Family and Healing Friday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
Family and Healing Friday Mental Health Support for Teens
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Adolescence can feel like a roller coaster—intense emotions, shifting identities, academic pressure, social stress, and the growing desire for independence. For many teens, it can be overwhelming. That’s where mental health support for teens becomes a lifeline—not just for crisis moments, but to help build emotional resilience and healthier relationships.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we create a warm, judgment-free space where teens can show up exactly as they are. Our therapy dogs, like Sadie, offer comforting companionship that helps young people open up and feel less alone.
How Mental Health Support for Teens Builds Emotional Safety
Talking to adults—especially therapists—can be intimidating for teens. But mental health support doesn’t have to be stiff or clinical. At AACI, our sessions feel more like a conversation—with a big, furry friend nearby to offer comfort and calm.
Therapy dogs help teens lower their guard. Petting a dog releases oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone). This calming effect makes it easier to process emotions, reflect, and engage in meaningful change.
Signs Your Teen May Benefit from Mental Health Support
Every teen is different, but here are some common signs that therapy might help:
Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
Withdrawing from friends or family
Excessive worry, fear, or irritability
Declining academic performance
Low self-esteem or negative self-talk
Difficulty managing stress or emotions
Talking about feeling hopeless or alone
These signs aren’t about failure—they’re signals. With the right support, your teen can learn to manage these challenges and thrive.
💡 Explore more on teen mental health: NAMI – Mental Health Conditions in Teens
What Teen Therapy Looks Like at AACI
Our approach is always client-centered and supportive. That means we don’t come in with assumptions—we listen. Whether it’s talking, drawing, sitting in silence, or cuddling up with Sadie, every session is shaped by what the teen needs.
A typical session may include:
Coping skills for anxiety and depression
Social confidence and relationship support
Journaling, art, or mindfulness exercises
Working through life transitions (breakups, grief, school stress)
No two teens are alike, so no two sessions look the same.
🌱 Learn how to support your teen’s mental wellness: Mental Health America – For Parents of Teens
Let Your Teen Take the First Step—With Support
Mental health support for teens isn’t about “fixing” them. It’s about helping them feel safe, supported, and empowered. When teens are heard and valued, healing begins.
Whether your teen is anxious, withdrawn, or just needing someone to talk to, AACI is here. And sometimes, the gentle presence of a therapy dog like Sadie can make all the difference.
Want to help your teen feel more supported?
👉 Contact us to schedule a teen therapy session with AACI.