Why Adolescent Counseling Matters Now More than Ever

Adolescent counseling matters now more than ever. I say this because the COVID pandemic - and our response to it - have placed teens at greater risk of mental health challenges and falling behind developmentally. Adolescent counseling can reverse this trend by heling teens to overcome emotional struggles and get back on track in their development. 

In this post, I share some of the data regarding mental health in teens during COVID, and then discuss the importance of adolescent counseling.

Mental Health in Teens During COVID

According to a 2021 CDC news release, mental health in teens has declined during COVID. The release states that “more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.” (1) 

These are shocking and upsetting numbers. Teens are suffering more now than they were a few years ago. 

In addition to suffering more, teens are at greater risk of falling behind and/or engaging in other problematic behaviors. The CDC writes that “mental health problems in youth are also often associated with other health and behavioral risks such as increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors.”

Not only are these behaviors risky, but they also serve to hold a child back from building the skills needed to succeed as an adult. The mental health of teens during COVID places teens at risk of falling behind developmentally, the effects of which could ripple throughout the rest of their adult lives.

Why Adolescent Counseling Matters Now

There is a statistic that I think of often: half of all mental health conditions appear by age 14 (2).

We know that the sooner a person receives treatment for a mental health issue, the better the outcomes. 

If half of mental health conditions appear by age 14, then it is crucial that these teens get the support they need as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, teens are more likely to fall behind in important areas, including school achievement and social development. This looks like teens who do poorer in school and develop fewer friendships, or friendships that are unhealthy for them. Also, as quoted earlier, mental health problems predict other risky behaviors such as drug use.

Without adolescent counseling, many teens will be impaired as they move into adulthood. This is heartbreaking, and it’s why I feel passionate about supporting the mental health of teens during COVID.. 

We owe it to teens to provide them the greatest chance of developing into thriving adults. 

Adolescent Counseling Helps Teens Thrive

The World Health Organization describes several protective factors against mental illness, including:

• Strengthening an individual's capacity to regulate emotions. Emotion dysregulation is implicated in the far majority of mental health struggles. Learning to regulate emotions is an important skill set to develop. 

• Enhancing alternatives to risk-taking behaviors. Teens who have healthy options available to them are less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. 

• Building resilience for managing difficult situations and adversity. Problem-solving and coming up with creative solutions help teens to find ways to develop and grow, even in a challenging situation.

Each of these factors is encouraged and built upon in adolescent counseling. This is why therapy for teens can be a major pillar in a teen’s recovery from mental health struggles. 

Conclusion - Why Adolescent Counseling Matters Now More than Ever

Every teen deserves the support they need to thrive. 

We know that about half of mental illnesses appear by the age of 14. Without early intervention, teens head into their adult life on a faulty foundation. The negative impacts can continue throughout their adult life, including their careers and relationships. But when a teen gets the support they need, they can get back on track and heading in the right direction. Healthy teens thrive - period. 

Therapy for Teens

I provide adolescent counseling to teens who are struggling, in an effort to support the mental health of teens during COVID. I mainly help teens with anxiety, depression, and stress, though I see teens with a wide range of concerns. At the heart of my work with teens is a focus on helping them grow into thriving adults. I truly believe that if teens are placed in the right conditions, they will naturally grow into healthy young adults. Therapy for teens can play a huge role in making this happen.

Also, our team of Oakland therapists have helped many teenagers overcome emotional challenges and get back on track developmentally. 

If you’re looking for a teenage counselor to support your teen, reach out today. We can chat and see if the team or I are a good fit for you and your teen.