Adolescents undergo various changes as they move through the development stages toward adulthood. Some ranges of emotional, cognitive, and social growth are predictable, while others can become so difficult that they need adolescent counseling as they continue to mature.

Shifts in mood, thinking, and behavioral patterns can make it difficult for parents to know if these changes are normal. Some youth may show signs of something more challenging. These symptoms may interfere with their happiness and ability to make social connections.

PACE Mental Health Houston offers consultation services to answer developmental questions for young people and their parents. Our compassionate professionals can help young people and their parents tackle problems that may hinder their healthy growth.

Why Parents Should Consider Adolescent Counseling

Teen girl in need of adolescent counselingAdolescents express emotional distress differently from adults. Although parents were once kids themselves, their perspective in dealing with seemingly erratic behavior is often through the lens of an adult.

When adolescents perceive their world as either awesome or awful, parents may not know how to best respond. Some young people struggle with productive ways of coping with emotional and physical changes. These struggles may cause them to act out in other ways such as:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Self-harm
  • Negative feelings and beliefs about themselves
  • Using drugs or alcohol
  • Acting aggressively

Even with constant support from friends, teachers or parents, some young people cannot shake feeling abnormal. Therapy can be an effective way to help them deal with problems that do not resolve over time.

PACE Houston provides individual and family therapy for young adults. We encourage parent participation because problems a young person faces impacts the entire family.

Process for Adolescent Counseling

Therapeutic health and counseling services at PACE begin with assessments by qualified mental health professionals. They’re trained and experienced in separating normal development from problems that need attention. During this introductory phase of mental health therapy, the therapist or psychiatrist gathers information about the youth’s current concern or problem.

At PACE Mental Health Houston, we seek input from parents during this early phase. The mental health professional reviews the history of the problem and the young person’s level of development. Questions from the young person and their parents are also discussed.

Psychotherapy gives families a chance to learn more about themselves, including strengths and their problem-solving approach toward obstacles. Specially trained clinicians use a variety of therapy methods to help adolescents with their emotions or behavior during difficult times.

Goals of Adolescent Counseling

Specific problems or concerns determine the goals set during adolescent counseling sessions. Several Houston behavioral health services exist for working through problems.

The overall objective is to provide communication and support toward healthy development for the adolescent. The length of therapy depends on the severity and complexity of their problems.

Therapy sessions may focus on emotional support during a difficult transition or event. At other times, sessions help young people learn productive ways for resolving conflicts with others.

Another goal is learning how to cope with feelings and upsets when things don’t go their way. Young people focus on building these strengths to solve problems. The clinician may also help the experiment with new ways of addressing old patterns or problems.

PACE Mental Health Houston Offers Adolescent Counseling Services

PACE mental health therapists know this is a particularly challenging time for youth and their parents. The goal is to create an emotionally comfortable environment where young people feel safe. Together, we help them learn new ways to function with the struggles and pressures they face.

In addition to mood disorder therapy, PACE Mental Health Houston treats other conditions young people may face such as:

PACE Mental Health Houston can help improve communication and listening styles while creating lasting changes. Call us today at 866.971.8423 to open the door your adolescent has closed.