Teen Counseling Tucson
Counseling for Teens in Tucson
Is your teen experiencing anxiety or depression? Have they been bullied, or have you noticed changes in eating habits, school performance, or social patterns? Are they talking about suicide, or have you noticed cutting or other self-harm?
For many families, teen counseling feels like a last resort after you have tried everything you know to do as a parent. Sometimes the tension at home runs so high that you realize your teen needs someone else to talk to, especially if they are not opening up to you. In other cases, your teen may be the one asking for counseling, and you are doing your homework because you want them to have a safe experience with someone you can trust.
Either way, offering therapy at this age can be preventative for future mental health struggles. In some situations, it can even save a teen’s life. At Joshua Tree, we offer several options for teen counseling.
“Health risks in adolescence are undergoing a major shift. Three decades ago, the biggest health threats to teenagers were binge drinking, drunken driving, teenage pregnancy, cigarettes and illicit drugs. Today, they are anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm and other serious mental health disorders. From 2001 to 2019, the suicide rate for American youngsters from ages 10 to 19 jumped 40 percent, and emergency room visits for self-harm rose 88 percent. Managing a mental health crisis can be challenging for teenagers and their parents. It is often unchartered territory that needs to be navigated with the utmost sensitivity” (Richtel, 2022) >> Read the full article: How to Help Your Teen Struggling with Mental Illness
Teens cannot always tell you what is wrong with words. Often, they lack the insight, language, or courage to describe what they are experiencing. Because of this, you cannot always rely on them to explain what is wrong. Instead, it helps to pay close attention to their behaviors so you can better understand what may be going on.
Signs and Symptoms
Teens won’t always tell you what’s wrong. You may have to look for signs and symptoms. Have you noticed changes – increases, decreases, or the presence of something when it wasn’t there before?
- Sleep (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- Eating patterns (overeating, restricting,)
- Energy levels
- Mood
- Motivation
- Level of concentration/attention to detail
- Self-esteem
- Identity confusion
- Substance use
- Pornography use
- Lying
- Sadness
- Worry
- Anger
- Guilt
- Hopelessness
- Lack of interest in the future
- Preoccupation with death/suicide
- Self harm (cuts, burns, unexplained injury)
- Aches and pains (unexplained by a medical reason)
- Nausea (unexplained by a medical reason)
What's Going on With Your Teen?
- Are they struggling socially or seem more withdrawn?
- Do they have low self-esteem or struggle to feel like they fit in anywhere?
- Have they had one or more panic or anxiety attacks?
- Have you noticed self-harming behaviors or marks on their bodies?
- Have they expressed suicidal thoughts or/and seem preoccupied with death?
- Are they trying to cope with the effects of separated or divorced parents?
- Have they experienced a loss of a loved one, family member or friend?
- Do they seem withdrawn and you’ve noticed changes in things like appetite, sleep, routines, or mood?
- Do you notice that they are avoiding things more, like social situations, time with the family, or school obligations?
- Do you wonder if they are experiencing bullying?
- Are they struggling to adjust to a life change (move, new school, step-family)
When everything seems to be going against you, remember…the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
What to Expect at Joshua Tree
At Joshua Tree, we know that being a teen is tough, and parenting teens is tough. If you are a parent who feels overwhelmed or stuck, it may be best to start with counseling or parent coaching for yourself. Often, it is natural to assume the issue you are seeing is located only within your teen. You might also assume that if they get help, everything will improve.
Teens can absolutely learn tools, build emotional capacity and vocabulary, and work through challenges such as identity and suicidal ideation. However, they do not have full power or control over their circumstances. They also cannot control your parenting style or the triggers you may carry.
We want to support both teens and their parents. For teens, we provide a safe and professional environment where they can talk, express themselves, and explore their concerns. For parents, we also offer support through parent coaching, counseling for underlying issues, and encouragement during these often challenging years.
In addition, we will take good care of your teen. At the same time, we want you to take good care of yourselves so you can best support the outcome of teen counseling.
Issues addressed in Teen Counseling at Joshua Tree:
- Anxiety & Depression
- Coping Skills
- Emotional Regulation
- Fears/Phobias
- Suicidal Ideation
- Self Harming Behaviors
- Substance Use
- Hopelessness
- Trauma
- Communication Skills
- Increased Emotional Capacity
- Parent-Child Relationship Issues
- Romantic Relationship Breakups
- Identity confusion
- Life transitions
- Healthy boundaries
The counselors at Joshua Tree have afternoon, evening, or weekend options available with in person counseling for teens in Tucson and telehealth teen counseling in all of Arizona if this option works best for your teen.
If you are the parent of a teen or you’re a teen seeking help, we’re here for you to. You and your teen are worthy of receiving help, support, guidance, and healing. We have several counselors at Joshua Tree who focus on teen counseling in Tucson and telehealth teen counseling in Arizona with bilingual options. Read the bios below to find a good fit for you teen. You can also use the form below to submit an inquiry and our practice manager, Kelly, will help you find a match.