Jeannie Colvin, MFT

Jeannie Colvin, MFTJeannie Colvin, MFTJeannie Colvin, MFT

Jeannie Colvin, MFT

Jeannie Colvin, MFTJeannie Colvin, MFTJeannie Colvin, MFT
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How to know if your teen needs therapy

Consultations can help

 It's hard to know when to make that call to a therapist. Therapy can be time-consuming and expensive, and you don't want to overreact to something that may be quite normal.

First, please know that you can always schedule a consultation with a therapist.  Most therapists of teens will talk to the parent first before meeting with the teen.  It gives us a chance to speak in an unedited way about what you're seeing.  

Every therapist does this differently, but if after the consultation, I don't think the teen needs therapy, I don't charge for that consultation time.  I'd rather encourage parents to seek help early and lose money than have parents wait too long. 


If there is a safety concern, err on the side of seeking help.

When to be concerned

Normal or Concerning

 ​It's probably normal if:
Your teen is sleeping 8-10 hours a day (Teens have an increased need for sleep).

  • Your teen is sometimes moody
  • Your teen becomes particular about what they eat
  • Your teen's feelings are hurt by his or her friends, but they always make up
  • Your teen fails the occasional test
  • Your teen wants to spend more time with friends than with you


You might need a Counselor if:

  • Your teen's grades have dropped
  • Your teen has suddenly changed their sleeping, eating, or grooming habits (ex. doesn't shower daily, sleeps more than 10 hours a day, refuses to eat)
  • Your teen had a sudden loss or major change in his or her life (divorce, step-family, or death of a friend)
  • Your teen is moody most days
  • Your teen isn't following most of your rules (ex. breaking curfew)


You likely need a Counselor if:

  • Your teen is not bouncing back from something that stressed him out a few months ago
  • Your teen has talked about or has tried hurting him or herself
  • You find drug paraphernalia
  • Your teen won't eat or they eat what looks like 3 meals at once
  • Your teen has been expelled from school
  • Your teen doesn't have any friends
  • Your teen gets into fights causing injury


Considering a consultation? It's like going to the doctor for your annual check-up. The counselor will probably ask a lot of questions, and either suggest counseling or not. Most counselors would be happy to say, "Your teen is fine. No need for counseling."

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