Tiffanie Williams-Brooks MA, LPC-S
Director of Children and Adolescent Services
When my son was a teenager, I remember constantly reminding myself that each phase was just that, a phase. He is now 21 years old, and while those years are behind us, the memories remain vivid. I remember the late-night worries, the conversations that felt easy one moment and impossible the next, and the constant balancing act of wanting to protect him while also preparing him for the world. Being a parent to a teen is humbling. It stretches your patience, your heart, and your understanding of what it truly means to show up for someone you love.
Today, I don’t just reflect on my experiences as a parent, I also reflect on the countless families I have worked with over the years. As the Director of Children and Adolescent Services, I have had the privilege of walking alongside families as they navigate some of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Their stories stay with me. They remind me that while every teen’s journey is unique, many of the struggles’ families face are deeply shared.
One of the most common concerns families raise are relationships, friendships, dating, peer pressure, and the emotional weight that comes with them. For teens, relationships are not “small things.” They shape identity, self-worth, and how young people learn to trust others and themselves. A breakup, a betrayal, or feeling excluded can feel devastating, even if adults see it differently. What may look like drama on the surface is often a teen’s genuine attempt to understand connection, belonging, and love.
Mental health is woven into all of this. Adolescence is already a time of rapid emotional, cognitive, and physical change. When you layer in today’s realities—social media, political tension, financial stress, and an uncertain future—it’s no wonder so many teens feel overwhelmed. Many of the families I work with describe teens who feel anxious, irritable, withdrawn, or constantly “on edge.” Others talk about sadness, low motivation, or difficulty trusting people after repeated disappointments in relationships.
Social media deserves special attention. Teens are growing up in a world where relationships are not just lived; they are documented, compared, and sometimes criticized publicly. Conflicts that once stayed within a small circle can now follow a teen everywhere, 24/7. I have seen how social media intensifies heartbreak, jealousy, and self-doubt, while also making it harder for teens to disconnect and heal. For parents, this can feel overwhelming, especially if you didn’t grow up with these same pressures.
Families are also navigating these challenges during a time of real financial strain and social uncertainty. Many parents are juggling multiple jobs, rising costs, and concerns about safety, education, and the future. Teens sense this stress, even when adults try to shield them from it. In my work, I often see how family stress and teen stress feed into each other—everyone is doing their best, but everyone is tired.
So what do families need to know?
First, your presence matters more than having all the right answers. Teens may not always want advice, but they do need to know you are there, listening, and taking their feelings seriously. Simple statements like, “That sounds really hard,” or “Help me understand what this has been like for you,” can open doors that lectures often close.
Second, relationships are a powerful entry point for conversations about mental health. If your teens are struggling with friendships or dating, it’s often a signal to check in more deeply about how they are coping emotionally. Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behavior are worth paying attention to, even if your teen insists, they’re “fine.”
Third, you don’t have to do this alone. I see how much stronger families feel when they have support—whether through counseling, school-based services, community programs, or trusted adults outside the home. Seeking help is not a sign of failure; it is a sign of care and commitment.
Finally, give yourself grace as a parent. I say this both professionally and personally. Raising teens is not easy, and it is arguably more complex today than ever before. You are learning and adapting in real time, just like your teen. Mistakes will happen, conversations won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
Looking back on my own journey as a parent and reflecting on the many families I have had the honor of supporting, I am reminded of this truth: teens don’t need perfect parents or perfect systems. They need adults who are willing to stay engaged, stay curious, and stay connected—even when it’s uncomfortable.
If there is one thing I hope families take away, it’s this: relationships and mental health are deeply connected, and paying attention to both can make a lasting difference in a teen’s life. And while the world may feel heavier right now, teens are remarkably resilient when they know they are not facing it alone.
