Teens

Child and Adolescent Issues

Here are some examples of situations in which therapy and/or advice can help:

Feeling sad, depressed, worried, shy, or just stressed out
Eating disorders such as bulimia, over eating, emotional eating, etc.
Managing anger or coping with peer pressure
Dealing with an attention problem (ADHD) or a learning problem
Coping with a chronic illness (such as diabetes or asthma) or a new diagnosis of a serious problem such as HIV, cancer, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Dealing with family changes such as separation and divorce, or family problems such as alcoholism or addiction
Trying to cope with a traumatic event, death of a loved one, or worry over world events
Dealing with bad habit he or she would like to get rid of, such as nail biting, hair pulling, smoking, spending too much money, or getting hooked on medications, drugs, or pills
building self-confidence or figure out ways to make more friends

To find a provider in your state specializing working with children and adolescents please click here.

Access to Therapy Network recognizes the benefits of providing children and adolescents access to our services via live face-to-face video teleconferencing from the comfort and privacy of their home.

The Benefits:

The under 25 generation feels more comfortable using technology to communicate. The use of smart phones, ipads, and tablets offers them the ability to video chat with their therapist from any location.

For some kids it eliminate the stigma of going to a "therapist's" office

For parents it offers the convenience of not having to drive the teen to an office and wait for an hour or two.

Things parents can do:

Lay down rules and consequences. Your teen should understand that using drugs comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.
Monitor your teen’s activity. Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. It’s also important to routinely check potential hiding places for drugs—in backpacks, between books on a shelf, in DVD cases or make-up cases, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of his or her having been caught using drugs.
Encourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports and afterschool clubs.
Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?
Get help. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or drug counselor.

Things parents should avoid:

Attempting to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
Trying to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to use drugs.
Covering up or make excuses for the drug abuser, or shield them from the negative consequences of their behavior.
Taking over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
Hiding or throw out drugs.
Arguing with the person when they are high.
Taking drugs with the drug abuser.
Feeling guilty or responsible for another's behavior.

When your teen has a drug problem

Discovering your child uses drugs can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive.