WAVELENGTHS PSYCHOLOGY
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Depression doesn't have to feel alone

                         Psychotherapy for Teens with Depression                        
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Is My Teen Depressed?

While occasional bad moods, mood swings, isolating or acting out behaviors are to be expected during the teenage years, depression is something different.  Depression causes  an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.  Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to get them the help they need. But that isn’t always easy. For one, teens with depression may have difficulty talking with adults about their feelings.  In addition, teens with depression don’t necessarily appear sad. Instead, irritability, anger, and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms.  Many unhealthy or rebellious behaviors in teenagers may actually be signs of depression.  Teen depression may present on its own or be associated with other problems, such as anxiety, school difficulties, social issues, eating disorders, or self-injury.

Assessment and Treatment

Many symptoms of teen depression are also common in teens without depression.  Assessment of depression is an evidence-based process that considers the number and severity of the symptoms, as well as how long they have been occurring for.  Treatment and diagnosis of depression that occurs during teen years is critical to long lasting health outcomes. 

Depression can cause tremendous difficulty for your teen and disrupt everyday family life.  It is often triggered by one or more major stressors, such as social or academic pressures, loss of a relationship or friendship, significant life change, a frightening or traumatic experience, identity or body image concerns, etc. 

Stress has physiological consequences. It triggers a chain of chemical reactions and responses in the body. If the stress is short-lived, the body usually returns to normal. But when stress is chronic or the system gets stuck in overdrive, changes in the body and brain can be long-lasting.  Over time, it reaches a point where a teen is not able to "pull herself together" or "change his attitude."  Parental support and understanding is essential to treatment. If your teen has entered into a clinical depression, it is not your fault or theirs. 
There are plenty of things you an do to start helping your child feel better.  The first step in treating adolescent clients involves an evidence-based process for diagnosing their condition.  This may begin with a parent meeting or with a meeting for parents and the teen together.  We prioritize their safety, and if symptoms of self-harm or suicidality are present we will complete a safety plan to help keep your teen healthy during the treatment process.  Psychotherapy typically takes place weekly and is a well documented treatment for depression, but some teens may benefit from consultation regarding medication as well. 

Psychotherapy with teens involves a layer of privacy to help the teen feel safe about sharing details with their therapist without fear of that information being received by the parent.  The boundaries that we set will be discussed and agreed on as a group when we meet for our first session.  As therapy progresses, we will work with your child to not only cope with and reduce negative feelings, but to introduce positive life skills and increase communication and social support.  Our philosophy is that happiness is not just the absence of sadness, but the discovery of inspiration, hope, and a new way of approaching problems.  
What are some of the Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Teens?

Sadness or hopelessness
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Frequent conflict with family members
Low self esteem
Crying or often tearful

Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Loneliness
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Smart phone or video game addiction
Poor school performance
Frequent absences
Skipping classes
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Unexplained aches and pains
Drug and alcohol use
Running away
Thoughts of death or suicide
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Learn more about the services we offer:

Counseling for anxiety in Garden City New York
Counseling for depression in Massapequa New York
Counseling for Stress Management in Massapequa New York
Therapy and counseling for adults in Garden City New York
Counseling for Executive Burnout in Garden City New York
Woman getting counseling at Wavelengths psychology in Massapequa
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Therapy for stay at home mom with anxiety in Massapequa New York
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Neurofeedback in Garden City New York
Therapy and counseling for teenagers in Massapequa New York
Teenager getting therapy for anxiety in Massapequa New York
Depression teenager getting counseling at Wavelengths Psychology in Massapequa
child therapy in massapequa new york
Children gettting counseling for ADHD in Massapequa New York

Wavelengths Psychology 

Good Faith Estimates
​

As of January 1, 2022,all healthcare providers are required to provide estimates for the cost of care for all clients not utilizing health insurance.  The Good Faith Estimate shows the cost of any items and services that are reasonably expected for your healthcare needs and treatment.  This will be provided by the office upon scheduling and/or as requested.  This Good Faith estimate does not include unexpected costs that could arise during treatment.  Learn more here.

Click here for our Notice of Privacy Practices
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Information contained on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing on this site is intended nor should be taken as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website for self-diagnosing yourself- treating any health problem or disease, or self-prescribing any medication or other treatment.

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  • Home
  • Services
    • Neurofeedback
    • Psychological Assessment
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Therapy for Adults >
      • Women Focused
      • Work-Life Balance
      • Stay at home Moms
      • Stress and Burnout
      • Executive Burnout
    • Therapy for Teens >
      • Depression and Teens
      • Anxiety and Teens
    • Therapy for Children >
      • ADHD and Children
    • LGBTQ+
  • Providers
  • Groups
    • Sunshine and Stories Book Club
    • Motherhood Together Postpartum Support Group
    • Dungeons and Dragons Group
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Login
  • Employment Opportunities
    • Therapist Openings
    • Post-Doctoral Fellowship
    • Externships and Internships