CBT, a teen therapist helps identify and reframe negative thoughts through techniques like cognitive restructuring and relaxation.

Proven as effective as medication for anxiety and depression, CBT provides teens with practical coping skills, supporting their mental health and offering a safe space to navigate challenges.

Questions To Ask When Searching For a Good Therapist For Teenager

Finding the right therapeutic professional for teenager near you, such as a behavioral psychiatrist, can be a daunting task.

That is why online therapy and the ability to change therapists until you find the perfect one is a great option.

Still, it’s essential to take the time to find a therapist for a teenager who is a good fit for your needs.

Here are some additional tips to help you find the right therapist to work with teens:

Ask for Referrals: Seek referrals from your primary care physician, school counselor, or trusted healthcare providers for therapists specializing in teenage depression. They may have a list of recommended professionals or resources. Additionally, consider asking friends or family for recommendations.

Check Credentials: After compiling a list of potential therapists, verify that each is licensed and experienced in treating teenage depression. You can check their credentials on your state’s licensing board website or their professional site to ensure they have the necessary qualifications for effective treatment.

Look for Specializations: Choose a therapist experienced in treating teenage depression, as they’ll better understand teens’ unique challenges and provide effective support. This information is often available on the therapist’s website or by asking directly.

Consider Treatment Approach: Consider the therapist’s approach—whether CBT, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic, or family therapy—and choose one that aligns with your or your loved one’s needs and preferences.

Evaluate Personal Compatibility: Compatibility is key in therapy. You should feel comfortable and understood; consider a consultation first to see if the therapist is a good fit for you or your loved one.

Don’t Give Up: Finding the right therapist can take time, but it’s worth the effort. If a therapist doesn’t feel like the right fit, keep searching—a good match can greatly improve mental health and well-being.

Did you know that according to Kathleen Ethier, Ph.D., director of the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that teen girls are experiencing startling levels of sadness and violence—nearly 1 in 3 had seriously considered suicide and 57% felt persistently sad or hopeless. The report also found high levels of distress among LGBQ+ teens.

How Long Will It Take for Treatment To Work With the Best Youth Counselors?

The amount of time needed for psychological treatment can differ from person to person.

It’s important to match the type and duration of treatment to the individual’s specific difficulties and how severe they are.

If someone is experiencing acute difficulties, like a short-term crisis, they may need fewer therapy sessions than someone with a chronic condition.

According to American Psychological Association, recent research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.

Dr Azhar Qureshi

Treatment length varies by therapy type, with cognitive behavioral therapy often being shorter and more targeted.

Work with your therapist to find the right approach and duration for you—healing is unique, and it’s okay to take the time you need.

Impact of Depression on Teen’s Brain

Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It’s a pervasive and persistent mood disorder that can affect every aspect of a person’s life.

In teenagers, depression can manifest in different ways, and it’s not always easy to recognize the signs and symptoms.

Some common signs and symptoms of teenage depression include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness: Feeling sad or hopeless for an extended period, even in situations that would typically cause happiness, is a significant sign of depression.

It can impact a teenager’s ability to engage in daily activities, including school, work, and social interactions.

Persistent sadness or hopelessness can indicate that the teenager is struggling with depression and may benefit from therapy.

According to CDC research, during the pandemic, 29% of U.S. high school students had a parent or caregiver who lost their job, a parent or caregiver emotionally abused 55%, and 11% were physically abused

Irritability or anger: Teenagers with depression may exhibit irritability, moodiness, or unexplained outbursts of anger.

These symptoms may manifest as short-tempered behavior, frequent arguments, or physical altercations.

Valerie Fisher, Licensed Psychologist

It’s crucial to recognize that irritability or anger can be signs of depression and not simply dismiss them as typical teenage behavior.

Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities: Teenagers who are struggling with depression may lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or socializing with friends.

They may withdraw from social activities and prefer to spend time alone. A lack of motivation to engage in once-pleasurable activities can be an indicator of depression.

Changes in appetite and sleep patterns: Changes in appetite, including overeating or undereating, are common symptoms of depression.

These changes can result in weight gain or loss, further impacting a teenager’s self-esteem. Similarly, changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up early, or oversleeping, can also be indicators of depression.

Fatigue or lack of energy: Feeling tired or exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep, is a common symptom of depression.

