Teen Psychologist: Effective Support for Your Teenager
As a parent, finding the best psychologist for your teen can be crucial in ensuring they receive the support they need. At True North Psychology, we help teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence, providing personalised assessments and evidence-based treatments to promote mental well-being.
Understanding Teenage Mental Health
Adolescence is a period of significant change, both physically and emotionally. Teenagers face numerous psychological challenges, including academic pressures, social dynamics, and identity formation. These changes can sometimes lead to mental health issues, such as:
-
Anxiety and Depression: According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 5 young people aged 11 - 17 have high or very high levels of psychological distress.
-
Behavioural Issues: Impulsivity, defiance, and risky behaviours can be signs of underlying emotional struggles.
-
Self-Esteem and Identity Issues: Teens often grapple with self-esteem and identity, particularly during the transitional period of adolescence.
-
Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, commonly emerge during adolescence and young adulthood. Eating disorders involve abnormal eating behaviour and preoccupation with food, accompanied in most instances by concerns about body weight and shape.
*Please note, True North Psychology currently does not have capacity to support children and adolescents with eating disorders or disordered eating concerns. Please seek help through the Butterfly Foundation.
-
Gender Identity and Exploration: Gender identity development is complex, personal, and unique to each individual. For some, it’s a smooth trajectory that aligns with their sex assigned at birth. For others, it’s a winding path of questioning, exploration, and discovery.
Early detection of mental health issues and mental illness, followed by appropriate, timely intervention and support can significantly reduce the severity, duration and recurrence of mental illness and its associated social disadvantage.
How Psychology Can Help Teenagers
Psychological therapies can play a key role in addressing the unique needs of teenagers. At True North Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to the developmental stage of adolescents. Our therapies include:
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps teenagers identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is effective in treating anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues.
-
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills for adolescents (DBT): DBT is particularly beneficial for teens struggling with intense emotions and self-destructive behaviours. It teaches skills for mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps teenagers by teaching them to accept and manage difficult emotions through mindfulness and cognitive flexibility. It also encourages values-driven living, which can foster a sense of purpose and resilience against mental health challenges.
-
Family Engagement: Involving the family in treatment can help improve communication and strengthen relationships, providing a supportive environment for the teen.
What to Expect at Your Teen's Initial Appointment
The initial appointment at True North Psychology is designed to gather comprehensive information about your teen’s symptoms, challenges, and goals.
-
Detailed Discussion: You and your teen may meet with the psychologist together or individually. We will talk about your teen’s symptoms, their impact on daily life, and medical and family history.
-
Standardised Assessments: Using evidence-based tools and questionnaires to assess mental health symptoms.
-
Collaborative Planning: Working together to develop a treatment plan that suits your teen’s unique needs.
This thorough assessment process helps us create a foundation for effective treatment and support, ensuring your teen receives the best possible care.
Find the Best Psychologist for Your Teen
Finding the right therapist for your teenager can make the difference in them feeling heard and supported. At True North Psychology, our team identifies ways in which they can engage your teen based on their interests, levels of motivation and goals for coming to therapy.
-
Evidence based treatments: Our therapists use a combination of different evidence based therapies and skills to ensure your teen is engaged and learning new and effective skills to improve their mental health.
-
Personalised Care: We provide tailored treatment plans that address your teen’s specific symptoms and goals.
-
Supportive Environment: We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental space for your teen to discuss their challenges and progress. Parents may be engaged in therapy to support and complement the therapeutic work.
If you are looking for the best psychologist to support your teens' mental health, find a clinician below and contact True North Psychology today to schedule your initial consultation. Our dedicated team is here to help your teenager navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Our Team
If you are looking for a local psychologist to support your teen's mental health, click through to read the bio for each of our psychologists. Our dedicated team is here to help your teenager navigate the challenges of adolescence.
