Does My Child Need Therapy?

What to look for & how to start - A Guide for Parents & Caretakers 

As the lead therapist at Alliance Wellness Solutions, I’ve worked with many families who wonder—what is “normal teenage stress” and at what point should I seek professional help? With school back in session, days shortening, weather becoming unpredictable, and routines shifting, many preteens and teens are facing increased anxiety. Recognizing the warning signs early—and seeking help—can make a real difference. 

Here’s what to look for, what research tells us, and what you can do to begin a conversation and move toward wellness. 

What Parents Should Watch For 

When anxiety is intense, persistent, or interfering with daily life, it may be time to consider therapy. Some key warning signs include: 

• Persistent mood changes: your child seems unusually sad, irritable, angry, or frustrated more often than you’d expect, especially beyond what seems typical for their age. 

• Withdrawal: pulling away from friends, skipping social activities, losing interest in hobbies they used to enjoy. 

• Sleep or appetite disruption: trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, restless sleep; or changes in eating—too much or too little. 

• Physical symptoms: frequent headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue without clear medical cause. 

• Declining performance: grades dropping, struggling in class, lack of concentration, or declining attendance. 

• Excessive worry or fear: about school, weather (storms, heat), change of seasons, or environmental stressors like climate anxiety. 

• Risk-taking or self-harm thoughts: talk about hurting themselves or dying, or engaging in reckless behaviors. 

If you notice any of these symptoms then this should raise a red flag to maybe, consider help from a professional.   

What the Research Shows 

• A study during the COVID-19 pandemic using the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale) found that 36% of high school students in a U.S. sample reported moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. Females were more likely than males to report such symptoms. PMC 

• According to Back-to-School Anxiety: What Parents and Professionals Should Know by ADAA, roughly 31.9% of young people ages 13-18 will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. ADAA 

• The CDC says: “Treating children’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships.” Early evaluation is key. CDC 

These numbers tell us: anxiety is common, but when it becomes impairing, it may require help beyond what home alone or parents alone can manage. 

How to Start the Process 

1. Open the Conversation Gently Begin in a low-pressure moment. “I’ve noticed you seem more tired or worried lately—how are things?” Use “I” statements so it’s about what you’ve seen, not what they’ve done wrong. 

2. Normalize the Feelings Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious. Many teenagers are going through similar things. You might say, “Lots of kids feel this way when school starts again or when the weather is acting all over the place.” 

3. Involve Them in the Plan Ask what they think might help. Do they want someone to talk to outside the family—like a therapist who knows young people? Would they prefer individual therapy or maybe something like group therapy or peer support? 

4. Find the Right Therapist As you begin to search, keep these in mind: 

5. Credentials & specialization: Someone with experience working with adolescents, anxiety, stress from environmental/seasonal or weather-related triggers. 

6. Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, talk therapy, etc., depending on the child’s needs. 

7. Fit & trust: Your teen should feel comfortable. A good match is important. 

8. Practicals: logistics like how the sessions are held (in-person or virtual), insurance, scheduling, cost. 

9. Reach Out to Alliance Wellness Solutions If you’re in our area, we are here. We offer free confidential consultations where you and your teen can meet a licensed therapist, explore options, and determine a plan together. We will partner with you, respecting your teen’s voice, helping build healthy coping skills for now—and tools for the future. 

When It’s Especially Important to Get Help Now 

• If your teen expresses suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors. 

• If they are completely avoiding daily routines—school, eating, sleeping. 

• If anxiety or mood issues are making it unsafe for them (or others). 

In those urgent moments, immediate professional help (crisis lines, emergency services, or mental health crisis centers) is essential. 

Final Thoughts 

Teen life is full of transitions—school starting up again, changing seasons; an ever changing world. These can all add up and amplify anxiety. As a parent, caretaker, or guardian, your awareness, kindness, and readiness to act matter more than perfection. If you see concerning signs, reach out. Support is available, and early care often brings much greater relief and long-term strength. 

At Alliance Wellness Solutions, we’re committed to walking alongside your family. You won’t face this alone. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. 

References / Sources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Treating Children’s Mental Health with Therapy." CDC 

• ADAA. “Back-to-School Anxiety: What Parents and Professionals Should Know.” ADAA 

• Survey by O. Yin et al., 2022. “Survey results from the second year of the COVID pandemic: adolescent anxiety measures (GAD-7)” PMC