Counselling for Adolescents

$250 / $350* | 60 min

(Individual)

$300 / $400* | 60 min

(Joint / Family)

* Psychologist fees

Yes, teenagers may be dealing With mental health issues, just like adults

Regardless of their younger age, teenagers can face the same mental challenges as adults. Unfortunately, mental health issues in teens often remain undiagnosed or untreated and are minimized, misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored.

Globally, one in seven adolescents will face mental health disorders. 75% of adult mental health issues present before age 24, and 50% of mental health issues appear by age 18.

The good news is that mental health issues in adolescents are treatable, and it is optimal to catch such issues at the onset before they become more significant and potentially create negative long-term consequences.

Risk Factors for Adolescents and Their Families

Factors which may increase the risk of developing mental health challenges in adolescence include:

Family history of mental illness; where addiction, depression, anxiety or other issues have been experienced by close family members.

Stressful life situations; the death of a family member, pet, friend, or classmate, moving countries, financial issues or job loss for a parent, identity issues, health issues, academic/exam stress.

Environment; adjusting to new schools, moving country, prolonged pandemic measures.

Stressful relationships / social issues; interpersonal conflicts, peer pressure, social media stress, bullying, changing friend groups/friends leaving the country, parental conflict, separation, or divorce.

Negative thoughts; excessive self-criticism and catastrophic or negative thinking may create a vicious cycle and lead to a change in behaviour, generating more negative thinking.

Use / abuse / reliance on substances; smoking, vaping, using drugs or alcohol.

Childhood traumatic factors; complex and unresolved childhood issues may impact present life.

Unhealthy habits; a lack of consistent and regenerative sleep, an inappropriate diet, perfectionism / lack of life balance.

Common Mental Health Issues faced by Adolescents

Common mental health illnesses faced by adolescents can be categorized into:

Anxiety Disorders – Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Tic Disorders.

Mood Disorders – Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and others.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders – such as Conduct Disorder and Oppositional-Defiant Disorder.

What can parents do to help their teenage children with mental health issues?

Mental health issues are treatable. Addressing them as soon as possible reduces their negative impact and can improve your child’s quality of life.

Seeking external support from your doctor and/or counselling professionals with a background in working with adolescents may be beneficial in supporting your teen and family through these complex issues.

Do you or someone you know need extra support?

We provide adolescent counselling, and support teenagers with challenges mental health and behavioural issues, school related problems, navigating / improving relationships, mindfulness skills and developing life balance.

We offer parents emotional and parenting guidance, and support in managing complicated family situations including those involving their teens.

Please contact Ellen Fong or Dr Richard Lim for a free initial 20-minute consultation to see how can support you or your teen.

We are here to help.