Teen Mental Health

Teens face a multitude of challenges in everyday life that have an immediate and long-lasting impact on their mental health. The caring specialists at Westwood Psychiatry Associates in Westwood, New Jersey, recognize the importance of teen mental health, providing services that support teens when their challenges become overwhelming. If your teen needs help with an emotional, behavioral, social, or mental health concern, call the office or book an in-person or telepsychiatry appointment today.

Why is teen mental health important?

Teens strive to define who they are and become increasingly independent, while dealing with hormonal changes, peer pressure, and minds that are still developing. Under these circumstances, every teen is vulnerable and may need the support of mental health services.

Nearly half of all adolescents are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and half of all serious mental illnesses beginning before age 14. But even if your teen doesn’t have a mental health condition, they may need help with an array of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges.

What conditions are treated in teen mental health?

Westwood Psychiatry Associates diagnose and treat many mental health conditions found in teens, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Difficulty communicating
• Relationship problems
• Trauma and grief
• Substance abuse
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Serious mental health conditions

Many serious mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, and schizophrenia, may first appear in teens and young adults.

What warning signs indicate the need for teen mental health services?

Any time your teen’s behaviors or emotions disrupt family life or seem out of proportion to the situation, it’s time to consider talking with the Westwood Psychiatry Associates team.

Other warning signs that your teen needs help include:

• Frequent anxiety or worry
• Hyperactivity
• Excessive sleeping
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight loss
• Changes in eating
• Loss of self-esteem
• Aggressiveness and anger
• Paranoia or excessive secrecy
• Loss of interest in their favorite activities
• Staying away from friends and social groups
• Saying they’re worthless
• Mentioning suicide

A sudden drop in their school performance is another red flag.

What treatments are used to support teen mental health?

Westwood Psychiatry Associates treats each teen as an individual, learning about the teen’s concerns, the problems they encounter, and lifestyle habits that influence their well-being. In addition to offering psychotherapy and psychiatric medication (if needed), the team takes the holistic perspective of integrative psychiatry.

Integrative psychiatry is especially beneficial for supporting teen mental health because it focuses on improving aspects of their life that significantly affect their mental health, including nutritional issues, sleep problems, stress, and social challenges.

If your teen’s personality or behavior changes or they face problems with peers, bullying, or stress, they will benefit from the caring support at Westwood Psychiatry Associates. Call the office or request an appointment online today.