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When Should Parents Consider Teen Counselling?

When Should Parents Consider Counselling for Teens? Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Parenting a teenager is a new journey for parents. Adolescence is a time of rapid change that appears emotionally, socially, and cognitively. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) in Calgary, we know that developmental transitions can be both exciting and challenging. While it is normal for teens to experience ups and downs, certain signs may indicate the need for professional support.

This comprehensive guide helps parents understand when to consider counselling for teens, what early warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, and how RMPS supports adolescents and families with compassionate, evidence-based care in Calgary and beyond.

Understanding Adolescence: What’s Typical vs. What Warrants Support

First, it’s important to recognize that adolescence naturally involves emotional risk-taking, identity exploration, mood fluctuations, and growing independence. Most teens will experience periods of stress as they navigate school pressures, social relationships, and emerging adult expectations.

Adolescence is a period of rapid emotional, cognitive, and social development. While some degree of stress, moodiness, and independence-seeking is expected, research consistently shows that early mental health concerns often emerge during the teenage years and can persist into adulthood if left unaddressed (Kessler et al., 2005).

However, when emotional changes interfere with everyday functioning, relationships, or safety, it may be time for increased support. Counselling is not a sign of failure; rather, it’s a proactive step toward supporting your teen in developing healthy coping skills and emotional resilience.

At RMPS, our psychologist tailor their approach to each teen’s needs, using strategies based on the latest psychological research and clinical best practices. We aim to help teens thrive during this critical developmental stage.

Early Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know

Below are key signs that suggest your teen might benefit from counseling. These early indicators are often the first hints that emotional distress is affecting your child’s ability to cope.

1. Persistent Mood Changes That Don’t Improve

Teenagers experience hormonal changes, brain development shifts, and evolving social roles. Mild mood swings, temporary irritability, and increased privacy are often developmentally appropriate.

However, research shows that persistent emotional or behavioural changes lasting more than two weeks may indicate underlying concerns rather than transient developmental stress (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2019).

At RMPS, we encourage parents to look at patterns, duration, and impact rather than isolated behaviours.

Watch for:

  • Frequent crying
  • Prolonged irritability or anger
  • Expressions of hopelessness or distress

If these behaviours are consistent and impact daily life, exploring counselling can provide early support and prevent escalation.

2. Sudden Social Withdrawal or Isolation

Teens naturally shift toward peer relationships, but a teen who avoids social interaction entirely withdrawing from friends, family, school, or activities they once enjoyed could be struggling. Research links adolescent social isolation with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem (Rubin et al., 2009).

At RMPS, we often see teens who withdraw due to:

  • Social anxiety
  • Peer conflict or bullying
  • Feelings of inadequacy or shame

At RMPS, counselors create a safe, non-judgmental space where teens can rebuild connection and learn adaptive coping skills.

3. Academic Decline or School Avoidance

Academic difficulties are one of the most common early indicators of emotional distress. Studies have shown that anxiety and depression are strongly associated with decreased concentration, motivation, and academic performance in adolescents (Owens et al., 2012).

Signs parents may notice:

  • Sudden drop in grades
  • Frequent school absences
  • Increased conflict around homework or exams

At RMPS, counselling focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and problem-solving skills that support both mental health and learning.

4. Excessive Anxiety or Chronic Worry

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in adolescents, affecting approximately 31% of teens at some point (Merikangas et al., 2010).

Anxiety in teens often presents as:

  • Constant worry about performance or social situations
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches)
  • Avoidance behaviours

Evidence-based counselling approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural strategies, have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents (James et al., 2015).

5. Changes in Sleep or Eating Patterns

Sleep and appetite changes are frequently overlooked, yet research identifies them as core indicators of emotional distress. Chronic sleep disruption during adolescence has been linked to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation (Roberts et al., 2009).

Red flags include:

  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Loss of appetite or emotional eating
  • Persistent fatigue

Counselling at RMPS often integrates psychoeducation around sleep, stress, and emotional regulation.

6. Risk-Taking or Self-Destructive Behaviour

Adolescents who engage in substance use, self-harm, or reckless behaviour are often communicating distress they cannot yet articulate verbally. Research consistently shows that early intervention reduces the likelihood of ongoing risk behaviours and future mental health crises (Hawton et al., 2012).

Any self-harm behaviour, regardless of intent, should prompt immediate professional support.

7. Hopelessness or Talk of Death

Expressions of hopelessness or suicidal ideation must always be taken seriously. Studies indicate that verbal cues are one of the strongest predictors of future suicide attempts in adolescents (Nock et al., 2008).

If your teen expresses:

  • “I don’t see the point anymore”
  • “Everyone would be better off without me”
  • “I wish I could disappear”

If your teen is saying these kinds of things, their safety could be at risk. See below for where to access immediate safety and crisis support. 

Immediate Safety and Crisis Support

If your teen, or anyone around them, is not safe or may be at risk of harm, immediate support is essential.

If there is an urgent or emergency concern, please:

  • Call the Calgary & Area Distress Line (24/7): 403-266-HELP (4357)
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Emergency
  • Call 911 if there is immediate danger

For teens across Canada who need confidential, immediate emotional support:

  • Kids Help Phone
     Call 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
     Text CONNECT to 686868

Additionally, anyone in Canada can call or text 9-8-8, the national suicide crisis helpline, for immediate mental health support at any time.

