In teenage years, emotions are strong and change abruptly, which can be confusing and stressful.

Although the concept of therapy can conjure up thoughts of mental-health disorders and severe problems, many people can benefit from a session every now and then.

In Santa Fe, teens have access to free counseling from the Teen Health Center, which has three branches, one part of Presbyterian Medical Center and the other two at Santa Fe and Capital high schools. The centers provide resources for all youth, ages 12 to 19. Two therapists are on staff, Courtney Lee and Stephanie Harad. In addition to one-on-one sessions, family and group counseling is offered.

"I love this work and I think the teenage years are a really good time to start therapy," Harad said. "It's such a good time for self-examination."

Some of the typical reasons why teenagers decide to give therapy a shot include slipping grades; relationship or family problems; low moods; and substance abuse. Some are referred by teachers, friends or parents. Lee estimates most students come in on their own, but said, "Even mandated counseling can be helpful."

Students who are sent to counseling by their parents, however, can have very different ideas about their mental well-being than the adults who have sent them.

"Sometimes a parent will feel like an issue is a little more severe or more of a crisis," Harad explained. "It's a difficult time. Adolescents pull away and parents don't see that coming, and parents could use support around that time as well."

At the Teen Health Centers, family involvement is encouraged but not required.

"Sometimes a student will invite a parent to join sessions to do more family therapy," Lee said. "Most often, I think students appreciate having a space where they can talk that's confidential."

Some people often hesitate when it comes to counseling because they don't realize it is completely confidential for anyone over the age of 14 in New Mexico, unless there are safety risks such as wanting to hurt someone or feeling suicidal. For anyone under this age, guardians must be notified and have disclosure rights.

Despite the confidentiality, many fears still revolve around the thought of counseling.

"I think there's a stigma that if you go to therapy that something is wrong with you or you're crazy, or you can't do it on your own, and stigma of a mental-health issue which is viewed as a weakness versus an actual health concern," Lee said.

Many mental-health disorders cannot be diagnosed until a certain age, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Lee explained.

"There's so much malleability and opportunity for growth and change," Lee said. "Things aren't set in stone."

With this in mind, early intervention and therapy are beneficial to those who display symptoms of psychiatric illnesses before reaching adulthood.

There is a big difference when it comes to therapy for adults and teens. "Teenagers can be a lot more present with their feelings. They feel them strongly and express them quickly," Harad said. "With adults, things are a little more ingrained."

In her position, Harad said that since students often make sporadic visits, "The lack of consistency is challenging for both of us to establish that relationship and trust."

Lee shared a piece of advice for those who are considering counseling, saying it can be difficult to find the right counselor and comparing it to finding the right pair of jeans.

"It's hard to open yourself up and find a good fit," Lee said.

She advises that if the first therapist you see isn't right for you, keep looking. "Find someone else that it can be a really helpful experience with, that can be helpful and supportive."

Emma Hamming-Green is a senior at The Academy for Technology and the Classics. You can reach her at happycamper156@hotmail.com.