Youth and
Adolescent
Therapy
Youth therapy and adolescent therapy is a type of therapy specifically designed to help young people, typically between the ages of 12-18, who are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues. The therapy may involve individual or group sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in working with young people. The goal of youth/adolescent therapy is to provide a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and development.
How is Adolescent Therapy Different from Other Forms of Counselling?
How is Adolescent Therapy Different from Other Forms of Counselling?
Adolescence is a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally, and it can be a challenging period for many young people. Common issues that adolescent therapy can address include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, bullying, relationship problems, school-related stress, behavioral problems, substance abuse, and family conflict.
Therapy for young people often involves a combination of talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and play therapy. Play therapy is especially helpful for younger children, who may struggle to express their emotions through verbal communication. The therapist may use art therapy, sand tray therapy, or other creative techniques to help young people express themselves.
Overall, adolescent therapy can be a powerful tool for young people who are struggling to cope with life’s challenges. By providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, therapists can help young people develop the skills and strategies they need to navigate adolescence and build a strong foundation for a healthy adulthood.
Statistics related to youth and adolescent mental health in Canada
Statistics related to youth and adolescent mental health in Canada
- In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental health or addiction problem. Among youth aged 15 to 24, the prevalence of mental health disorders is even higher.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24 in Canada.
- 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder.
- Approximately 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness, but less than 20% will receive appropriate treatment.
- The most common mental health problems experienced by youth in Canada include anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
- In a survey of over 30,000 Canadian students, nearly 70% of respondents reported experiencing moderate to high levels of psychological distress.
- LGBTQ2S+ youth are more likely to experience mental health challenges than their heterosexual peers. For example, studies show that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
- Indigenous youth in Canada are also at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Factors such as historical trauma, social and economic disadvantage, and ongoing discrimination and racism can contribute to poor mental health outcomes.
Impacts of Mental Health Issues on Everyday Life
Impacts of Mental Health Issues on Everyday Life
Mental health issues can have a significant impact on youth and adolescents, affecting their social, emotional, and academic development. Common impacts of mental health issues in youth and adolescents may include:
- Social isolation and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Poor academic performance and/or difficulty with concentration and memory
- Low self-esteem and poor self-image
- Behavioral issues, such as acting out or withdrawing from activities and social situations
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches
- Higher risk of substance abuse or self-harm behaviors
- Increased risk of developing chronic mental health issues in adulthood
- Decreased quality of life and impaired ability to function in daily activities.
It’s important for youth and adolescents to receive appropriate mental health support to help them address and manage these impacts.
Adolescent Therapy covers the following presenting issues:
Adolescent Therapy covers the following presenting issues:
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Behavioral issues (e.g. aggression, defiance, impulsivity)
- School and academic problems
- Peer relationship issues (e.g. bullying, social anxiety)
- Family conflicts and issues (e.g. divorce, parenting difficulties)
- Sexual and gender identity issues
- Developmental disorders (e.g. autism spectrum disorder)
- Trauma and abuse (e.g. physical, sexual, emotional)
- Grief and loss
- Stress and coping skills
- Self-esteem and self-worth
- Anger management
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Life transitions and adjustments (e.g., moving, adjusting to a new school or environment)
How Can Online Therapy Centre Help?
How Can Online Therapy Centre Help?
Online Therapy Centre believes therapy can provide significant benefits to youth and adolescents struggling with mental health issues. Our therapists are trained to work with young people and their families to identify and address a wide range of concerns. By providing a safe, non-judgmental space for young people to express themselves, we can help them build the skills and resilience they need to manage their emotions, cope with stress, and develop healthy relationships.
Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and expressive arts therapy, our therapists can help youth and adolescents with a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, social skills, and family conflict. By tailoring our approach to each person’s unique needs, we can help young people learn new strategies to manage their emotions and behavior, build self-confidence and resilience, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Online therapy provides a convenient and accessible way for young people to receive counseling from the comfort of their own homes. We understand seeking help can be difficult, especially for young people, and we strive to make the therapy process as comfortable and supportive as possible. By using secure video conferencing technology, our therapists can connect with young people and their families in a way that is safe, confidential, and effective.
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