Is your teen “just being a teen”—or is something deeper going on?
It’s not always easy to tell. Many teens are good at hiding what they’re feeling. Add that to the fact that adolescence is basically one long identity crisis wrapped in hormones and social pressure, and it’s no wonder parents are left guessing.
But knowing how to spot warning signs and where to go for help can make all the difference—especially when it comes to your teen’s mental health.
In this blog, we’ll cover six signs your teen might benefit from teen counseling, and how to approach the conversation with empathy, honesty, and support.
Worried about your teen’s mental health? Start with a conversation—then reach out to Core Therapy for support that meets them where they are.
1. They’ve Pulled Away From People or Things They Used to Love
A sudden change in interest isn’t always a red flag, but if your teen has dropped all their hobbies, avoids spending time with friends or family, or seems emotionally flat, it might be more than moodiness.
This kind of withdrawal is often a symptom of depression, and therapy offers a safe space to explore what’s underneath. At Core Therapy, we help teens reconnect with their sense of self and build healthy relationships again.
2. Their Anxiety Seems Constant (and Exhausting)
Yes, teens worry about grades, friendships, breakups, and whether that one text was “dry.” But persistent worry, avoidance, irritability, or panic could signal clinical anxiety.
Treating anxiety early can help teens avoid long-term mental health challenges. Through approaches like CBT and mindfulness, therapy helps teens build practical skills to cope with overwhelm and reframe negative thought spirals.
3. Their Sleep, Eating, or Energy Levels Are Off
Major shifts in behavior, like sleeping all day, skipping meals, bingeing, or chronic fatigue, can be signals of deeper issues, including eating disorders or mood disorders.
Teenagers in California can access both in-person therapy and teletherapy options, depending on what makes them feel safest and most supported. And yes, teletherapy is available statewide and works especially well for teens who feel more comfortable opening up from home.
4. Their Mood Is All Over the Map
Mood swings come with the territory, but if your teen is unusually irritable, angry, numb, or emotionally volatile, don’t ignore it. These behaviors can mask sadness, trauma, or substance use.
Therapists trained in trauma-informed care, DBT, and adolescent psychology can help your teen build emotional awareness, strengthen emotional regulation, and create a sense of safety, internally and externally.
5. They’ve Expressed Hopelessness or Talked About Giving Up
If your teen makes comments like “What’s the point?” or “No one would care if I disappeared,” it’s time to take action. You don’t need to wait until there’s a crisis to reach out.
In California, teens 12+ can consent to their own outpatient therapy—a critical option for those who may not want to involve parents right away.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s safety, know that immediate help is available:
- California Youth Crisis Line: 24/7 statewide support for youth and families
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7 via phone or text
- CalHOPE: Offers culturally responsive, trauma-informed emotional support statewide
- Soluna: A free mental health app for California youth aged 13–25
- The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth
- LGBT Youth TalkLine: Anonymous and confidential support for identity, bullying, and family issues
6. They’ve Been Through a Big Transition (or Ongoing Stress)
Has your teen recently switched schools, lost a loved one, experienced bullying, or gone through family conflict or divorce?
Even if they seem “fine,” teens often internalize stress, especially if they’re trying to appear resilient. Therapy can help them develop insight, process what’s happening, and learn tools to manage life transitions in healthy ways.
Organizations like Core Therapy offer teen counseling California families trust—with inclusive, affirming spaces for teens of all races, religions, genders, and orientations.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Therapy
If you’ve identified a pattern that concerns you, your next step isn’t fixing it—it’s starting a conversation.
Here are a few tips to make that conversation less awkward and more impactful:
Be Curious, Not Confrontational
Start with something like: “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
Normalize Therapy
Let them know therapy is not a punishment—it’s a tool for growth, healing, and self-awareness.
Saying something like, “Lots of teens in California go to therapy. It’s actually super common and doesn’t mean something’s wrong; it means you’re taking care of yourself.”
Give Them Options
Some teens feel safer with teletherapy. Others might want in-person therapy. Let them help guide the process so they feel agency in their own care.
You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers—You Just Need to Take the First Step
You’re not alone. And neither is your teen.
Whether you’re looking for family therapy, individual counseling, or just someone to talk to, Core Therapy offers mental health services tailored to California teens and families, virtual or in person.
With the right therapist, your teen can find their footing, and you can breathe a little easier.
Don’t wait for a crisis—learn how early therapy can make all the difference in your teen’s life. Contact us today.