What to Expect from Therapy for Military Teens
Teens from military families often struggle with their mental health. Research shows that around 43% of military youth have very poor, poor, or just ‘fair’ mental health, with 5% struggling with suicidal thoughts.1 So, when we say mental health support is vital for many teens in military families, we mean it!
But what is therapy like for teens in military families?
Therapy for military teens isn’t necessarily like therapy for civilian teens. Military teens tend to face unique issues, ranging from increased social anxiety to feelings of detachment from their parents, and often high levels of distress overall.2
Military youth counseling services are tailored to meet the needs of these children, which is why it’s important to find the right fit for military child mental health support.
Mission Prep has ample experience providing adolescent therapy that military families can trust. Our counselors are here to help guide teens and their families through the journey of mental health treatment for military teens.
Our guide below offers information on:
- Why is therapy important for military teens?
- Common mental health concerns in military youth
- Benefits of therapy for teenagers in military families
- Therapy options for military teens
- Preparing for therapy as a teen
Why Is Therapy Important for Military Teens?
Therapy for military teens can play a big role in shaping their lives for the better. Military teens face issues that other civilian teens often don’t, and that require special attention from a specifically-trained therapist.
For example, military teens are at higher risk of experiencing stress from things like school changes and relocation. These adolescents move, on average, three times more often than civilian teens, which can cause tensions at home and negatively impact their academic, social, and emotional growth.3
On top of the stress of constantly moving, military youth may also experience challenges with parental deployments and separations, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and even aggression.4 Combined with possible secondary PTSD from military parents (which can happen when a child hears about their loved one’s experiences), it can be difficult to find the right coping skills to move forward without professional help.
To make matters worse, there are many barriers to seeking mental health treatment for teens in the military, including:5
- Confidentiality concerns
- Negative stigma on mental health treatment
- Toxic positivity and the ethic of self-reliance
- Lack of perceived relevance
- Time and effort concerns
- Logistical concerns (such as travel, location, and availability of therapists)
- Financial concerns
While all of these issues can make therapy for military teens seem daunting, it’s important to recognize that they are not insurmountable. The therapy benefits for teenagers of military families, including giving them the tools to succeed and improve their mental health, far outweigh any of these barriers.
But before we go into what therapy for military teens may look like and the benefits it has, what is the impact of military life on teens? Let’s explore the common mental health concerns in military youth.
Common Mental Health Concerns in Military Youth
So, military youth are at a higher risk of struggling with mental health conditions. But which ones? Some of the mental health concerns military adolescents can face include the following:
Anxiety Disorders
Among military youth, 65% are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than their civilian counterparts.6 Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, such as:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD): Around 3% of teens have GAD, which is constant, excessive worry over everyday issues.7 When combined with the added stress of parental deployments, moves, and readjustment, GAD can quickly spiral out of control.
- Separation Anxiety: Military teens also often suffer from separation anxiety.1 While this issue isn’t unique to kids in military families, they are typically more susceptible to it because of the frequent and prolonged separations they must endure from deployments.
- Social Anxiety: Approximately 10% of US teens, including military youth, have social anxiety.8 Additionally, repeated reintegration for military kids can put them at higher risk of social problems.6 From having trouble making long-lasting friendships to feeling like an outsider in new environments, social anxiety can take a toll on military youth.
Mood Disorders
In addition to anxiety disorders, military youth are also at a high risk of mood disorders that can negatively impact their mental health. The challenges of military life, such as struggling to talk to their peers, a need to be positive or “strong” all the time, and worries about their parent, can all be associated with depression. It has also been shown to link to other serious issues like suicidal ideation in military teens.9
As a parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts and depression and get your child help as soon as possible through therapy for military teens, if necessary.
PTSD
Military teens are at risk of developing second-hand PTSD, also known as PTSD by proxy. This phenomenon has been well-documented in spouses and happens when a loved one or family member experiences trauma by hearing about their loved one’s trauma.10 This can also happen to military teens who have been exposed to traumatic events and those who have a parent with PTSD.
Some common symptoms of PTSD in military teens include:11
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Avoiding people or places that remind them of the event
- Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
- Aggressive behavior
- Impulsivity
- Clinginess
- Anxiety
Trauma therapy for military kids can include anything from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to talk therapy and medication. The type that’s best for a teen depends on their unique circumstances and preferences.
