Back-to-School Success: Supporting Teens with Mental Health Challenges

Jason Drake, LCSW, BCN Associate Fellow, EMDR Trained
Aug 4
5 min read

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The back-to-school season can be overwhelming for any teenager, but for those struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, returning to the classroom presents unique obstacles.

Parents often find themselves wondering how to best support their teen who faces depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other conditions challenges during this critical transition period.

If your teen has struggled with emotional or behavioral challenges, you're not alone. Research shows that approximately 32% of teenagers experience anxiety disorders, while nearly 13% face major depressive episodes.

The good news is that with the right strategies and support, your teen can have a successful school year.

Preparing Your Teen Before School Starts

Early preparation makes a significant difference in your teen's adjustment to the new school year. Start conversations about school at least two weeks before classes begin. Ask your teen about their specific concerns and validate their feelings without immediately jumping to solutions.

For teens with teen anxiety, visiting the school campus before the first day can reduce uncertainty. Walk through their schedule, locate classrooms, and identify safe spaces where they can go if feeling overwhelmed.

If your teen takes medication for ADHD, schedule a check-in with their healthcare provider to ensure dosages are appropriate for the increased demands of the school environment.

Building Communication with School Staff

Establishing open communication with your teen's teachers, counselors, and administrators creates a support network that extends beyond home. Share relevant information about your teen's mental health needs while respecting their privacy and autonomy.

Many students benefit from accommodations such as extended test time, frequent breaks, or the ability to leave class if anxiety becomes overwhelming. Work with school counselors to develop a 504 plan or IEP if appropriate for your teen's needs.

For teens dealing with teen depression, inform key staff members about warning signs to watch for, such as social withdrawal, declining grades, or changes in behavior patterns.

Creating Structure and Routines at Home

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Teens with mental health challenges often thrive with predictable routines. Establish consistent sleep schedules, meal times, and homework periods. This structure provides stability that can reduce anxiety and improve focus for teens with ADHD.

Create a designated homework space free from distractions. For teens with attention difficulties, this might mean a quiet room with minimal visual stimuli. For those with anxiety, ensure this space feels safe and comfortable.

Build in regular check-ins with your teen about their school day. Rather than asking "How was school?" try more specific questions like "What was the best part of your day?" or "Did anything feel challenging today?"

Recognizing When Professional Help is Needed

While parental support is crucial, sometimes professional intervention becomes necessary. Watch for persistent changes in your teen's mood, behavior, academic performance, or social interactions.

Signs that indicate it's time to seek professional help include:

Significant changes in sleep or appetite patterns
Withdrawal from friends and family
Declining grades despite effort
Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
Physical complaints without medical cause
Talk of self-harm or hopelessness

Specialists in teen counseling in Katy, Texas can provide evidence-based treatments specifically designed for teens facing mental health challenges.

Building Your Teen's Coping Skills

Teaching your teen practical coping strategies empowers them to manage difficult moments independently. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness techniques can be particularly effective for managing anxiety.

For teens with ADHD, organizational tools like planners, phone apps, or color-coded systems can help manage academic demands. Work together to find systems that match your teen's learning style and preferences.

Encourage your teen to identify trusted adults at school they can turn to when struggling. This might include a favorite teacher, school counselor, or coach who understands their challenges.

The Path Forward

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Supporting a teen with emotional or behavioral challenges requires patience, understanding, and often professional guidance. The transition back to school doesn't have to be overwhelming when you have the right strategies and support systems in place.

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, our specialists understand the unique challenges teens face and provide evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual's needs.

Your teen's mental health journey is unique, and with proper support, they can develop the skills and resilience needed for academic and personal success. Take the first step by reaching out to our counselors who specialize in teen counseling.

Take the First Step

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD or another emotional challenges, there is hope. Our teen counseling specialists have 70+ years of combined experience in counseling teens and families.

Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling today to learn more about how we can help you create a brighter, healthier future for your child.

To begin your counseling journey at Katy Teen & Family Counseling, follow these simple steps:

Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling to schedule an appointment.
Meet with one of our caring specialists for an initial session.
Begin the path towards removing barriers and achieving a fulfilling life.

Other Therapy and Counseling Services Offered at Katy Teen & Family Counseling

At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we also provide marriage counseling and couples therapy. Along with marriage counseling and couples therapy, we also provide a variety of other therapy approaches that are supported by research and shown to be effective. Some of the other counseling approaches we offer are below:

Board Certified Neurofeedback Therapy

Anxiety counseling

Anxiety/Panic attacks

Neurofeedback for ADHD/ADD

Peak performance (optimal academic brain performance)

Peak performance (optimal athletic brain performance)

Therapy for depression

Therapy for trauma

PTSD counseling

Body Image

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy for trauma

PTSD counseling

Therapy for anxiety

Anxiety/Panic attacks

Therapy for depression

About the Author

A man with a beard, glasses, wearing a pink polo shirt sitting at a desk with one arm on the desk and the other elbow on the desk, his chin wresting on his fist and he is smiling. This represents the need for parent counseling katy, tx and a teen counselor houston, tx. This also represents the need for neurofeedback therapy katy, tx and therapy and neurofeedback in katy, tx 77494.

Jason Drake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor (LCSW-S), Board Certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR trained, and a Certified Brain Health Professional through the Amen Clinics.

He has provided therapy to teens, young adults, and families since 2003 and is the Owner & Lead Clinician at Katy Counseling for Men, & Katy Teen & Family Counseling.

He specializes in leading teams of high performing therapists who also specialize in teen therapy, counseling young adults, and family counseling.

Jason is also a leader in the field of teen, young adult, and family counseling and has provided expert coaching and technical assistance to teen Residential Treatment Centers across the country.

Jason is also a regular contributor to various magazines and publications lending his expertise to various mental health related topics. You can check these articles out on our "Featured Articles" service page on our website.

He has also been a guest on Fox 26 Houston and on the podcasts, "Grow a Group Practice" with Alison Pidgeon, "Let's Talk With Jennifer B", and the "Marketing Matters" podcast with Ashley Brock.