Adolescent Counseling & Therapy
Ages 13-18
 

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.  

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.  

What's causing all of this anxiety and what are some symptoms?

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There can be many causes of adolescent anxiety but the most common reasons are the following:

1.  High expectations and pressure to succeed:  This may come from the family, but more often it comes from peers and the academic environment.  

2.  Social media:  This relates to the above reason as adolescents are always trying to keep up with a fear of missing out (FOMO).  Social media leads adolescents to constantly compare themselves with others which not only leads to anxiety, but also to depression and low self-esteem.

3.  Bullying that is either experienced directly or observed.

4. Life changes such as parental divorce, death in the family, or relocation.

5.  Adjusting to the world post COVID:  Many adolescents have missed milestones due to school closures because of the pandemic and the feelings of trauma associated with these losses are still relevant.

 

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

 

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.  

 

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

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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.  

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Although adolescents are facing a mental health crisis as described by the US Attorney General, there is help out there and effective treatment strategies.  

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At Petrohilos and Associates we provide compassionate and effective counseling and therapy services to address the unique needs of this age group.  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 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Behavior Therapy.

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We are conveniently located on 125 W. 55th Street, in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, a short drive from Hinsdale Central High School and we see clients from all over the Chicagoland area including Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Westmont, Downers Grove, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, La Grange and Elmurst.

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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.

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