Online Counseling for Teens in New Jersey
Online counseling for teens
| in New Jersey |
If you have concerns about your adolescent’s mental health and are searching for online counseling for teens, Mind By Design in NJ offers specialized services for teens and pre-teens, ages 12+. Teen years can be challenging for families, and the WHO reports that 1 in 7 10-19 year olds experience a mental health challenge. Consequently, teens who experience physical, emotional, and social changes during the formative years are most vulnerable to mental health issues. Our online counseling for teens offers creative interventions to keep your child engaged and supported as they navigate adolescence.
What is
Online Counseling for teens?
Online counseling for teens in New Jersey is available with Mind by Design’s treatment options. Our online therapists empower children, teens and families through therapeutic techniques to accomplish specific goals. In addition, it is a collaborative effort by both the teen and the therapist to develop a trusting relationship to deal with challenges together. As a result, teens who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other conditions can work toward mental well-being without feeling the anxiety often associated with clinic-settings.
Online counseling for teens in New Jersey provides therapy, lifestyle skills, and personal growth activities to improve well-being. First, an assessment is performed to determine problem areas and establish goals for the treatment. Secondly, the first few sessions can decide if the relationship matches and if counseling can continue. Lastly, therapy options and a treatment schedule are determined.
Some teens need to know what it takes to establish mental well-being. Unfortunately, many adults are in the same situation. However, healthy social and emotional habits can only be developed with education. Therefore, counseling can teach essential lifestyle factors to establish mental well-being.
The following habits are needed for well-being:
- Healthy eating and sleeping habits
- Regular exercise
- Positive and healthy coping mechanisms
- Healthy problem-solving skills
- Positive and healthy interpersonal skills
- Beneficial management of emotions and feelings
Request an Appointment
Common Adolescent Mental Health Challenges
Understanding the common disorders associated with teens and children will help parents identify a problem. Subsequently, searching for counseling may begin after identifying common psychological and behavioral factors. However, if no action is taken, this could affect the teen’s chances of a fulfilling life as an adult. Therefore, treating mental health is just as vital as physical health. Here are some common disorders teens and children face:
According to The World Health Organization, depression, and anxiety disorders are common in adolescents and children aged ten to nineteen and present with unexpected mood changes. Furthermore, social withdrawal and school issues can cause an escalation in isolating behaviors. Finally, the most frightening aspect of emotional disorders is that depression can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Click here for Info On Our Therapy for Anxiety
Behavioral disorders present in younger teens and children, such as conduct disorders and ADHD. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD are difficulty focusing, excessive activity, and acting out without care for consequences. Therefore, counseling for children in New Jersey between the ages of ten and fourteen can address a behavioral disorder before it affects their schoolwork. Lastly, not addressing behavior disorders in children or teens may result in later criminal behavior.
Anorexia and bulimia commonly emerge in adolescence and early adulthood. First, a preoccupation with controlling food intake often evolves over concerns about body weight and shape. Secondly, a grave concern is that these dangerous disorders can lead to medical complications, premature death, and suicide. Lastly, counseling for teens in New Jersey can prove successful when initiated as soon as possible.
Hallucinations or delusions primarily begin late in adolescence or young adulthood. Therefore, psychosis can severely impair lifestyle factors such as education and occupation. Therefore, treatment is imperative to control the frightening symptoms.
Behaviors indicating a possibility of suicide cannot be taken lightly because suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in older adolescents. In addition, risk factors for suicide can include substance abuse, abuse in childhood, stigma against asking for help, and barriers to care. Subsequently, counseling for teens in New Jersey can help to determine contributing factors to this behavior through individual therapy.
Risky behavior can be a negative coping mechanism for emotional difficulties. For example, substance abuse is prevalent in teens at high percentages, and sexual risk-taking begins earlier than ever. In addition, cigarette smoking, vaping, and smoking cannabis can cause mental and physical deterioration. Lastly, physical and psychological violence is threatening our children and teens at earlier ages.
Types of Online Counseling for
teens in New Jersey
Online counseling for teens in New Jersey can replace negative behaviors, thinking, and coping mechanisms with positive and healthy factors. Fortunately, evidence-based therapies successfully treat mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and relationship dysfunctions. Finally, a combination of treatments can be introduced to treat different issues.
