Teens often face peer pressure as they navigate their way through friendships and romantic relationships.
Some teens develop mental health conditions, such asdepressionoranxiety disorders.
Counseling for adolescents can help.
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The frequency of counseling sessions will vary based on your teens' needs.
However, in the beginning, sessions are typically held weekly.
These sessions can be in person or online.
Parental involvement can be helpful, but some degree of privacy and autonomy are also important for teenagers.
A therapist used to working with teenagers should be familiar with an appropriate balancelegally, ethically, and clinically.
State laws vary concerning consent and assent.
Often, uncertainty about parental involvement/privacy is a barrier for teens to engage in therapy.
Who Needs It?
However, with advances in technology, these services can now often be delivered online.
There are benefits and potential drawbacks to both types of counseling.
Online Counseling
Online counseling provides many benefits.
It is convenient and sessions can be held virtually anywhere that the Internet is available.
There are also disadvantages of online counseling.
Internet connection issues can disrupt the flow of a session.
Communicating over the Internet also comes with security risks, which can interfere with confidentiality.
In addition, online counseling might not be covered by your insurance, which can make it expensive.
In-Person Counseling
In-person counseling is more personal than online counseling.
If your teen is easily distracted, in-person counseling can make it easier to focus.
In-person counseling is also more likely to be covered by insurance plans that offer coverage for mental health services.
Finding a Therapist
Looking for the right therapist for your teen presents its own challenges.
It’s also very important to find someone that your teen is comfortable talking to.
Consider talking to your teen’s doctor or school counselor and ask for recommendations.
Using a reputable resource, such as thePsychologist Locatorwebsite produced by the American Psychological Association can help significantly.
Finding an online therapist can be a bit more risky.
Counseling can provide teens with support and teach coping skills to improve their quality of life.
Counseling can be online or in person, each having its own benefits.
Consult your insurance company to see if both in-person and online mental health services are covered.
They can help you find a covered provider who is a good fit for you and your teen.
A Word From Verywell
Supporting an adolescent during the teenage years can be very stressful.
On average, sessions can run from $60 to $120, but your out-of-pocket costs may vary.
The topics discussed in therapy are limitless.
Teen counseling could include topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem, relationships, and family struggles.
Not all online therapists are licensed.
It’s important to do your research before choosing an online counselor.
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Ogundele MO.Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians.World J Clin Pediatr.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Teen suicide.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Finding a mental health professional.
