Debby Rubenfeld, M.S.W.

Studies suggest one in eight teenagers may suffer from depression. Kids experience enormous academic, athletic, and social pressures; pressures sometimes too rigorous for even the best adjusted. Family blending introduces its own set of stressors. Normal emotional volatility makes adolescent depression very tough to gauge even for parents communicating well with their kids. Functioning is the best indicator including (in alphabetical order):

• Academic skills
• Communication skills
• Criminal involvement
• Energy level
• Panic attacks
• Preoccupation with morbid or violent thoughts
• Problem solving skills
• Realistic thinking
• Rule and authority management
• Sexual acting out
• Social skills
• Somatic complaints such as head and stomach aches
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thinking

I treat ages 11-19. With years of in and out patient clinical experience, I enjoy my work and take seriously the task of caring for your child. Statistics show that early intervention yields the best outcomes for teenage depression. A professional mental health assessment is urged for kids demonstrating a concerning or marked shift in daily habits lasting two weeks or more.