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raising a teen is hard, being one is harder

we are here to help both of you make it through
Call now: 724-654-9555

Are you considering counseling for your struggling teen?

When they are small our children look up to us and expect us to know everything. They love us, they trust us, they want to spend all their time with us, and they want to be JUST LIKE US when they grow up.

Then they become teenagers, and that all changes.

Now that sweet child you knew is trapped in the body of an irritable mini adult. They; no longer think your jokes are funny, that you are ‘cool’ to hang out with, or want you to be anywhere near them or their friends.

You can see that they are struggling: your daughter can burst into tears at the drop of a hat and your son has stormed out of the room more times then you can count. You try to approach them and talk about what they are experiencing but they roll their eyes and shut you down.

You want nothing more than to connect with them, guide them, or if nothing else, protect them from making the bad decisions you can see coming. You see them under so much pressure; from themselves, their classes, their friends and social media and just want to help them lighten their load. 

But all they want to do is spend time in their room, on the phone, online, or with their friends. As frustrating as it is, your teen may be more likely to talk to a stranger than you. Its not because they don’t love you but often that you are too close to the situation and they worry about what you would think of them if you know what they are really struggling with. 

Our therapists can be a bridge between you and your teen. Helping them navigate towards adulthood and find balance in the changes and pressures they are going through. Call us at 724-654-9555 to discuss your teen’s situation and see if one of our therapists may be the right fit for you. 

 

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What is ‘normal’ teen development:

  • wanting to spend more time with friends and less with family
  • increased sleep and appetite
  • being upset over conflict with friends, breakups or what others think of them
  • back talk and statements of parents ‘not understanding’ them
  • getting angry when being told ‘no’, especially if it is blocking them from peer activities
  • push back and ‘attitude’ over rules, limits and boundaries
  • focusing more on wanting to ‘fit in’ with peers & their physical appearance
  • mood swings
  • more impulsive decisions without clearly thinking out consequences first
  • some lighter level risk taking- experimenting with alcohol, sex or smoking

Signs that your teenager may be struggling with more than just growing up:

  • sudden changes in their grades
  • loss of interest in spending time with friends
  • excessive sadness or anxiousness lasting longer then a couple weeks
  • decreased interest in hobbies, sports or recreation
  • higher then normal irritability/anger levels
  • significant ignoring, challenging and rebelling against authority figures
  • giving away items that were important to them
  • changes in concentration or completing tasks
  • refusing to go to school
  • making increased self critical or derogatory comments
  • sudden & significant changes in appetite/weight 
  • going multiple days without bathing/changing clothes
  • loss of individual identity in liue of wanting to completely fit in with others
  • downplaying any future plans or goals
  • engaging in high risk behaviors such as frequent/excessive drinking, drugs, and blatantly dangerous activities
  • deliberately hurting animals, property and/or people
  • making statements about death, suicide or wanting to disappear

Counseling can help!

We are here for you

Your Teens Treatment Journey Starts Here

Your Roadmap to Counseling at Angelus

Most Common Mental Health Struggles in Teens:

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in teens. This includes:

  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Social anxiety
  • Panic disorder
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Mood Disorders & Depression

At any given time, 1 in 20 adolescents meets clinical criteria for a mood disorder and up to one in four children will experience a mood disorder by their late adolescence. These include

  • Adjustment disorders with Depressed Mood
  • Major Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Premenstraul dysphoric Disorder

Teens with depressive disorders present differently then adults do. They have less symptoms of low energy or tiredness but more irritability. They are also more likely to self medicate and have increased risk of suicidal behaviors.

Click here for a depression screening for teens

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Approximately 1 in 20 adolescents meets clinical criteria for ADHD

Symptoms may include:

  • being easily distracted
  • inattentive
  • disorganized
  • poor concentration
  • impulsive
  • emotionally immature

Check here for ADHD assessments for parents/teachers.

CHADD is a great resources for Parents, Children, Teens & Adults with ADHD

Specialties

Counseling for Teens:
Helping you work through
  • Anxiety/ Fears
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Anger
  • Body Image
  • Boundary Setting
  • Communication
  • Decision Making
  • Depression
  • Family Conflicts
  • Grief & Loss
  • Health Issues
  • LGBTQI
  • Mindfulness
  • Panic Attacks
  • Peer Relationships
  • Trauma
  • Mood Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Self Harming/ Cutting
  • Sexuality & Identity
  • Social Media & Electronics Related Issues
  • Social Skills & Peer Interactions
  • Suicidal Thinking
  • Stress Management
  • Transition based struggles

your teen needs you

are you ready?

Services at Angelus Therapeutic Services

how we can help

Individual Counseling

Your teenager can work with their therapist on a one-on-one basis. We work in a strait forward style to help them identify problem areas or behaviors and help them find new ways to move forward.

Mindfulness

We teach them various forms of meditation, self calming, therapeutic yoga, and other mindfulness strategies to help them develop an internal sense of balance in the midst of strong emotions and life changes.

compass/ Laurel School Based clinic

Compass is a school-based Counseling Program based in Laurel Schools and provides Licensed Therapists that are trained and specialized to work with children K-12 during the school day.

Family Counseling

Come in as a family to explore factors impacting how your teen is feeling, how it is impacting the family system, learn new ways to communicate, and start becoming a family again.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Address the link between your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors and learn ways to interrupt unhealthy cycles.

EMDR

Our Certified EMDR Clinicians can use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to address the internal links and loops that can keep your teen trapped in trauma/anxiety.

Our teen Therapists: 

Kayla Fee, LPC

mercer county child therapist

Cody Currie, LSW

Erin Micco, LSW

mercer county child therapist

Crissy Thompkins, LPC

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Matt Pertile, LPC

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Jolynn Andrusky, LSW

Janet Shepherd

Lori Krol, LPC

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Jillian WInklevoss, LCSW

available resources

never stop learning

At Angelus we are big believers in the importance of learning and education in helping our clients move forward in their lives. 

Here are some direct links to different blogs and websites related to teenagers that we find helpful. Know a great resource, share it with us!

External Resources:

 

Our Blogs:

Counseling can help!

Call Today

Your Teens Treatment Journey Starts Here

Your Roadmap to Counseling at Angelus

GET IN TOUCH

PHONE: 724-654-9555
FAX: 724-498-0976

143 E WALLACE AVE, NEW CASTLE, PA 16101
& 2370 N. HERMITAGE RD, HERMITAGE, PA 16148

If your teen is voicing active suicidal thoughts and has a plan, OR their behaviors lead you to believe that they are not able to keep themselves safe in this moment, don't hesitate; Call the 24 hour Crisis Line at 724-652-9000 (Lawrence County) or take them immediately to the nearest emergency room.