Helping Teenagers Cope with Divorce

Divorce is never easy, especially for teenagers. At a time when they’re already navigating intense emotions, changing relationships, and academic pressures, the impact of divorce can magnify feelings of confusion, loss, and instability. Helping teenagers cope with divorce is not only a matter of emotional support but also one of long-term mental health.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we understand how critical this period can be.

Our evidence-based programs for troubled teens in Florida are designed to address the psychological and emotional challenges teens face during and after a family separation.

Helping Teenagers Cope with Divorce

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Teenagers

While every teen processes divorce differently, common emotional and behavioral responses include:

  • Increased anger or irritability
  • Feelings of abandonment or guilt
  • Declining academic performance
  • Withdrawal from friends or family
  • Experimentation with risky behaviors
  • Symptoms of anxiety or depression

Divorce can disrupt a teen’s sense of safety and identity, leading to long-term emotional effects if not addressed with the right tools and support. That’s where therapeutic intervention becomes essential.

How to Help Teenagers Cope with Divorce: Practical Steps for Parents

Even in the most friendly divorces, teens need reassurance, structure, and a safe space to process emotions. Here are a few ways parents and caregivers can support their teen:

1. Create Open Lines of Communication

Let your teen know it’s okay to talk about how they feel, even if it’s uncomfortable. Validate their emotions without trying to fix or minimize them.

2. Maintain Consistency and Routine

Stable routines give teens a sense of security. Consistent rules, school schedules, and quality time with both parents (when possible) can provide a crucial emotional anchor.

3. Avoid Negative Talk About the Other Parent

Your teen is processing the loss of the family unit as they knew it. Speaking poorly about your ex-spouse can put them in the middle, creating more emotional stress.

4. Watch for Red Flags

If you notice persistent sadness, social withdrawal, academic issues, or signs of self-harm, it’s time to seek professional support. These could be signs your teen needs more structured help.

5. Enroll in a Specialized Program

Evidence-based mental health programs can provide both teens and their families with the tools to cope and heal.

At AWA, we work with families across Florida to help teens build resilience, regulate emotions, and reconnect with a sense of purpose.

How to Help Teenagers Cope with Divorce Practical Steps for Parents

Our Approach at Adolescent Wellness Academy

Helping teenagers cope with divorce is part of our mission to provide compassionate, clinical care for troubled teens in Florida.

Whether your teen is facing emotional challenges related to divorce, anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, our programs are tailored to meet their needs.

Our Core Programs Include:

Therapeutic Day Program (PHP)

A full-day mental health program that combines therapy with educational support; ideal for teens who need structure and daily therapeutic engagement.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

This after-school program is designed for teens who need more than weekly therapy but can maintain their school schedules. Teens receive three hours of group and individual therapy several times a week.

Key Features:

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Family therapy and coaching
  • Group therapy focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and peer support
  • School coordination and academic support
  • Crisis management and ongoing progress tracking

Why Programs for Troubled Teens in Florida Work

Florida parents searching for effective, empathetic support systems for their teens during or after divorce can rely on Adolescent Wellness Academy. Here’s what makes our programs stand out:

  • Family-Centered Treatment: We don’t just treat the teen, we support the whole family.
  • Licensed, Compassionate Staff: Our team includes therapists, psychiatrists, and care coordinators specializing in adolescent care.
  • Judgment-Free Environment: Teens feel safe expressing themselves and working through difficult emotions without stigma.
  • Community & Belonging: Group therapy connects teens with peers going through similar experiences, reducing isolation and encouraging mutual support.
Benefits of Enrolling in a Divorce Support Program for Teens

Benefits of Enrolling in a Divorce Support Program for Teens

When enrolled in a therapeutic program tailored for their age group and emotional needs, teens can:

  • Rebuild their self-esteem
  • Learn healthy communication techniques
  • Understand and process grief and anger
  • Develop emotional resilience
  • Improve family dynamics
  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Stay on track academically while healing emotionally

Get Help Today – You’re Not Alone

Whether your teen is showing signs of emotional distress or you’re simply worried about how they’re handling your divorce, it’s never too early, or too late, to get help.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we provide judgment-free, evidence-based care through programs for troubled teens in Florida. We’re here to help your teen feel safe, heard, and empowered.

About the Author

Therapist

Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 

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.