Tips for Parents: Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health
Teens today face overwhelming pressure, from academics and social media to identity struggles and anxiety about the future. It’s no surprise that rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are on the rise among adolescents. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting a teen’s emotional well-being, but knowing how to talk about mental health isn’t always easy. Try these tips from top family therapy providers!
Starting the Mental Health Conversation With Your Teen
Understand that this is a difficult topic to talk about, especially if you’ve never brought it up before. There may be intense feelings involved that can’t be accurately explained. Be patient, and when an opportunity arises…
Pick the right moment – Talk during casual moments like car rides or walks, not in the heat of conflict.
Use open-ended questions – Ask how they’re feeling, what’s been hard lately, or if they’ve felt anxious or down.
Validate, don’t fix – Acknowledge their feelings instead of jumping straight to advice.
Be honest about your own experiences – Normalize mental health struggles by sharing your own stress or therapy journey.
Offer support, not surveillance – Let them know you’re there to help, not judge or monitor.
It’s okay if your teen doesn’t open up right away. What matters is creating a safe space where they know you’re ready to listen whenever they are.
How Family Therapy Can Help
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Resources like family therapy or parent-child therapy can provide guidance for approaching emotionally charged conversations. Furthermore, a specialized teen therapist can help you and your child improve communication, build trust, and develop coping strategies for everyone involved. At our practice, we often help families like yours with adolescent struggles. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, reach out today to speak with a family therapist experienced in teen therapy.
About the Author
Amanda Landry, LMHC, CAP, NCC, Founder & CEO, Caring Therapists - Florida Group Practice
Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), with over 18 years of experience helping teens, young adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Her holistic approach blends evidence‑based therapies-such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-with yoga, meditation, and vegetarian wellness practices.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caring Therapists, Amanda leads a thriving group practice with multiple locations across Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Hollywood, Orlando, Port Orange, and Palm Beach Gardens. Her leadership emphasizes clinical quality, community connection, and accessibility, with an emphasis on serving local Florida communities.
Amanda is also a published author of "Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety" (2022) and has created My Private Practice Collective, an online community and resource hub for therapists establishing or expanding their practices. As a Qualified Supervisor, she mentors and supervises new clinicians seeking licensure and growth in their therapeutic careers.