Now accepting new clients! Looking for a therapist in San Diego?
September 28, 2025
6 Warning Signs Your Teen May Benefit from Therapy for Anxiety or Depression
Parenting a teenager can be both rewarding and challenging. Teens are navigating a world of academic pressures, social dynamics, changing identities, and big emotions. While moodiness and stress are often part of adolescence, sometimes what you’re seeing goes beyond typical teen struggles and may be a sign of anxiety or depression.
At Thrive Therapy Studio, our team of experienced therapists in San Diego specializes in supporting teens and their families through these challenges. Here are some warning signs to look for if you’re wondering whether your teen might benefit from therapy.
1. Changes in Mood That Don’t Go Away
It’s normal for teens to have ups and downs. But if your child seems persistently sad, irritable, hopeless, or withdrawn for more than a couple of weeks, it may signal something deeper than “just a phase.” A psychologist in San Diego can help assess whether your teen’s mood is related to anxiety, depression, or another concern.
2. Withdrawal from Friends or Activities
If your teen suddenly loses interest in hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends, it can be a sign of depression or social anxiety. Isolation often makes things worse, so early counseling in San Diego can provide tools to reconnect and cope in healthier ways.
3. Declining School Performance
Anxiety and depression can make it difficult to concentrate, stay motivated, or manage deadlines. If grades are slipping or your teen is avoiding school altogether, a CBT therapist in San Diego can teach practical skills for managing stress, improving focus, and regaining confidence.
4. Physical Complaints
Frequent headaches, stomachaches, changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping are often overlooked symptoms of anxiety and depression in teens. If your teen has ongoing physical complaints without a clear medical cause, talking with a therapist in San Diego can help identify whether emotional struggles are contributing.
5. Heightened Irritability or Anger
While some irritability is normal in adolescence, excessive anger, frequent outbursts, or lashing out at family members may indicate emotional overwhelm. Counseling in San Diego offers teens a safe space to process and manage these big feelings.
6. Risky or Self-Destructive Behaviors
Experimenting with substances, engaging in self-harm, or taking unnecessary risks can sometimes be a teen’s way of coping with emotional pain. These are red flags that should never be ignored, and a psychologist in San Diego can provide immediate intervention and support.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your teen is showing several of these signs — and especially if they’ve lasted more than a couple of weeks or are disrupting daily life — therapy can help.
At Thrive Therapy Studio, we offer a safe and supportive environment for teens to:
- Learn coping strategies for anxiety and depression
- Build resilience and confidence
- Improve communication with family and peers
- Develop healthier ways to manage stress
Whether you’re looking for a therapist in San Diego, a psychologist in San Diego, or a CBT therapist in San Diego, our team is here to provide individualized care.
Final Thoughts
Watching your teen struggle can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Professional counseling in San Diego can make a big difference in helping your teen feel more grounded, hopeful, and capable.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, reach out today. At Thrive Therapy Studio, our compassionate therapists are here to support teens and families every step of the way. 💛
Sign up for our professional newsletter today!
To stay in the loop on the services offered and to receive updated information about Thrive, please feel free to sign up for the newsletter
Reach out to start
your healing journey