Teen Depression
For the teen who has pulled back from friends, school, and things they once enjoyed.
Changes Worth Noticing
When a Teen Seems Different Lately
Depression in a teen does not always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, a short temper over small things, or a teen who seems flat even during a conversation that used to come easily. Parents sometimes notice a teen pulling back from friends or skipping activities they used to enjoy.
Sleep often changes too, whether that means sleeping far more than usual, struggling to fall asleep, or a schedule that has drifted toward very late nights. Grades can slip as schoolwork becomes harder to start or finish, even for a teen who previously kept up without much trouble.
For Parents
When a Parent Needs Emergency Help
In an emergency, call or text 988 or call 911.
For concerns that are not an emergency, such as wanting to talk through what you have been noticing and ask about scheduling, you can reach out to our office directly.
A Teen's First Session
Starting Without Pressure to Explain Everything
A first appointment can begin with how the past week has felt, without a complete explanation for a low mood or recent change in behavior. Your therapist can ask about interests, school, sleep, and relationships, while discussing what your teen feels ready to share.
Parents can ask about their role in early sessions and how your therapist typically approaches a first conversation with a teen who has been withdrawn or irritable lately.
Our Teen and Parent Care
Bilingual Support for Teens and Families
A therapist on our team is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #160969. Registered associate. Provides services under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinician.
Your therapist provides therapy in English and Spanish for teens experiencing withdrawal, irritability, sleep changes, and difficulty keeping up with schoolwork. This clinician also works with parents who want support in understanding what their teen may be going through.
Topics a Teen Might Bring Up
What Sessions Can Address
Your therapist's sessions give a teen a place to talk about the changes they have noticed in themselves.
- Pulling away from friends or activities once enjoyed
- Irritability or a short temper that feels out of character
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Losing interest in hobbies or things once looked forward to
- Falling behind on schoolwork or struggling to start assignments
Working with Parents
A Role for Parents Alongside a Teen's Sessions
Your therapist talks with parents about communication at home and ways to support a teen. The teen and parent can ask how information will be shared, what privacy means in therapy, and what the limits of confidentiality are.
This is a question for your free phone consultation rather than a fixed arrangement, since every family and every teen is different.
Formats for Sessions
In Brentwood or by Video
Sessions with your therapist are available in person at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 230, Brentwood, CA 94513 or by video while your teen is located in California.
Video appointments can take place from a private room your teen chooses, and English or Spanish sessions are both available.
Your Next Step
Ask About Scheduling with Your Therapist
If you have noticed your teen pulling back, call (925) 331-0457 to ask about a free 15-minute phone consultation. Session fees are shared during your free consultation.
Scheduling inquiries can also go to info@heartnmindcounseling.com. Keep your teen's personal health information out of email and bring those concerns to a conversation.
Common Questions
What Changes Might Point to Depression in a Teen?
Withdrawal from friends, irritability, changes in sleep, a drop in interest in things they used to enjoy, and falling grades are patterns parents sometimes notice. You can describe what you have seen when you reach out.
Does Your Therapist Work with Parents Too?
Yes. Your therapist talks with parents about communication and about supporting a teen's emotional well-being, alongside her direct work with teens.
Can My Teen Speak Spanish in Sessions?
Your therapist offers English and Spanish appointments. Mention the language your teen prefers when asking about availability.
