Teen & Adolescent Mental Health | Palm Beach County
When “I’m Fine” Stops Feeling Reassuring.
A teenager can keep going to school, laughing with friends, earning good grades, and smiling in photos while quietly struggling with depression, anxiety, bullying, or questions about where they belong.
If something feels different, you do not have to wait for a crisis to take a closer look.
Private-pay psychiatric evaluations and personalized mental-health care for teens and families.
What Parents Often Notice First
You know your teen. You also know when something has changed.
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to love
- Irritability that feels different from ordinary teenage frustration
- A drop in grades or avoiding school
- Sleeping all day or staying up most of the night
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or panic
- Changes after bullying, rejection, or conflict with friends
One sign alone isn’t cause for alarm. A pattern that affects school, sleep, or relationships deserves a closer look.
How We Can Help
Distress doesn’t always look the way parents expect.
Depression & Low Mood
Often shows up as irritability, exhaustion, or withdrawal rather than sadness.
Anxiety & Perfectionism
Overthinking, school avoidance, panic, or fear of disappointing others.
Bullying & Cyberbullying
Group chats and social media can follow a teen home long after school ends.
Identity & Self-Worth
A safe, judgment-free place to sort through belonging, identity, and pressure.
Why Early Attention Matters
Parents should not have to wait for a crisis before asking for help.
39.7%
of U.S. high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness in the 2023 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
20.4%
seriously considered attempting suicide during the previous 12 months.
9.5%
reported at least one suicide attempt during the previous 12 months.
19%
reported being bullied at school in 2023, an increase from 15% in 2021.
Sources: CDC 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey · CDC 2023 YRBS Results · CDC National Center for Health Statistics
In 2023, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 14 and 15 to 24.
How It Works
A calm, clear place to begin.
01
Parent Consultation
A free, private call to share your concerns and decide if an evaluation fits.
02
Teen Evaluation
We look at mood, sleep, school, relationships, physical health, and safety.
03
Personalized Plan
Therapy referrals, parent guidance, medication if appropriate, or labs when indicated.
Teens get private time to speak openly, and parents stay informed. Confidentiality and its safety limits are explained up front.
Concerned about immediate safety?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988. This practice does not provide emergency services.
For School Counselors & Educators
Refer families for private psychiatric evaluation. With written authorization, we coordinate with counselors, therapists and pediatricians. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Send a referral inquiry or call 561-668-4128. Please don’t email private health details.
Parent Resource
When “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story
A Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression, Anxiety, Bullying and Emotional Safety
A free guide to spotting meaningful changes, starting hard conversations, and knowing when to get professional help.
Common Questions From Parents
What parents often want to know before calling.
How do I know whether this is normal teenage behavior?
One difficult day or one argument does not necessarily indicate a mental-health condition. Pay attention to changes from your teenager's usual behavior, how long the changes have lasted, how intense they are, and whether they are affecting school, sleep, relationships, activities, or safety.
Will I be involved in my teenager's care?
Parents and guardians are an important part of adolescent care. The evaluation includes parent or caregiver input while also providing appropriate private time for the teenager. Confidentiality and its safety-related limits are discussed before care begins.
What if my teenager does not want an evaluation?
A parent consultation can help you think through how to introduce care without making the teenager feel punished, blamed, or forced into a conversation they do not understand.
Does every teenager receive laboratory testing?
No. Laboratory testing is considered only when the clinical history or physical symptoms suggest that a medical factor may be contributing. Testing is individualized and may involve coordination with the teenager's pediatrician or other medical professionals.
Do you prescribe medication to teenagers?
Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate after a comprehensive evaluation. Recommendations may also include psychotherapy, parent guidance, school support, lifestyle changes, safety planning, or referrals to other specialists.
Can you communicate with my teenager's school or therapist?
Yes, when clinically appropriate and with the necessary written authorization. Communication may help the professionals supporting your teenager understand the treatment plan and relevant recommendations.
Do you accept insurance?
The Root Cause NP is a private-pay practice and does not accept or bill insurance. Fees are explained before care begins, and eligible patients may request a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges.
Is this an emergency service?
No. If your teenager is in immediate danger, cannot remain safe, or is experiencing current suicidal intent, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call or text 988.
You Do Not Have to Wait for a Crisis.
A private parent consultation can help you decide what to do next.
This website is not monitored for emergencies. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Call or text 988 for 24-hour crisis support.