Adolescent Evaluations and Treatment

Families may seek evaluation and care for their teenagers for a variety of reasons including struggles with emotions, relationships or academics. While adolescents rely on their families, they also seek independence, autonomy, and privacy. They may face challenges with identity, peer relationships, sexuality, body image, self-esteem, life priorities, and independence. Adolescence is a time of significant change and growth but also great vulnerability, with about half of all lifetime mental health disorders emerging during this period.

  • Common Concerns

    What’s going on with my teen?

    Is it normal moodiness or Depression?

    What should I do if my kid is smoking pot and drinking?

    How can I best support my teen?

    Does my child need further testing or assessments?

    Does my teen need treatment? If so, what kind?

    Does our family need treatment? 

  • What To Expect

    The initial evaluation entails meeting with parents/caregivers with or without the adolescent and an individual meeting with the adolescent only.

    Information is gathered regarding the child and family’s psychiatric and psychosocial history

    Prior records and testing are reviewed

    If helpful, information from other sources like teachers is gathered

    Labs/biochemical profile can be helpful

    Treatment recommendations discussed with the patient and family

  • Provided Care

    Individual therapy: The goal of therapy is to enhance a teen’s sense of self-competence and self-worth through emotion regulation and problem solving skills.

    Family Therapy: Family therapy can help repair and heal relationships, improve communication and address challenging home dynamics.

    Other types of therapies: If appropriate, Dr. Court may refer to other specialized resources (such as educational therapy, social skills group, substance use treatment).

    Medications: Medications can be one of the many helpful tools.

    Nutrient therapy: Click here to learn more

Why mental health care is important

Teenagers are navigating an extraordinary amount of pressures. Many times, they don’t go to their families for help and turn instead to peers or social media (or nobody) for support.  Adolescents can benefit from a safe, confidential relationship with a knowledgeable professional to help problem-solve. 

Adolescents are also about to transition from a world where others advocate for them to a world of self advocacy.  A successful transition requires learning important self-regulation, communication and problem solving skills. This is even more imperative if the individual is also learning to manage significant mental health challenges.