Therapist in Berkeley Shares: 5 Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling More Than They Let On
Being a parent of a teenager in the Bay Area can feel like walking through fog: sometimes you can see what’s ahead, and sometimes you’re completely in the dark. As a therapist in Berkeley, I’ve worked with so many teens who seem “fine” on the outside—but under the surface, there’s a lot going on.
Whether you're seeing your teen withdraw, lash out, or just act “different,” you’re not alone in wondering: Is this just normal teen behavior… or is something deeper happening?
In this post, I’ll walk you through 5 subtle (but important) signs that your teen may be struggling more than they’re letting on—and how working with a teen therapist in Berkeley can help.
1. They're Always "Tired" or "Fine"—But Something Feels Off
You ask how their day was. "Fine." You suggest doing something together. "I’m tired."
At face value, these answers seem typical for teens. But if this becomes their constant mode of communication, it might be a red flag.
Many teens don’t have the language to express anxiety, sadness, or stress. Instead, they shut down, brush you off, or become experts at flying under the radar. If your once-chatty teen has become distant and flat, it may be time to dig a little deeper.
💡 As a teen therapist in Berkeley, I help teens explore the emotions they often hide from the adults in their lives—even from themselves.
2. They’re More Irritable Than Usual (And Everything Starts a Fight)
If your teen seems to be snapping more often—especially over small things—it might not just be attitude. Irritability can actually be a major sign of depression or anxiety in adolescents.
Stress at school, social pressure, identity exploration, and even world events can weigh heavily on teens. But instead of saying “I’m overwhelmed,” they yell, roll their eyes, or storm off.
Instead of just reacting to the behavior, it’s helpful to ask: What might be underneath this?
Therapy gives teens a safe space to untangle what’s really going on beneath the surface—and it gives parents support too.
3. They’ve Lost Interest in Things They Used to Love
Has your teen stopped playing an instrument, dropped out of a sport, or ditched a close friend group? While change is a natural part of adolescence, a sudden or total loss of interest might signal a deeper issue.
Teens who are struggling with depression or anxiety often lose motivation, joy, or purpose—even when it comes to things they used to love. You might hear phrases like:
"What’s the point?"
"I just don’t care anymore."
"Whatever."
As a Berkeley therapist who specializes in teen therapy, I work with young people to help them reconnect with parts of themselves they’ve lost touch with—and help parents make sense of these changes, too.
4. They’re Spending All Their Time Online—and It’s Not Just About Screen Time
Let’s be honest: all teens are online a lot. But when online time becomes a full-time escape—especially if it’s replacing sleep, meals, or IRL friendships—that’s worth paying attention to.
Scrolling, gaming, or binging can be ways teens avoid feelings they don’t know how to cope with. Therapy can offer tools to manage big emotions in healthier ways—without judgment or shame.
And if you’re feeling stuck around how to manage screen time and connection, parent counseling can help you set boundaries while building bridges with your teen.
5. You Just Feel Something Isn’t Right
Sometimes your gut just knows. Even if your teen is doing their homework, seeing friends, and not “acting out,” something feels off.
As a therapist, I’ve seen time and again how attuned parents are to subtle shifts. And I want to validate this: you don’t need to wait for a full-blown crisis to get support.
Teen therapy can be preventative. It’s a space to process, grow, and feel seen—before things reach a breaking point.
Therapy in Berkeley Isn’t About Fixing Your Teen—It’s About Supporting Them
Therapy for teens isn’t about “fixing” them or assuming something is broken. It’s about offering a safe, grounded space to explore emotions, identity, and relationships—with someone who isn’t a parent or teacher.
I specialize in working with teens in the Berkeley and East Bay area, helping them navigate:
Anxiety and overwhelm
School and academic pressure
Social struggles and bullying
Identity and self-esteem
Family dynamics
And yes—I work with parents, too. Through parent therapy, we can work together to strengthen your connection with your teen, improve communication, and create more calm in your home.
📞 Ready to Talk? Let’s Start With a Free 15-Minute Consultation
If something in this post resonated with you—and you’re wondering whether your teen could benefit from working with a therapist in Berkeley—I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk briefly about what’s going on and whether I’m a good fit. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation by clicking the button below. I’ll answer any questions and help you take the next step—whatever that may be.
You’re not alone in this. Support is here.
Therapist in Berkeley - Author Bio
Robyn Ganeles, LMFT, is a therapist in Berkeley specializing in anxiety, infertility, parenting, and adolescent mental health. With over 15 years of experience, she combines evidence-based practices with a warm, relational approach to help clients feel understood and empowered. Robyn is also a clinical supervisor at Seneca Family of Agencies and has presented at regional and national conferences on parenting, trauma, and school-based mental health. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology (USF), an MFA from Yale, and a BA from UC Berkeley.