Adolescent Therapy in Michigan 

SPECIALIZING IN THERAPY FOR ADOLESCENTS

Teenagers today lead busy lives, between school and other outside activities such as sports and other extra curricular activities.  In addition, teens today appear to be much more stressful, with higher academic ceilings in schools, more competition with college acceptance, internships and obtaining jobs, pressure to perform well in school and on standardized tests, as well as increased social pressures including societal pressures to look and feel good.  There are many reasons why adolescent therapy may be applicable to a teenager or why a parent or someone else may recommend counseling for them. 

Some reasons include but are not limited to:

• Family changes, like separation, divorce, remarriage, blended families, or loss
• Social or relational problems
• Emotional issues like anxiety or sadness
• Self-esteem problems or low confidence
• Behavioral problems
• Learning or academic difficulty
• Problems with inattention and concentration
• Eating issues
• Substance use
• Trauma and abuse

Although we still have a way to go in terms of mental health and physical health being considered equals, adolescent therapy and counseling is much more accepted today than it previously was.  This is likely because of the known ways mental health issues can affect one’s functioning and is clearly related to other areas, such as academic, cognitive, and social functioning, etc.  For example, academic performance is likely to be impacted by a teen with serious depression or suicidal ideation.  Also, depression can affect processing speed and cause psychomotor slowing.  Or a teen with social anxiety finds her self isolated with few friends, and missing out on school or social opportunities because of her worry.  In addition, untreated psychological problems can impact physical health and have been associated with medical problems.

Receiving professional adolescent therapy from a psychologist for emotional distress is like seeing a physician for medical problems, and hopefully this will be the future trend outlook.  Addressing adolescent distress is also preventive in nature, as it helps address symptoms early to prevent more profound and longstanding pathology from developing.  Teens can learn a lot in therapy, such as coping skills, ways to manage their affect and feelings, ways to increase their self worth, identify any academic or learning problems if indicated, improve relationships, and learn how to lead healthier and less stressful lives.  They can learn about emotional well being and how to function more optimally.  If you think your teen is experiencing emotional distress or school problems, you can schedule an intake appointment with a psychologist to discuss presenting problems and determine if adolescent therapy (or psychological testing to assess emotional, academic or cognitive functioning) is warranted.  Addressing emotional distress (and/or school issues) is likely to help benefit your teen.