There are many reasons people seek therapy. Whether you're anxious, depressed, have anger problems or just can't get through the day, therapy can help. For some teens, these problems may be ongoing and require medication (like clinical depression), while others may simply suffer from temporary issues and can be treated just by talking to someone.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if a certain behavior is abnormal. You may think you have signs of obsessive compulsive disorder (an anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive thoughts and behavior) or bipolar disorder (a mental disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood), but these symptoms could just be normal stages of adolescence. The only way to know for sure is to see a professional.

Therapy is also a way to ease the pain after a traumatic experience, such as rape or a death in the family. If you're dealing with something distressing, it is important not to keep these emotions inside. There are special therapists, like grief counselors, that are trained to deal with these experiences.

Keep in mind that many people need somebody to talk to besides friends or family--someone who can listen without being involved. A therapist can offer an outside opinion, one that you may not hear from people who are close to you.