Teen Mental Health
When to Seek Psychiatric Help for Your Teen
By Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Key Takeaways
- Seek help when changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or functioning persist for two weeks or more and interfere with daily life.
- A drop in grades, withdrawal, and loss of interest are common reasons to get an evaluation.
- Any talk of self-harm or hopelessness is an emergency — call or text 988 or 911.
- You don’t need to wait for a crisis; earlier support leads to better outcomes.
Many parents wonder whether what they’re seeing is “just a phase” or something more. A good rule of thumb: if a change in your teen persists for two weeks or more and gets in the way of daily life, it’s worth an evaluation.
Signs it’s time to seek help
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or withdrawal (two weeks or more)
- A noticeable drop in grades, focus, or motivation
- Loss of interest in friends or activities they used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Anxiety that interferes with school or friendships
- Talk of hopelessness, self-harm, or feeling like a burden (emergency)
- Substance use as a way to cope
What’s an emergency vs. what can wait for an appointment
Emergency (act now): any mention of suicide, self-harm, or a plan to hurt themselves — call or text 988 or 911, or go to the nearest ER. Worth an appointment soon: persistent mood or behavior changes, declining school performance, or anxiety that’s limiting your teen’s life.
Why earlier is better
You don’t have to wait until things reach a crisis. Getting an evaluation early — when you first notice a persistent change — often leads to simpler, more effective care and prevents small struggles from becoming bigger ones.
What a first appointment looks like
A comprehensive, unhurried intake with a parent involved: reviewing your teen’s history, current symptoms, sleep, and stressors to build a whole-person picture. From there, Dr. Forbes builds a collaborative plan. It’s available by secure telehealth.
Common Questions
How do I know if it’s just a phase?
If the change persists for two weeks or more and interferes with school, sleep, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s more than a phase and worth an evaluation.
What do I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room, for any talk of self-harm or suicide.
Do I need a referral?
No. Willow & Stone is a cash-pay practice — no referral or prior authorization needed. You can book directly.
Sources & Further Reading
Explore Related Care
Learn how Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, approaches Teen & Adolescent Psychiatry at Willow & Stone — integrative, cash-pay telehealth care. Book a consultation →
Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Willow & Stone Integrative Mental Health. Nearly two decades of clinical experience; integrative, root-cause psychiatry via telehealth. Licensed in Texas & New Mexico.
About Dr. Forbes →