Back to blog
Comeback stories

Teen mental health help: what to do when your kid's not okay (and won't say it out loud)

January 21, 2025

You used to have a rhythm with your kid.

Inside jokes. Shared routines. A version of connection that felt—if not perfect—at least real.

Now? You’re watching them pull away.

They’re snappy or silent. They’ve lost interest in everything they used to care about. The smallest things turn into full-blown fights. You’re exhausted. They’re unreachable.

And no matter how hard you try to fix it, nothing’s working.

Let’s stop spinning. Let’s get real about what this could mean—and what you can do.

Is it just “normal” teen stuff—or something deeper?

Here’s what we see often in teens who are struggling but haven’t said the words yet:

  • Isolating from family or old friends
  • Losing interest in school, sports, or hobbies
  • Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
  • Obsession with social media or screen time
  • Substance use that’s escalating
  • Changes in eating, sleeping, or hygiene
  • Talking about death, worthlessness, or guilt

These aren’t random. They’re signals. Your teen isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re trying to survive.

And they might not even know that what they’re feeling has a name.

But you can help them name it—and get help for it.

Why therapy helps—especially now

Teens live in a world that’s louder, faster, and more pressure-filled than anything most of us grew up with.

They’re expected to figure out their future while trying to survive their present. And if they’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or identity? It can feel impossible.

At Sanare, we help teens slow down, feel seen, and start building a life that actually feels manageable again.

And it’s not just talk therapy once a week. We meet teens where they actually are—through movement, creative expression, group connection, and structure that doesn’t feel like punishment.

What if they’re scared of therapy? (Or you are?) - Totally normal.

One of the biggest fears we hear from teens is:

“What if I have to share everything?”
“What if the other kids judge me?”
“What if I feel worse before I feel better?”

You can tell them this:

Group therapy doesn’t mean public confession. They can listen as much as they want. They’ll never be pushed to share more than they’re ready for. And they’ll also have individual sessions to go deeper in private.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real—and feeling supported in that.

Your teen’s issues aren’t permanent—and neither is this phase

We’re not saying things will magically resolve overnight.

But with the right support, structure, and space to exhale?

Teens do come back to themselves. And often, they come back stronger.

As one of our clinicians, Stephen Battle, says:

“Most of what teens are facing feels permanent to them—but it’s not. And once they realize help doesn’t mean ‘broken,’ they start to heal.”

So what are your options at Sanare? Here’s how our care is built now:

Consultations - It starts here.

A one-on-one consult (virtual or in-person) with one of our licensed therapists to assess where your teen is, what they need, and how we can help.

Turning Point Programs

This is where most teens begin.

It’s group therapy that meets four days a week. But it’s nothing like school. It’s where teens learn to regulate emotions, connect with others who get it, and actually feel better—fast.

This isn’t a place to “fix” your kid. It’s a place to help them come back to themselves.

They’ll also have weekly individual sessions and support for you as a parent or caregiver. Because you’re part of this too.

Elevated Support

For teens who need more structure and healing space, we offer daily programming that helps them stabilize and build independence again.

It’s more immersive, but still allows them to go home at the end of the day. It’s a reset—not a pause button.

Partnered Care or Residential Referrals

If your teen needs around-the-clock care or is in immediate crisis, we’ll work with our trusted partners to find the safest next step.

Even if it’s not in-house, we won’t leave you guessing. We’ll walk you through it—every step of the way.

What if therapy doesn’t “work”?

That’s a real fear.

At Sanare, care isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. We reevaluate as your teen grows, shifts, and stabilizes.

There’s no single path.

We don’t force a fit.

We meet your teen where they are—and walk with them at their pace.

What happens when you reach out?

You’ll talk to someone real. No forms. No bots.

We’ll get your consultation scheduled within 48 hours.

You’ll meet with a licensed therapist who knows teen mental health inside out.

Your teen will join a group that fits their needs, and start learning tools that actually help—right away.

You can get your teen back. And your life back.

This isn’t just about surviving another school year or getting them to “follow the rules.”

It’s about giving them a life they want to live—and one you get to be part of.

Ready for a therapy program that can help you navigate not only the holidays but all days?

Link to Contact Page

If that hit close to home, here’s more.

Parents & caretakers

Worried you’re a bad parent if your teens struggling with their mental health? This will free you from that guilt

March 17, 2025

Parent guilt
Parents & caretakers

The parent's guide to finding a therapist who actually gets your teen

March 31, 2025

How to find the right therapist for your teen
Parents & caretakers

Podcast episode: What your teen's NOT saying (but desperately needs you to hear)

February 20, 2025

Podcast — Subtle signs teens struggling
Parents & caretakers

Why your teen's always stressed,—and what you can do about it

February 6, 2025

Stress in teens
Comeback stories

Teen mental health help: what to do when your kid's not okay (and won't say it out loud)

January 21, 2025

Teen mental health treatment options
Life transitions

Which type of therapy do you actually need? (A no-BS guide)

January 14, 2025

Level of care
Tools & strategies

Holiday depression: when "merry & bright" feels like a lie

December 11, 2024

Holiday depression
Therapy basics

What’s the best therapy for depression? Here's what'll move the needle

November 1, 2024

Best therapy for depression
Mindset & motivation

How often should you go to therapy? (Spoiler: it's not just once a week)

September 27, 2024

How often should you really go to therapy?
Is this normal?

What’s the best kind of therapy for childhood trauma?

September 11, 2024

What’s the best type of therapy for childhood trauma?
Relationships

7 subtle signs your teen's not okay (that are easy to miss)

February 4, 2025

7 subtle signs teens struggling

Join Us

Tired of the same old mental health advice?

Sometimes funny. Always human. For the days you’re not ready to talk but still want to feel understood.

I accept the Terms
Submit Form Button
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to find your best fit?

We’ll help you figure that part out.

Link to Contact Page