How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues

Nothing is more heartbreaking for a parent than watching their teenager struggle with anxiety, depression, or emotional distress.

Understanding how to help a teenager with mental health issues is crucial, as adolescence is a time of rapid change. Social pressures, academic demands, and the influence of social media can all take a toll on a teen’s well-being.

If your teen is showing signs of mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Knowing how to help a teenager with mental health issues starts with recognizing the warning signs, fostering open communication, and seeking professional support. These steps can make all the difference in their recovery journey.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), we specialize in helping teens navigate mental health challenges through evidence-based treatment programs designed to promote healing and long-term wellness.

If you’re looking for expert guidance on how to help a teenager with mental health issues in Miami, AWA provides the support and care your family needs.

How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues

Recognizing Mental Health Issues in Teens

Identifying mental health struggles in teenagers can be challenging because many symptoms mimic typical adolescent behavior.

However, prolonged or extreme changes in mood, behavior, or daily habits may signal something more serious.

Common Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Teens

  • Anxiety & Depression: Persistent sadness, excessive worry, mood swings, or sudden loss of interest in hobbies.
  • Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, or school activities they once enjoyed.
  • Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns: Sudden weight loss/gain or difficulty sleeping.
  • Substance Use: Experimentation with alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
  • Irritability & Explosive Behavior: Frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty managing frustration.

If your teen is experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional guidance.

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

While social media can provide a sense of connection, it also exposes teens to:

Unrealistic Beauty Standards & Comparison: Leading to low self-esteem and body image issues.
Cyberbullying & Online Harassment: Increasing anxiety and depression.
Excessive Screen Time & Dopamine Dependence: Disrupting sleep patterns, focus, and mood regulation.

Encouraging healthy social media habits, such as screen time limits and open conversations about online experiences, can help reduce its negative effects.

Encourage Open Communication

Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space where your teen feels heard.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: “How has school been making you feel lately?” instead of “Are you okay?”
Avoid Dismissing Their Feelings: Phrases like “You’ll get over it” can discourage openness.

Promote Healthy Coping Skills

Encourage Physical Activity: Exercise boosts mood, focus, and self-confidence.
Introduce Mindfulness Techniques: Deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Model Healthy Behaviors: Teens often mirror their parents’ emotional responses.

Strengthen Family Support

Engage in Family Therapy: Improves communication and conflict resolution.
Join a Parent Support Group: Learning from other parents navigating similar struggles can be valuable.

Professional Treatment Options for Teen Mental Health in Miami

If your teen’s symptoms persist or worsen, professional treatment may be the best course of action. Mental health treatment for teens often includes:

Types of Therapy for Teens

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills.
Family Therapy: Involves parents and siblings to improve overall family dynamics.

Teen Mental Health in Miami

Adolescent Wellness Academy: Expert Care for Teens

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), we specialize in comprehensive teen mental health treatment that integrates evidence-based therapy, family support, and structured programs.

Programs at AWA

Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime program combining therapy, education, and coping strategies.
After-School Outpatient Program: Evening therapy sessions without disrupting school schedules.
Family Support & Parent Groups: Designed to help parents navigate their teen’s mental health journey.

Why Choose AWA?

  1. Accredited by the Joint Commission: Ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective care.
  2. Insurance Accepted: In-network with major commercial insurance providers in Florida.
  3. 95% Parent & Teen Recommendation Rate: Trusted by families across South Florida.

Get Help for Your Teen Today

If you’re wondering how to help a teenager with mental health issues, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Early intervention is key; recognizing the signs and seeking professional support can prevent mental health challenges from escalating and give your child the tools they need to thrive.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) in Miami, we provide expert care designed to help teens navigate their mental health struggles with personalized treatment plans, therapy, and family support.

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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.