TEEN TREE
Residential Treatment | Scottsdale, AZ
PARENT TOOLKIT #1
Recognizing Warning Signs & When to Seek Help
A parent’s guide to spotting early signs of mental health struggles in your teen — and knowing
when it’s time to call in professional support.
Teens rarely come to us and say ‘I need help.’ More often, the signals are quiet — a shift in mood, a withdrawal
from friends, a sudden change in sleep or grades. Learning to read these signs early can make an enormous
difference
EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIORAL SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
[ ] Persistent sadness or hopelessness (2+ weeks)
[ ] Extreme irritability or anger outbursts
[ ] Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they
used to love
[ ] Talking about feeling worthless or being a burden
[ ] Loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed
[ ] Dramatic mood swings that feel out of character
[ ] Increased secrecy about phone, friends, or
whereabouts
[ ] Giving away prized possessions
[ ] Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
[ ] Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or risk-taking
behavior
PHYSICAL & ACADEMIC SIGNS
[ ] Significant changes in sleep (too much or too little)
[ ] Noticeable weight loss or gain in a short period
[ ] Frequent unexplained headaches or stomach
aches
[ ] Declining grades or skipping school
[ ] Fatigue or lack of energy that lingers
[ ] Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises
“One sign doesn’t mean crisis — but a cluster of signs, or any sign that feels urgent, is
always worth taking seriously.”
WHEN TO SEEK HELP -- A SIMPLE GUIDE
LEVEL 1
Talk to your teen + school
counselor
Persistent mood changes, declining grades, mild
withdrawal
LEVEL 2
Schedule a mental health
evaluation
Multiple signs present for 2+ weeks, or intensifying
LEVEL 3
Contact a treatment professional
today
Self-harm, substance use, talk of suicide or running away
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or go to the ER
Immediate danger to self or others
Trust Your Gut
Parents are often the first to sense that something is off — even before they can name it. If something feels
wrong, it’s always okay to ask questions and reach out for guidance.
Ready to take the next step?
Call us: (602) 905-4095 | teentree.com
This toolkit is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, medical, psychological, or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a licensed mental health professional or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about your child’s mental health. If you believe your teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Teen Tree provides this resource as a supportive guide based on commonly recognized best practices — not as a substitute for professional care.