Understanding the Adolescent Mental Health Crisis

Adolescence is a developmentally challenging time for both the adolescent as well as the family.  Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health issues facing teens, with research showing a consistently increasing trend.  

Understanding Teen Anxiety: Common Disorders and Warning Signs

According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder.  The most frequent anxiety disorders experienced by teens are Social anxiety, specific phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Panic Disorder.  

Some symptoms of anxiety are:

  • Excessive worry on most days

  • Sleep disturbance (sleeping too little or too much)

  • Appetite disturbance (eating too little or too much)

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Restlessness or fatigue

Upset woman sitting on couch alone at home

Understanding Adolescent Depression

Depression is another common mental health issue that is prevalent in today’s adolescents and is on the rise.  According to statistics from Mental Health America more than 13% of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in 2020.  

Although depression and anxiety are the most common and prevalent mental health disorders experienced by adolescents, adolescents can also be diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. 

Some symptoms of adolescent depression are:

  • Sudden bursts of anger

  • Irritability

  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism

  • Feeling misunderstood

  • A drop in academic grades and attendance

  • High risk behaviors such as using alcohol and drugs

  • Change in sleeping patterns

  • Change in eating habits

  • Unexplained aches and pains

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Social withdrawal

  • Persistent sadness and/or feeling down

  • Loss of interest in activities

  • Decrease in motivation

Our Specialties

Our practice is comprised of counselors who specialize in working with adolescents and their families and provide one-on-one counseling as well as parent and family coaching for additional support and education.

All our treatment approaches and strategies are evidence based and include but are not limited to the following:

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Behavior Therapy
Friends, teenager and group selfie in the park, nature or fall trees and teens smile, picture of friendship and happiness for social media. Portrait, face and happy people together for autumn photo.

Our Treatment Methods

​At Petrohilos and Associates we provide compassionate and effective counseling and therapy services to address the unique needs of this age group. 

We provide in person as well as online (telehealth) appointments to meet the needs of each client.

Call us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.