About teenagers
Adolescence brings changes in identity, relationships and emotions. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships or school pressure, with the involvement of the family when appropriate.
Speech and language therapists assess and treat difficulties with language, speech, voice, swallowing and communication in children and adults.
Getting mental health care in St. Helena
Public health system · St Helena Government Health and Social Care, Community Mental Health Team
The Community Mental Health Team at St Johns Villa, Jamestown, supports all age groups, from talking therapies to crisis and inpatient care. You can self-refer by phone, email or in person; routine referrals aim for an appointment within two weeks. Psychologists, therapists and a visiting consultant psychiatrist provide remote support; fees follow the government Schedule of Fees. More information
Urgent help in St. Helena
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 999 · Emergency services (St Helena and Ascension)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: sainthelena.gov.sh, sainthelena.gov.sh
Signs to look out for
Mood swings, wanting more privacy and clashes with parents are part of adolescence. It may be time to seek help when a teenager seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable, withdraws from friends, loses interest in activities, has big changes in sleep or eating, drops in school performance, uses alcohol or drugs, self-harms, or spends most of their time isolated online.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Approaches with good evidence for teenagers include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy for depression, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adapted for adolescents when there is self-harm, and family-based therapies. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists usually lead the work; a child and adolescent psychiatrist may be involved when symptoms are severe or medication is being considered.
When to seek urgent help
Take any talk of suicide or self-harm seriously. If a teenager has a plan, has harmed themselves seriously, has taken an overdose or is in danger, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek urgent help too for signs of severe intoxication, sexual exploitation or online extortion, and do not leave them alone if at risk.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep communication open by listening more than lecturing, and choose relaxed moments, such as car journeys or meals, to talk. Respect their growing independence while keeping clear, agreed limits. Encourage sleep routines, physical activity and time away from screens. Show interest in their friends and activities. If they are reluctant to seek help, offer options and let them have a say in choosing.
What does a speech therapist do?
A speech therapist assesses and treats difficulties with communication, language, speech, voice, fluency and swallowing. Day to day they might help a toddler say their first words, a child with stuttering or reading-related language problems, an adult recovering language after a stroke, a teacher with voice strain, or an older person with swallowing difficulties. They also guide families, teachers and carers.
When to see a speech therapist
Consider a speech therapist if a child’s speech or language seems delayed or hard to understand, if there is stuttering, persistent hoarseness or voice loss, difficulty finding words after a neurological event, or coughing and choking when eating. Sudden loss of speech or swallowing needs urgent medical attention first. For learning difficulties beyond language, an educational psychologist may also help.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in St. Helena cover psychological care?
The Community Mental Health Team at St Johns Villa, Jamestown, supports all age groups, from talking therapies to crisis and inpatient care. You can self-refer by phone, email or in person; routine referrals aim for an appointment within two weeks. Psychologists, therapists and a visiting consultant psychiatrist provide remote support; fees follow the government Schedule of Fees.