Since Covid, teenagers have experienced a rapid decline in mental health. From 2011 to 2021 there was a 150% increase in teenagers who experienced at least one major depressive episode. In 2022, 6.7 million adolescents struggled with depression, and that number has only increased as 2024 progresses.
Why an increase in teenage mental health issues? Dwindling job opportunities, increased screen time, the pandemic, and stressed-out parents all play their part.
But here’s the thing: this generation of young people knows they’re depressed, and they want to get better.
New York City recently launched a free online therapy platform for teenagers, and nearly 7,000 teenagers have signed up in the first 6 months. A large portion of those young adults live in poverty or are Black, Latino, Asian-American, or Native American, and predominately women, all populations underrepresented in traditional talk therapy spaces.
When given the chance, teenagers choose mental health support. So, what can be done to provide them with the support they’re seeking?
Lifebulb Counseling, a leading mental health resource operating in the East Coast, recommends these approaches:
Meeting Them Where They’re At
To better meet the mental health needs of teenagers, it’s crucial to meet them where they’re at. This means understanding and acknowledging their unique experiences, perspectives, and challenges. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, therapists can build trust and rapport with teenagers, allowing them to feel comfortable opening up and seeking help. Meeting teenagers where they’re at may look like sitting with them in silence, understanding their concerns, or helping them make small, doable changes for the better.
Providing Specific Child and Teenager-Focused Therapy
Individualized therapy tailored specifically to children and teenagers is crucial for effectively addressing their mental health needs. Therapists who specialize in working with this age group understand the developmental stages, emotional struggles, and unique issues they face. By utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches and techniques designed for young minds, therapists can provide targeted interventions to help adolescents navigate and overcome their mental health challenges.
Including the Whole Family
Adolescent mental health is deeply influenced by familial dynamics and relationships. By involving and including the whole family in therapy sessions, therapists can address underlying family issues, improve communication, and enhance support networks. Engaging the family not only provides a holistic approach to treatment but also equips parents and caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their teenagers outside of therapy sessions.
Acknowledging Their Concerns
Acknowledging and validating the concerns of teenagers is essential for building trust and fostering a therapeutic environment. Adolescents often face unique stressors, such as academic pressure, social relationships, and identity exploration. Therapists who empathetically listen to their concerns, without judgment, can help teenagers feel heard and understood. This validation can empower them to express their emotions, process their experiences, and work towards positive change.
Prioritizing Online and Affordable Therapies
In today’s digital world, online therapy offers an accessible and convenient option for teenagers seeking mental health support. Prioritizing online therapy platforms and affordable therapy options ensures that mental health care is available to a broader population of adolescents. Removing financial barriers and providing flexibility in scheduling allows teenagers to access the help they need, making mental health support readily available in a way that fits their lifestyles.
These strategies, whether it’s meeting teenagers where they’re at, providing specialized therapy, involving the whole family, acknowledging concerns, or prioritizing online and affordable therapies, empower adolescents on their journey towards improved mental well-being. By providing them with these solutions, we empower them to make healthy moves in their own lives, something they’re more than willing to do. Remember, through collective efforts, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals and help them live their brightest lives.
If you’re looking for affordable, online therapy for your teenager, consider Lifebulb Counseling. Lifebulb Counseling offers expert, licensed therapy for teenagers and children. With over 100 therapists for your teenager to choose from, you can rest assured they are receiving the best possible therapy. Learn more, or schedule your first therapy session, through Lifebulb’s website.
