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Help for Troubled Teens: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

At the Adolescent Wellness Academy, we recognize that adolescence is a pivotal period characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. However, for some teenagers, these changes can become overwhelming. Suppose your teen is frequently experiencing anger, withdrawal, anxiety, or engaging in risky behaviors. In that case, it’s common for parents to feel a sense of helplessness.

We want you to know that you are not alone in this journey, and support is available. This guide is designed to help you identify the signs of emotional or behavioral challenges in teens, gain insight into the potential causes, and explore effective treatment options that can truly make a difference in your child’s life. Together, we can nurture their well-being and help them navigate this critical stage of development.

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What Are the Signs That a Teen May Be Struggling?

Teenagers often go through mood swings and occasional periods of withdrawal. These changes are common during development. However, consistent or extreme behavior may point to a deeper issue.

Here are signs that a teen may need more structured support:

  • A sudden drop in academic performance
  • Refusal to attend school or frequent absences
  • Isolation from family or friends
  • Persistent sadness, irritability, or anger
  • Defiance or oppositional behavior at home or school
  • Increased secrecy or lying
  • Substance use or experimentation
  • Self-harming behaviors or talk of suicide
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

These behaviors may indicate that a teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, identity struggles, or other underlying mental health challenges.

Why Do Teens Experience Emotional and Behavioral Struggles?

There is no single reason a teen becomes “troubled.” In many cases, it is a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors can help parents approach the situation with empathy and clarity.

Common Causes of “Troubled” Teens

Mental Health Conditions: Issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common in teens. These conditions often go undiagnosed without professional evaluation.

Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences: Divorce, the death of a loved one, physical or emotional abuse, and other forms of trauma can profoundly impact a teenager’s ability to regulate emotions and maintain healthy relationships.

Bullying and Peer Pressure: Social challenges, both in-person and online, can cause significant damage to a teenager’s self-esteem and sense of safety.

Substance Use and Abuse: Drugs and alcohol may be used to escape painful emotions, cope with stress, or gain social acceptance.

Family or Academic Stress: High expectations or unstable family dynamics can push teens to a breaking point, especially if they feel unsupported or misunderstood.

what-are-the-signs-that-a-teen-may-be-struggling

How Can Parents Support a Troubled Teen at Home?

While professional help is often necessary, there are meaningful ways parents can support their teen at home. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Listen Without Judgment

Give your teen a safe space to express themselves. Avoid immediate criticism or problem-solving. Sometimes, they need to be heard.

Validate Their Emotions

Let your teen know their feelings are authentic and valid, even if you don’t fully understand them. This builds trust and encourages openness.

Set Boundaries with Compassion

Teens need structure. Establish clear, consistent rules while showing empathy and flexibility when appropriate.

Watch for Warning Signs

If behavior continues to worsen despite your efforts, or if safety becomes a concern, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

What Types of Help Are Available for Troubled Teens?

There are several levels of care available to meet the unique needs of teens facing emotional and behavioral challenges. The right option will depend on the severity and type of symptoms.

Outpatient Therapy

Includes individual, group, or family therapy sessions every week. It is ideal for teens who are functioning in daily life but need extra support.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Provide several hours of therapy multiple times per week while the teen continues to live at home. This is a more structured level of care that does not require a full-time residential commitment.

Residential Treatment Centers (RTC)

Offer 24/7 care in a therapeutic setting. This is suitable for teens who need a safe, immersive environment to stabilize, learn coping skills, and work on deep-rooted issues.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools or Day Programs

Combine academic instruction with therapeutic support, helping teens stay on track academically while receiving needed treatment.

Each of these services plays a vital role in helping teens move forward. A mental health assessment can determine the best path based on your child’s unique situation.

how-to-help-troubled-teens

When Should You Consider Professional Help?

Not every behavioral challenge requires intensive treatment, but there are situations where professional intervention is strongly recommended:

  • Your teen is engaging in self-harm or talking about suicide
  • There is ongoing substance use or risk-taking behavior
  • Your teen is unable to function at school or at home
  • Emotional outbursts are affecting relationships or safety
  • You feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help

If these challenges are present, it’s time to explore structured support. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for your child’s emotional and developmental health.

How Adolescent Wellness Academy Offers Help for Troubled Teens

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we provide targeted mental health treatment programs designed specifically for teenagers. Our approach is built on compassion, clinical excellence, and family involvement.

Our Troubled Teen Programs Include:

Whether your teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, self-harm, or other challenges, we are here to help them—and you—navigate the healing process.

Learn more about our Teen Mental Health Programs or Contact Us to speak with a specialist.

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You Are Not Alone: A Message to Parents of Troubled Teens

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we understand that watching your child struggle can be one of the most challenging experiences a parent faces. However, we want to reassure you that help is available, and change is not only possible but also achievable. Seeking professional support reflects your love, strength, and hope for your child’s future.

Our journey toward healing begins with recognizing the signs and connecting with the right professionals who can assist in this process. With our compassionate care, tailored resources, and a dedicated team that believes in your child’s potential, we are committed to helping troubled teens heal, grow, and thrive.

Contact us today to get started! Let us support you and your family on this transformative journey.

About the Author

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Brandsmen

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Tatiana Shiber - Therapist (Davie)

Tatiana Lourenco Shiber, MS, RMHCI is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents navigating intellectual disabilities, trauma, self-harm, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. Tatiana has also worked with diverse populations providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
 
Tatiana’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Narrative therapy. Tatiana is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful change. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in their healing journey with compassion, authenticity, and respect.

Tiffany Rivera - Therapist (Davie)

Tiffany Rivera holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

With a passion for empowering young people, Tiffany specializes in client-centered approaches that foster trust, growth, and resilience. She brings a strong background in mentoring youth and supporting individuals struggling with substance use, always meeting clients with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Tiffany is known for her compassionate nature, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.