Rocky Mountain Psychological Services is not a crisis centre. These emergency and crisis resources are available to provide immediate safety and stabilization. RMPS can, however, be an important part of a broader care team that may include medical professionals, emergency services, schools, and community support once safety has been established.

Why Early Counselling Matters

Parents may hesitate to seek counseling, thinking issues will resolve on their own. But early intervention can be transformative.

Benefits of Early Counselling Include:

  • Stronger emotional regulation skills
  • Improved communication with family and peers
  • Reduced long-term risk of anxiety or depression
  • Enhanced self-confidence and problem-solving abilities
  • Support navigating life transitions (e.g., puberty, school changes, social pressures)

Early counselling provides teens with tools that not only address immediate concerns but also foster lasting resilience. Canadian research published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry highlights that early identification and intervention during childhood and adolescence significantly improves long-term mental health outcomes and reduces the overall burden of mental illness later in life (Waddell et al., 2005).

At RMPS, our teen counselling is specifically tailored to the unique demands and developmental needs of adolescents. Teens are encouraged to explore their thoughts, build self-awareness, and learn adaptive strategies that contribute to healthier mental well-being.

What Teen Counselling Looks Like at RMPS

Counselling at RMPS begins with building a trusted and confidential relationship between your teen and their psychologist. Our team understands how crucial trust and safety are in creating space for honest expression, especially when teens may struggle to communicate with parents directly.

Our Approach Includes:

  • Evidence-informed strategies tailored to each teen
  • Support for emotional regulation, identity development, and stress management
  • Skill-building for interpersonal relationships and communication
  • Strategies for coping with anxiety, depression, or social challenges
  • Integration of family perspectives where appropriate

Our clinicians work collaboratively with teens, meeting them where they are and empowering them to define their own goals and growth.

Parent Involvement: Partners in Growth

While sessions focus on your teen’s experience, parents are a central part of the support system. RMPS offers parent counselling and consultation, guiding caregivers to:

  • Understand their teen’s needs
  • Strengthen family communication
  • Develop practical strategies for home support

Parents might participate in certain sessions, regular check-ins, or strategic family work when beneficial. This collaborative approach improves outcomes and reinforces positive changes at home.

Common Challenges Teens Face Today

Teens today carry unique pressures that may intensify emotional strain:

Academic and Performance Pressure

High expectations from school or caregivers can escalate stress and perfectionistic tendencies.

Social Media and Peer Comparison

Constant digital comparison can affect self-esteem and fuel anxiety.

Identity and Belonging

Exploring identity, sexuality, and belonging is normal, but anxiety can arise when teens feel misunderstood or unsupported.

At RMPS, we help teens develop self-awareness, confidence, and tools to thrive through these challenges.

When to Seek Help

If your teen:

  • Exhibits changes in sleep, diet or mood changes that don’t seem to have a clear cause or don’t seem to be improving
  • Expresses that they need some help or asks for counseling
  • Exhibits aggression that isn’t getting better or is escalating
  • Is self-isolating
  • Refuses to go to school or their regular activities
  • Has experienced a trauma and they either seem to be unusually unfazed by it or if they are struggling to cope
  • Is struggling in their daily functioning

You can contact RMPS to schedule a confidential consultation and connect with a clinician who specializes in child and adolescent mental health.

Finding the Right Support at RMPS

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, we’re proud to be Calgary’s trusted provider of teen counselling, assessments, and family-centered psychological care. For more than 25 years, our team has supported children, teens, and families through mental health, developmental, and relational challenges, guiding them toward resilience and fulfilled lives.

Why Choose RMPS?

  • Specialized, evidence-informed counselling for teens
  • Compassionate, strength-based clinical care
  • Telepsychology available across Alberta
  • Integrated services including assessment, therapy, and family support
  • Safe, welcoming environment for all ages

Your teen deserves a space where they feel heard, supported, and equipped for life’s challenges and RMPS is here to help.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re noticing signs that your teen may be struggling, and you’re unsure what to do, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation.

At RMPS, we’re here to answer your questions, explore your teen’s needs, and help determine the best path forward. Together, we can support your teen in developing emotional resilience, self-confidence, and the skills to navigate life’s challenges with strength.

Call Rocky Mountain Psychological Services at 403-245-5981 or book a consultation online today.

References

Hawton, K., Saunders, K., & O’Connor, R. (2012). Case fatality of deliberate self-harm in adolescents. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(10), 1072–1080.

James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).

Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593–602.

Merikangas, K. R., He, J., Burstein, M., et al. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in U.S. adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980–989.

Nock, M. K., Borges, G., Bromet, E. J., et al. (2008). Suicide epidemiology: Review of risk factors. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4, 343–369.

Rubin, K. H., Coplan, R. J., & Bowker, J. C. (2009). Social withdrawal in childhood. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 141–171.

Waddell, C., McEwan, K., Shepherd, C. A., Offord, D. R., & Hua, J. M. (2005). A public health strategy to improve the mental health of Canadian children. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 50(4), 226–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370505000406 

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MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle. MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta. Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions. John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge. Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.