Supporting Adolescents in Family Therapy

Dr. Joseph Kenan has practiced psychopharmacology at his private practice in San Francisco for nearly two decades. Dr. Joseph Kenan holds a medical degree in child, adult, and forensic psychiatry and has held numerous board roles with the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry, an organization that certifies mental health professionals in therapeutic techniques specifically geared toward adolescent patients.

For adolescents managing serious mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression, family therapy can be an effective strategy for including parents and other family members in their recovery. However, this setting can also be fraught with issues, as parents may feel distraught, overwhelmed, or even guilty about their children’s condition. Skilled family therapists work with families to help them refrain from finger-pointing and instead view each other as a source of support.

Since family dynamics change considerably during the adolescent period as children become more experimental and independent, family therapy can help families improve their communication, reduce conflict, and restore harmony. If the adolescent is engaging in severe behaviors, such as substance use, running away, or skipping school, a family therapist can assist parents in identifying and addressing the underlying emotional needs fueling these behaviors.