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.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in the United States
Public health system · No single public system (Medicaid, Medicare, community mental health centers)
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards). Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Federal parity law (MHPAEA) requires most group health plans that cover mental health to do so on terms no more restrictive than for physical health; deductibles, copays and in-network rules still apply.
Online therapy in the United States
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.
Urgent help in the United States
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
- 988 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: findtreatment.gov, docinfo.org
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 psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
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 the United States cover psychological care?
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in the United States?
State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards): Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history.
Can I have online therapy in the United States?
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.