Therapy can increase self-esteem, confidence and build a strong foundation for mental and physical well-being. In addition, therapy builds a strong foundation for future happiness. Options for treatment can include one or all of the following:
Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual Reality Therapy incorporates new technology, including a computer-generated simulation that explores new coping mechanisms to trigger situations in a safe environment.
Expressive Art Therapy
Alternative Therapy offers art and play therapy for teens to use as helpful supports in therapy. The use of play, art and creativity allows for the therapeutic environment to feel calm an comfortable while fostering progress towards therapy goals.
Grief Therapy
Grief Therapy offers techniques and therapies to process loss, grief, or change. Experienced therapists specializing in grief counseling can help children and teens learn new healthy coping mechanisms to deal with their emotions and feelings. Visit Or Grief Counseling Page Here
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for teens helps to identify the causes of anxiety or depression and how to change thoughts in behaviors to resolve the issues.
How Social Media May Impact
your teen or pre-teen
Adolescents are experiencing a higher level of vulnerability in our technologically advanced society. Social media and societal changes are partially responsible for a rise in social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, school problems, risky behaviors, and human rights violations. Unfortunately, mental health conditions could develop without counseling for children in New Jersey. Finally, parents must recognize how vulnerable their children and teens are to mental health damage.
If social media is damaging your teen’s mental health or self-esteem, we encourage you to call ad learn more about online counseling for teens.
Meet the Providers
Marilyn Defalco, LCSW
Since 2016, Marilyn has been providing clinical services to families, adolescents and adults struggling with trauma, abuse, substance use and gender identity. Marilyn has extensive training and experience in trauma-informed care. As an online therapist, Marilyn primarily works with adolescents, individuals of the LGBTQ community and individuals struggling with PTSD, Trauma and Mood Disorders.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
- LGBTQ+ Wellness
- Trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Depression
Credentials & Certifications
- 2019: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NJ
- 2018: New Jersey Certified Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate, Girls Circle Facilitator Certification
- 2016: School Social Worker Standard Certificate, Kean University, NJ, Licensed Social Worker, NJ, Masters of Social Work, Kean University, NJ
- Bachelors of Psychology & Sociology, William Paterson University, NJ
Research & Publications
- FDU News: New multicultural sorority promotes sexual assault awareness
- Virginia.Gov: Lessons on Serving Male Survivors Through Sexual Assault Services Program
Kristin Justice, LAC
Kristin D. Justice is a Licensed Associate Counselor and an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University. Moreover, she is an experienced counselor, educator and public speaker. Since graduating with her masters, Kristin’s clinical work has focused on empowering women, working directly with children and families experience mental health crises, and providing individual and group therapy. As an online therapist, Kristin focuses on treating individuals struggling with stress, grief and life transitions.
Furthermore, her research includes a focus on the underutilization of mental health services in minority communities, outreach and service to those communities in therapeutic settings, and the role that spirituality plays in minority mental health, social justice and counseling. Lastly, Kristin’s approach to mental health begins with compassion and education, leading to healthy, fulfilling personal transformation.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions
- Depression
- Stress & Anxiety
Credentials & Certifications
- 2021: Adjunct Professor, Monmouth University (NJ)
- 2020: Nationally Certified Counselor (NJ), Licensed Associate Counselor(NJ). Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- 2012: Masters in Psychology
- 2009: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & African American Studies
Research & Publications
- Justice, Kristin. (2012) Black Clergy’s Response To Congregants Mental Health Issues. M.A.,Kean University, ProQuest, UMI Dissertations Publishing
- 2022.“Mastering the Art of Self Love and Knowing your Worth”. Bermuda’s Women’s Resource Centre & A.M.E.
