How to Get Help for Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is a serious mental health issue that affects countless young people, especially troubled teens. It leads to persistent feelings of sadness, numbness, and loss of interest in daily activities. When left untreated, depression can significantly impact how troubled teens think, feel, and behave, often resulting in emotional, functional, and physical struggles. If you’re wondering how to get help for teenage depression, it’s important to recognize these signs early on to ensure that the right support is provided.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), a leading teen treatment center in Davie, FL, we are committed to providing specialized mental health treatment for troubled teens.

How to Get Help for Teenage Depression

What Are the Signs of Depression in Teens?

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not limited to adults, it can also deeply impact children and teenagers. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial to getting the right support. Common signs of depression in troubled teens include:

  • Persistent sadness or a depressed state of mind
  • Frequent irritability or mood swings
  • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Constant fatigue or low energy levels
  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Avoidance of family and friends
  • Changes in eating habits, leading to drastic weight loss or gain
  • Restlessness or increased lethargy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
  • Emotional numbness or detachment
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting or burning

If your teen is exhibiting any of these symptoms, seeking professional help as soon as possible is essential. Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can prevent long-term consequences.

Causes of Teen Depression

A combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors can increase a teen’s risk of developing depression. Some key contributors include:

Stressful Life Events

Past and present stressors, such as trauma, abuse, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger depression in troubled teens. High-pressure environments at home or school may also exacerbate symptoms.

Bullying and Social Pressures

Bullying, whether in person or online, can lead to severe emotional distress, lowering a teen’s self-esteem and contributing to feelings of hopelessness. Social rejection or peer conflicts can further intensify depressive symptoms.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Teen depression is often linked to other mental health disorders, including anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, and self-harm tendencies. Struggles with academics and friendships can heighten frustration, leading to increased emotional distress.

Chronic Health Issues

Long-term physical conditions, disabilities, or chronic pain can contribute to depression by limiting a teen’s ability to participate in regular activities and social interactions.

How to Get Help for Teenage Depression

How to Get Help for Teenage Depression

Ignoring the signs of depression and hoping they will resolve on their own can be dangerous. If you suspect a teenager is struggling with depression, it’s important to approach the conversation with empathy and concern.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Start an Open Discussion: Express your concerns in a nonjudgmental manner. Let your teen know that their feelings are valid and that support is available.
  • Recognize the Warning Signs: Even if you’re unsure whether depression is the issue, the behaviors and emotions you’re noticing should not be ignored.
  • Encourage Professional Help: Seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
  • Consider a Structured Treatment Program: Many troubled teens benefit from structured programs that offer therapy, peer support, and coping strategies in a safe environment.

Are There Treatment Programs for Teen Depression?

Yes! Various treatment options can help teens manage their depression and regain a sense of stability. Mild depression is often treated through psychotherapy alone, while moderate to severe cases may require a combination of therapy and medication.

Treatment Options:

  • Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling help troubled teens develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve emotional resilience.
  • Medication: In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to help regulate mood and alleviate severe symptoms.
  • Combination Therapy: Many teens benefit from a blend of psychotherapy and medication, improving self-confidence, coping skills, and overall emotional well-being.

Get Help at Adolescent Wellness Academy

At AWA, we specialize in providing comprehensive mental health treatment for troubled teens. Our teen mental health treatment center in South Florida is designed to offer compassionate, individualized care, even for those hesitant to seek help.

Our Programs for Troubled Teens Include:

Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime program that provides therapeutic support while allowing teens to maintain their daily routines.

After-School Program: A unique program offering therapy and support during after-school hours, enabling teens to receive treatment without interrupting their education.

When teens join our programs, they become part of a supportive, nonjudgmental community dedicated to their well-being. We emphasize family involvement, peer support, and evidence-based treatment approaches to promote long-term recovery.

Additionally, our Parent Support Groups (PSG) and professional assessments help ensure that each family’s needs are met with tailored care and guidance.

Take the Next Step

If you suspect your teen is struggling with depression, don’t wait. Early intervention can make all the difference. Contact Adolescent Wellness Academy today to learn more about our mental health programs for troubled teens.

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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.