How to Get Therapy for Teenagers — Talkspace

Knowing how to find a therapist for a teenager can be confusing and stressful, especially if you don’t know where to start. Who can you trust with their mental health? If you feel like there’s a lot at stake, you’re right — there is. 

More than 2.7 million youth in this country are living with severe major depression, and over 16% of people between the ages of 12 – 17 experienced one or more major depressive episodes in the last 12 months. That’s not even the worst part — almost 60% didn’t get professional mental health help. 

Teenagers’ lives are full of crushing demands. The pressures they face today can be overwhelming. They must navigate academic stress, social anxiety, and the onslaught of digital and social media that’s known to cause a range of mental health concerns stemming from body image issues to feelings of isolation to cyberbullying. Social media use is so potentially harmful to teens that policymakers and other US officials recently issued a health advisory. 

In short, today’s teens face unprecedented stress and anxiety, which is precisely why addressing their mental health is more critical now than ever it’s ever been. If you’re a parent wondering where to find therapy for your teenager, you’ve already taken the first step just by asking the question. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to get therapy for teenagers, whether it’s for yourself or for a teen in your life who needs it. 

Where to Find a Therapist for Teens

Finding the right teen therapist is easier when you have resources to guide your journey. You can find qualified, experienced therapists who work with teens from any of the following:

• Your pediatrician or family doctor: One of the first places to look for a therapist who works with teenagers is via a teen’s medical network. A pediatrician or family doctor can usually refer you to a mental health professional specializing in young adult mental health conditions. 
• School: School counselors can be an excellent resource for anyone seeking therapy or mental health services. If counselors don’t feel qualified to help with a specific situation, most schools work closely with a local licensed therapist and teen counseling services, and can provide you with recommendations.
• Family and friends: You might want to ask friends or family for a referral. Someone who’s had a positive experience can give you insight into the type of therapy a provider offers.
• Online directories and platforms: You can find online directories and mental health care platforms that offer access to dozens of providers within seconds. The best platforms and websites will let you search by location, specialization, and even insurance providers if cost is a concern.
• Your insurance provider or an insurance panel: Sometimes, it’s just as easy to call your insurance and ask for a referral. 

6 Key Considerations When Choosing a Therapist for Teens

When trying to figure out how to find a therapist for a teenager, there are some critical factors to keep in mind. The following will help you find a therapist who’s a good fit so they can be as effective as possible.

1. Specialization in teen mental health

While almost all therapists will be qualified to treat most mental health conditions, someone specializing in teen mental health will have extensive experience treating common adolescent issues. 

Teenagers often deal with things like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, and pressure related to school and social circles. These teen-specific problems can benefit from specialized treatment. Making sure a therapist has a background working with teens can be a huge plus in solving concerns earlier and getting optimal treatment outcomes.

2. Cultural and gender sensitivity 

A culturally sensitive therapist will understand the importance of awareness about cultural nuances and gender identity issues. They’ll be more sensitive toward different cultures and races. They will take the time to delve carefully into any issues so they can help teens feel better understood and safer during sessions.

Finding the right match is crucial for a good therapy relationship and this includes knowing you can feel heard, understood, and respected around your culture and gender. Having a safe space is so valuable, so if the first (or even second person) isn’t the right fit for you, please know you can speak up and find someone else who is a better match.

– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH

3. Location/accessibility

If you’ll be going to in-person sessions, the location of a practice matters. Regularly attending sessions is critical to getting the most out of therapy. For this reason, if online options are available, they’re worth considering. Online therapy platforms — like Talkspace — offer flexibility and the comfort of getting therapy from home while removing travel barriers.

Talkspace’s online therapy platform provides unique opportunities for teenagers to connect with a therapist in ways that work best for them. Having the ability to use video, audio and/or messaging to express oneself makes therapy not only accessible but allows teens to find their voice in a safe way.

– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH

4. Flexibility

Teens today have packed schedules with minimal downtime. From schoolwork to extracurricular activities to after-school jobs to sports practices and games, finding a therapist with flexible availability will be key. Look for someone who can accommodate a teen’s commitments easily without causing stress.

5. Cost

It’s always worth it to see if your insurance benefits cover part or all of the cost of therapy. If it doesn’t, and the cost is a concern, ask your therapist if they offer a sliding scale fee for therapy, which will consider income before determining any per-session costs.

Additionally, many states and counties offer funded therapy options for teens. These programs are designed to provide support regardless of financial status. For instance, some state health departments have special mental health initiatives for adolescents, offering free or low-cost counseling services.

It’s also worth exploring free therapeutic resources specifically tailored for teens. Various organizations and community centers provide counseling, group therapy, and mental health workshops at no cost. Consider some of the following options:

• School Counseling Services: Many schools offer free counseling services to their students. These can include one-on-one sessions with school counselors, group counseling, and other mental health resources.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer free support groups, educational programs, and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
• Mobile Apps: There are several mental health and wellness apps that offer free tools, exercises, and sometimes even chat support for managing mental health.

Any of these can be excellent options for those seeking support without the financial burden.

6. Therapeutic approach

The type of therapy a teen needs will depend on the condition and goals they have for treatment. Various therapeutic approaches are suitable for teens, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy known for its efficacy in dealing with psychological concerns like anxiety and depression. This form of therapy is often the first line of treatment for adolescent mental health. It works by helping teens recognize negative thought and behavior patterns so they can develop coping mechanisms to manage unhealthy habits in more productive ways.
• Group therapy: A therapy session in a group setting can offer a safe space for teenagers to share experiences with peers facing similar life challenges. Learning that they’re not alone can be a huge piece of the puzzle for a young person trying to heal.  

Effective & Convenient Teen Therapy at Talkspace

Talkspace isn’t just another online platform. It’s a comprehensive solution designed specifically for any young adult seeking help. From the therapeutic techniques suitable for young minds to offering care virtually, Talkspace makes teenagers feel comfortable and safe. 

If you’ve ever asked how to find a therapist for your teenager, Talkspace can be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

Wondering if online therapy for a teenager really works? Research shows it’s just as effective as in-person treatment. Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about how to find a teen therapist for yourself or the teen in your life. 

Important Note: Accessing a therapist immediately may not always be possible. If you are in a crisis or facing an urgent situation, seek immediate help. If you are in a life-threatening situation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline +1 (800) 273-8255, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or use these resources to get immediate help.