How to Deal With a Troubled Teenager: A Guide for Parents

Parenting a teenager is no easy task, but when your teen is struggling with behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges, it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s defiance, mood swings, or withdrawal, how to deal with a troubled teenager is a question many parents grapple with.

The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are effective strategies to help your teen and your family, navigate these challenges.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) in Miami, Florida, we specialize in helping families like yours. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of a troubled teen, provide practical tips for how to deal with a troubled teenager, and explain how AWA’s specialized therapy programs can support your family on the path to healing.

How to Deal With a Troubled Teenager

Signs of Troubled Teens

Recognizing the signs of a troubled teenager is the first step toward getting them the help they need.

Here are some common signs to watch for:

  • Behavioral Signs: Sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression, defiance, or withdrawal; decline in academic performance or skipping school.
  • Emotional Signs: Mood swings, irritability, frequent outbursts, expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness.
  • Social Signs: Withdrawal from family and friends; associating with a new, potentially negative peer group.
  • Physical Signs: Changes in sleep patterns or appetite; unexplained weight loss or gain.

If you notice these signs in your teen, it’s important to take action.

How to Deal with a Troubled Teenager

Dealing with troubled teens can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps you can take to support your teen and improve your family dynamics. 

How to deal with a troubled teenager starts with understanding their struggles, setting clear expectations, and creating a supportive environment where they feel heard and valued.

Below, we’ll explore five key strategies to help you navigate these challenges effectively. From opening the lines of communication to seeking professional help, these actionable tips can significantly improve your teen’s well-being and your family’s overall harmony.

1. Open the Lines of Communication

Talk to your teen without judgment. Create a safe space for them to express their feelings, and use active listening techniques to show empathy and understanding.

  • Active Listening: Pay attention to what your teen is saying without interrupting. Reflect back their feelings to show you understand.
  • Avoid Judgment: Avoid criticizing or lecturing. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective.

2. Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences

Establish consistent rules and consequences for unacceptable behavior. Be firm but fair, and follow through with consequences when necessary.

  • Consistency is Key: Teens need clear and consistent boundaries to feel secure.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior to encourage positive changes.

3. Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote regular sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity. Limit screen time and encourage offline activities like hobbies or sports.

  • Sleep: Ensure your teen gets 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
  • Nutrition: Provide balanced meals and snacks to support their physical and mental health.
  • Physical Activity: Encourage activities like sports, yoga, or walking to reduce stress and improve mood.

4. Seek Professional Help

If your teen’s behavior is escalating or affecting their daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Early intervention can prevent challenges from worsening.

  • Therapy: Individual or family therapy can help address underlying issues.
  • Support Groups: Connect with other parents facing similar challenges.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Parenting a troubled teen can be exhausting. Make time for self-care and seek support from friends, family, or support groups.

  • Self-Care: Prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge.
  • Support Network: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
How to Deal with a Troubled Teenager

How Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help

At AWA, we specialize in helping troubled teens and their families navigate these challenges. Our evidence-based therapy programs are designed to address the root causes of behavioral and emotional issues, empowering teens to heal and thrive.

Our Programs for Troubled Teens Include:

Why Choose AWA?

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re struggling with a troubled teenager, you’re not alone. Adolescent Wellness Academy is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting teens and their families through every step of the recovery journey.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our teen therapy programs. Together, we can help your family find balance and healing.

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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.