Finding Counseling Services For Teenagers

How would you go about finding counseling services for teenagers? Do you know where to start or where to look? If you know your teen needs counseling, don’t delay. Begin searching now. You never know what will happen at the very last minute. Maybe it is already so bad that you are ready to get to a counselor, any counselor, who has the ability to listen.

You don’t want to pick just anyone. However, if you don’t have much time to do research first, you may be caught between a rock and a hard place. Conduct the minimal research possible, and ask around. Ask friends, family, or even the school counselor. Internet research is also quick and painless. You can even start with online counseling which is accessible 24 hours a day. This way you can give yourself a little more time to find a counselor whom your teen can see face to face.

Finding the Right Counselor is Crucial

When doing research, try the American Psychological Association website as well as the Mental Health Services Locator. You may even want to ask around at different universities. Finding the right counseling services for teenagers is probably the most difficult thing a parent will ever have to go through.

If your teenager already knows that he or she will be getting counseling services for teenagers specifically, then you can ask him or her some important questions such as:

• Would you rather have a male or female counselor?

• Do you want someone more lighthearted or serious?

• Would you feel better with someone who specializes in counseling teens?

• What location are you comfortable traveling to to see a counselor?

Make sure that the counselor and the teenager have a good fit as far as personality goes. You don’t want to pick someone for your teenager that you know won’t be a good match. Not every client fits right with every counselor. Talk to your teenager about these things. Let him or her know that if the counselor isn’t the right match that you will continue to meet with other counselors until you find the right one.

Questions to Keep in Mind During Counseling

Tell your teenager to think of things and even write notes down during the first appointment. You can even write some questions down for your child ahead of time such as:

• Do you feel comfortable with this counselor?

• Can you handle talking about your personal life?

• Can you see yourself finishing up each counseling session until the very end?

• Is it possible for you to make a plan of action and how long will it take to complete?

• Are you unsure about this counselor, and will one more appointment settle it in your mind? 

• What kind of homework must be done by me?.

• Is the homework applicable to my life situations and issues?

The Teenagers’ Usual Defiance

The truth is, your teenager may be so openly defiant, that he or she won’t be willing to read anything you write down. Or, if they do read it, they will answer no to every question. If you think that getting your teenager to go to a counselor will be difficult, then you have your work cut out for you. You will have to search high and low for the absolute perfect counselor who will be able to gain your teenager’s trust.

Teenagers have a very difficult time in trusting others. They also have their own support system and so they talk to one another all of the time about problems and issues in life. If you know any of the other teenagers’ parents, and they have their child in counseling, ask them questions. Ask who it is that their child sees every week, and ask about the specificly about if they specialize in counseling teens.

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.