- 2021. “Surviving Covid-19 & The Holiday Blues”. Agape Family Worship Center
- 2021. “Mental Health Symposium- Coping with your Mental health”. National Association of University Women- North Jersey Branch
- 2020. “Mental Health & Holiday Blues”. Bethel AME Development Corporation
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
Rebecca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Founder of Mind by Design Counseling. As an online therapist, Rebecca focuses her clinical work on the treatment of Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Panic Disorder & Phobias. In addition to the services of a traditional online therapist, Rebecca also provides Ketamine Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy, is a Certified Anxiety Treatment Specialist, & Clinical Supervisor. Rebecca’s passion lies in providing innovative and progressive treatment to individuals and families.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
- Phobias
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- *Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
- *Virtual Reality Therapy
Credentials & Certifications
- 2023: Clinical Supervisor (NJ). Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist (Journey Clinical)
- 2021: Completion of Seminar: Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety & Phobias
- 2020: Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Provider, Perinatal & Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Specialist
- 2019: New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Rutgers University, NJ
- 2018: SIFI Certification, Seton Hall University, NJ
- 2016 Masters of Social Work, Kean University, NJ
- 2012 Bachelors Degree in Psychology & Fine Arts, Kean University, NJ
Research & Publications
- Corporatism & Big Pharma. Ethical Human Psychology & Psychiatry, 18(1), 36-47. doi:10.1891/1559-4343.18.1.36
- Practice of the Practice Podcast with Joe Sanok
Episode 776, Episode 738 - Therapist Next Door Podcast
Episode 42, Episode 43
Through these applications, social media can cause changes in friendships, relationships, and self-esteem. In addition, stress, anxiety, and sadness can escalate through bullying behaviors on these platforms. Furthermore, social media can project the illusion of perfection in many posts. Finally, a sense of disconnection can occur with low self-esteem, lack of acceptance on social media posts, and cause fear of missing out on important events, isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Therapy can address the problems social media causes in your teen’s life. For example, social media limits can help control some adverse effects. Additionally, online therapy for teens can teach healthy coping mechanisms and relationship behaviors. Finally, learning how to instill self-acceptance through counseling will help to practice self-love.
Signs & Symptoms:
When is it time for counseling for teens?
Adolescents are experiencing more than physical changes during their teen years. Early detection and treatment are imperative to address the signs and symptoms of a problem. If you can identify your teen’s signs and symptoms, consider teen therapy in New Jersey.
- Angry, irritable, and impulsive
- Worried, anxious and depressed, or sad
- Stomach issues and changes in eating habits
- Inconsistent sleeping habits
- Gender identity
- Difficulties at school or test anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Family dysfunction or divorce
- No interest in activities usually enjoyed
- Social interactions cause anxiety
- No focus or concentration
- Excessive perfectionism or OCD
- Educational transitions
Parents who recognize the signs and symptoms of a problem may be able to address it with their teens. However, realizing that some teens may resist and refuse to see a professional is essential. Mind By Design Counseling offers specialized online therapy for teens, see if one of our specialized therapist is a good match. After a few sessions, and over time, the teen could trust their therapist.
Benefits of online Counseling for
Teens in New Jersey
The benefits of online counseling for teens in New Jersey are innumerable. For example, adolescents and children experience many mental health disorders. In addition, individual therapy can help address the symptoms of depression or anxiety and teach techniques to address them. Subsequently, some mental health disorders, such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, have severe symptoms that disrupt one’s ability to live a happy, fulfilled life. Finally, evidence-based therapies have been proven successful with many mental health disorders.
Moving in another direction, counseling for children can address traumatic events, dysfunctional family relationships, forms of abuse, and bullying. First, these factors adversely affect children and teens, and need professional help to process strong emotions and feelings. Secondly, strong emotions can be buried without therapy and cause behavioral issues later in life. Most importantly, adolescents are acquiring habits they will carry with them for a lifetime so that counseling can set them up for a happier and more fulfilling life.
Find The right Counselor for Your Teen
Counseling for children and teens is imperative when there is a psychological or mental health concern. But parents are often trying to figure out what to do to help or how to decide what option is best. However, Mind By Design Counseling in New Jersey offers trained therapists who can work with you through an assessment and provide online treatment for your child or teen. You can contact us online with an inquiry or by phone to move forward to see if it’s a good match for everyone.
Request an Appointment
Get In Touch With
An Online Therapist Today!
Call Today To Get Started
Are you ready to take the next steps to speak with our online therapist? Call us now at 609-300-6481 to get an appointment scheduled.
Get In Touch Through Email
Reach out through email and our client care coordinator will get back with you to get an appointment schedule. Get started today.
New Client Inquiry Form
Are you new here? If you are looking for more information or ready to schedule an appointment, fill out our new client inquiry form.