April means Spring is upon us, it also marks the start of National Counseling Awareness Month. This month gives us the chance to recognize the beneficial impact that therapy and counseling can have on youth mental well-being. Mental health challenges are increasingly common among youth. However, when younger individuals are equipped with the right support, they can build resilience, develop coping strategies, and thrive. By raising mental health awareness and increasing access to therapy and counseling resources, we can help more young people get the care they need to succeed.
The Benefits of Therapy for Youth
The adolescent years are filled with new developments, pressures, and emotional challenges. Some children find themselves dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or life changes and that can feel very overwhelming and isolating. When these feelings emerge, therapy can provide a safe space for young people to express themselves, learn healthy coping strategies, and receive professional support.
Don’t just take our word for it. Research shows the many benefits of counseling for youth including:
- Early intervention matters. 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022)
- Studies show that counseling improves academic and social outcomes. Students who receive school-based mental health services show improved grades, attendance, and emotional regulation.
- Mental health support leads to long-term well-being. According to the World Health Organization, young people who receive counseling are more likely to develop strong coping skills, emotional resilience, and healthier relationships in adulthood.
By normalizing therapy and making it accessible, we empower youth to take charge of their well-being.
Making Counseling and Therapy More Accessible
Despite the very clear benefits of therapy, many young people face barriers to accessing care, including stigma, cost, and availability. That’s why organizations like Western Youth Services (WYS) work to remove these obstacles by providing community-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health services.
At WYS, we believe every young individual deserves access to the mental health support they need. Our programs help youth navigate life’s challenges by offering services including:
- School-Based Mental Health Services – Providing therapy in schools so students can easily access counseling.
- Individual and Family Counseling – Helping youth and families strengthen communication, coping skills, and emotional resilience.
- Trauma-Informed Care – Addressing past trauma in a safe, supportive environment.
- Community-Based Programs – Connecting youth with mentorship, peer support, and educational workshops.
We encourage families, educators, and community members to seek out mental health awareness initiatives and access counseling and therapy resources that can make a difference in a young person’s life.
How You Can Help
Supporting youth mental health is a community effort. Here’s different ways you can help:
- Normalize therapy. Talk openly about mental health and the benefits of therapy to reduce the stigma.
- Know the signs. If a young person is struggling, offer support and urge them to seek professional help.
- Share resources. Organizations like Western Youth Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (nami.org), and Mental Health America (mhanational.org) offer valuable information and support.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through counseling, youth can build confidence, develop resilience, and create a brighter future for themselves. If you or someone you know could benefit from therapy, help is available, and thriving is possible. For more information about Western Youth Services’ mental health programs, visit WYS’s website or call us today.
If your child or a young loved one is struggling with a mental health concern, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or to contact an Access Coordinator at Western Youth Services by sending an email to gethelp@westernyouthservices.org or by calling us toll-free at 888-312-0406.You can find Orange County, state, and national resources on our site here: https://www.westernyouthservices.org/resources/.