Teenagers with depression may experience fatigue, low energy levels, and a lack of motivation to engage in daily activities. This can impact academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Depression can impact a teenager’s ability to focus, concentrate, and make decisions.

This can make it challenging to perform well in school or work, impacting academic and career opportunities. It can also impact social interactions and relationships with family and friends.

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Depression can cause teenagers to feel worthless or guilty, even if they have not done anything wrong.

They may have a negative self-image, criticize themselves, and feel like a burden to others. These feelings can be challenging to manage, leading to further isolation and withdrawal.

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: Thoughts of suicide or self-harm are critical indicators that a teenager needs help.

It’s essential to take these thoughts seriously and seek professional help immediately. If you or your loved one is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call a suicide hotline or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

It’s important to note that not all teenagers with depression will exhibit all of these symptoms, and some may show signs not listed here.

One is sudden substance abuse; while it may provide seemingly short-term relief, the Journal of Affective Disorders study reveals it worsens teen depression in the long term.

Additionally, some of these symptoms may be indicative of other mental health conditions or medical issues.

Therefore, it’s essential to seek a professional evaluation from a licensed mental health provider if you suspect that you or your loved one may be dealing with depression.

Therapy vs Psychiatry

This practical guide can help if you’re considering therapy for yourself or a loved one.

Various professionals offer therapy, including psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical counselors—who focus on therapeutic interventions but don’t prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists, while also able to provide therapy, primarily handle evaluations and medication management, making them a good choice if medication is needed.

Additional Resources

• Family Counseling presents a comprehensive nationwide directory that helps individuals find couples counselors near their location throughout the United States. By selecting their state and city on the initial page, users can generate a list of therapists nearby. This directory includes numerous licensed family and adolescent counselors who specialize in addressing various concerns. Once you enter your location, you can access therapists’ details, such as their name, address, phone number, and website link if available. Additionally, therapists provide a brief description of their areas of interest and the issues they are equipped to handle. This directory serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking professional assistance to improve their relationships.
• The National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC) is a Center of Excellence in the United States that focuses on assisting teens, families, and caregivers of children who are experiencing significant mental illness or struggling with substance use problems, regardless of the child’s age. NFSTAC aims to serve as a guiding light for these families, providing resources and expertise to help them navigate the complexities and obstacles they encounter. To seek assistance, please visit the NFSTAC website.
• Military and Family Life Counseling program offers confidential non-medical counseling services to service members, their families, and survivors at their assigned locations. This program provides essential support in addressing various issues, including but not limited to strengthening relationships at home and in the workplace, managing stress, coping with adjustment difficulties, navigating parenting and teenage challenges, and dealing with grief or loss. Through this program, individuals can access professional counseling services to help them overcome the unique challenges they may face in military life.
• NAMI.ORG for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults: NAMI prioritizes early intervention for mental health issues. Recognizing that mental health conditions often first emerge during youth or early adulthood, the organization has gathered crucial resources and information specifically designed to assist young individuals in accessing the mental health support they require.
• Change to Chill.Org: Adolescence can be a challenging period, as teenagers juggle academic responsibilities, social connections, and family life. If you, someone close to you, or a student you know is interested in incorporating mindfulness practices into their everyday life or seeking guidance from mental health experts, Change to Chill provides complimentary resources designed to assist teens in handling stress and prioritizing their mental well-being.
• Modern Recovery Services provides online teen therapy programs for adolescents 12-17. Their program for teenage therapy aims to provide crucial assistance and support to adolescents and their families during times of need.

Bottom Line

Teenage depression is a serious condition that can greatly affect a young person’s life. A first session with a mental health professional is essential for managing symptoms and improving well-being.

However, a shortage of trained providers makes meeting the rising mental health needs of teens challenging.

Clinical psychologist Robin Gurwitch, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, emphasized the growing recognition that mental health is as important as physical health in young people’s development.

Schools are crucial in reaching and assisting children, but a recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that only approximately half of U.S. public schools provide mental health assessments, and even fewer offer treatment services.

Online therapy or e-counseling services can fill this gap and provide a supportive space for teenagers with even the most severe mental health conditions to work through their emotions and develop the tools they need to manage their symptoms.

When selecting a therapist, it’s essential to consider factors such as credentials, specializations, treatment approach, personal compatibility, training and experience, logistics, and to continue your search until you find a therapist who is the right fit and can set up a proper treatment plan.