Adjustment Disorders
Stressful life events are almost hallmarks in a military teen’s life, and these incredibly scary events can lead to adjustment disorders.12 Adjustment disorders are mental health conditions triggered by experiencing a significant distressing event, such as the loss of a loved one, or severe school bullying. There are several different symptoms of adjustment disorder to be on the lookout for, including:12
- Acting defiant
- Showing impulsive behavior
- Acting nervous or tense
- Crying
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Social withdrawal
- Trembling or twitching
Military teens commonly experience adjustment disorders due to stressful issues like changes in peer relationships. When military kids have trouble adjusting to life changes, this can negatively impact their mood, self-esteem, behavior, and ability to adjust in other situations.13
Benefits of Therapy for Teenagers in Military Families
Early therapy for military teens can help save lives and drastically change a teen’s life for the better. Research shows that there are many benefits to starting teen mental health intervention early on, including:14
- Improving prognosis and long-term outcomes
- Minimizing the risk of mental health complications like substance abuse, self-harm, or other mental health conditions
- Improving social and emotional development, especially for teens
- Promoting family well-being
For military youth, who are more prone to issues like social and behavioral issues, the benefits of early intervention can’t be understated.
Finding the Right Fit: Your Therapy Options
One of the most important steps in getting your child help is finding a therapist who you can trust with your child’s mental health, and who your teen trusts, too. But how can you make the process easier? Here are some steps you can take.
Finding a Teen Therapist
When finding a therapist for your teen, the most important thing to consider is involving them. Teens who aren’t involved in the initial stages may be more reluctant to trust the therapist or make use of the support, which can make them feel more – rather than less – alone.
It’s also important to note that not all therapists are trained to support children and adolescents, so ensuring they have the relevant training is a must when finding a therapist to support your child. And it’s worth considering what the therapist specializes in. Find a therapist who provides the type of treatment your child might need, such as for anxiety or PTSD.
In addition, while all therapists should be using best practices, such as trauma-informed care, this isn’t always the case. Ask for references from your provider, confirmation of a therapist’s qualification, or turn to other military families for guidance. The best therapists will have good references from other military families, who can attest to their effectiveness in treating military-related issues.
And finally, before we move on to the next therapy option, confidentiality is a topic we can’t miss. Therapy between a teenager and their therapist is confidential, meaning that the therapist cannot ethically share what they speak to your teenager about within the therapy sessions. The only exception to this is if the teen is at risk of harming themself or others. At this point, the therapist would have an obligation to tell either you or another support service.
Check out our page on Confidentiality and Mental Health Referrals to find out more about what confidentiality is and means for your teen.
Military Youth Counseling Services
There are different military family therapy options depending on whether you want treatment on or off base. For on-base counseling:
- The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides on-base care for active-duty members and their families. Their program includes child and youth counselors who provide therapy for military teens.
- Military OneSource is another excellent program that provides short-term counseling for more acute issues. However, it’s best to explore different options for long-term treatment.
- The National Military Family Association provides education, information, and support to military families.
TRICARE also covers other forms of therapy such as art therapy and music therapy for inpatient mental health care treatment.15 You can check with your specific TRICARE plan for coverage details and options for off-base care.
Military Family Therapy Options
Family counseling is another type of essential treatment for military teens. Family therapy aims to involve and support loved ones in the healing process. Fortunately, TRICARE also covers both inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy including family therapy.15
While not all Military and Family Life Counseling Programs will include family therapy, it’s a good idea to ask your specific counselor about different options. Whether you seek family therapy on-base or off-base, family engagement can play a big role in improving treatment outcomes for people with mental health issues.16
Your First Steps: Preparing for Therapy as a Teen
Therapy for military teens can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your mental health treatment:
Initial Contact: What to Expect in Teen Therapy
The first therapy session for teens is always the most nerve-wracking, and that’s normal. However, you can help yourself out in ways that calm your nerves.
During this first session, your therapist will likely want to get to know you and understand your concerns or struggles. They may ask you to sign a contract and go over confidentiality rules together. It’s important to pay attention during this part of the session so you understand what information can be shared and what must stay between you and your therapist. However, also know that this isn’t representative of your therapy sessions to come – the first one is always slightly different and more administrative than the rest.
If you’re feeling nervous about starting therapy, the secret is in the preparation. Here are some self-prep tips to help you feel more confident and prepared for your first session:
- Make a list of questions for your therapist.
- Ensure that you understand confidentiality, which means what can be shared with your parents and what must stay between you and your therapist.
- Share any concerns or fears you may have with your therapist beforehand.
- Think about specific issues or problems you would like to address in therapy.
- Have an open mind and be willing to try new techniques or activities that your therapist may suggest.
The Therapeutic Process
After your first session, the actual therapeutic process begins. It’s important to be honest and open so your therapist can create a treatment plan that works for you. Remember:
It Takes Time
Therapy is not a quick fix and it takes time for progress to be made. Your therapist will encourage you to actively participate in the sessions and may give you homework in between, such as writing down your thoughts or practicing relaxation techniques. It’s important to commit to these tasks and be consistent with attendance in order for therapy to be effective.
You’re Building a New Relationship
Building a strong relationship with your therapist is key to the success of therapy. A good therapist will create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to openly share your thoughts and feelings.
The Journey Is Different for Everyone
There are different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, and others. Each type has its own approach and techniques, and not all are a good fit for everyone. It may take some time to find the right type of therapy and therapist that works best for you.
Find Therapy for Military Teens at Mission Prep
At Mission Prep, our team understands the unique challenges that come with being a part of a military family, and we are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed for military children to succeed. Our mental health services in Virginia and California can help military teens navigate the stress and uncertainty that comes with being a part of a military family.
At Mission Prep, we believe in a personalized approach to therapy. We understand that each individual has their own unique experiences, struggles, and strengths. That’s why we offer a range of therapeutic options, including trauma treatment, CBT, inpatient treatment, and more.
Call us today to explore options and start your journey towards healing and resilience.
References
- Bob Woodruff Foundation. (2023, April). Stand SMART for Heroes: Spotlight on Military Children’s Mental Health. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/news/stand-smart-for-heroes-spotlight-on-military-childrens-mental-health/#:~:text=The%20National%20Military%20Family%20Association’s,about%20harming%20themselves%20or%20others.&text=In%20many%20cases%2C%20high%2Dquality%20mental%20health%20care%20is%20unavailable.
- Collins, E. M. (2015). Experts explain mental state of military children. Www.army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/147786/experts_explain_mental_state_of_military_children
- London, A. S. (2021). Depression and mental health service use among 12–17 Year old U.S. adolescents: Associations with current parental and sibling military service. SSM – Population Health, 16, 100920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100920
- Cunitz, K., Dölitzsch, C., Kösters, M., Willmund, G.-D., Zimmermann, P., Bühler, A. H., Fegert, J. M., Ziegenhain, U., & Kölch, M. (2019). Parental military deployment as risk factor for children’s mental health: a meta-analytical review. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-019-0287-y
- Becker, S. J., Swenson, R. R., Esposito-Smythers, C., Cataldo, A. M., & Spirito, A. (2014). Barriers to seeking mental health services among adolescents in military families. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45(6), 504–513. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036120
- Opie, J. E., Hameed, M., Vuong, A., Painter, F., Booth, A. T., Jiang, H., Dowling, R., Boh, J., McLean, N., & McIntosh, J. E. (2024). Children’s Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in Military Families: A Rapid Review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-024-02856-5
- Gale, C. K., & Millichamp, J. (2016). Generalised anxiety disorder in children and adolescents. BMJ Clinical Evidence, 2016, 1002. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711893/
- Social Anxiety: More Than Just Shy or Self-Conscious. (2024). Psychiatry.org; American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/social-anxiety-more-than-just-shy-or-self-consciou
- Wooten, N. R., Brittingham, J. A., Sumi, N. S., Pitner, R. O., & Moore, K. D. (2019). Behavioral Health Service Use by Military Children During Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 46(4), 549–569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-018-09646-0
- Kianpoor, M., Rahmanian, P., Mojahed, A., & Amouchie, R. (2017). Secondary traumatic stress, dissociative and somatization symptoms in spouses of veterans with PTSD in Zahedan, Iran. Electronic Physician, 9(4), 4202–4206. https://doi.org/10.19082/4202
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2014). PTSD in Children and Teens – PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/teens_ptsd.asp
- MedlinePlus. (2013). Adjustment disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000932.htm
- Boyd, M. (2023, April 13). Defense Public Health psychologist offers tips to help children cope with change. Www.army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/265729/defense_public_health_psychologist_offers_tips_to_help_children_cope_with_change
- Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. (2025). The Power of Early Intervention in Mental Health: A Pathway to Wellness and Recovery. Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. https://ppimhs.org/newspost/the-power-of-early-intervention-in-mental-health-a-pathway-to-wellness-and-recovery/
- TRICARE. (n.d.). Mental Health Therapeutic Services | TRICARE. https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/MentalHealthTherapeuticServices
- Ong, H. S., Fernandez, P. A., & Lim, H. K. (2021). Family engagement as part of managing patients with mental illness in primary care. Singapore Medical Journal, 62(5), 213–219. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2021057
