If your teen has had a hard fall, winter break is a chance to reset, but only with a little structure: a steady sleep schedule, some limits on screens, real time together and a plan for getting help. If you are worried, the best time to schedule a first appointment is before break starts or in the first weekdays after it. Blackburn Clinical Services offers one-on-one therapy for teens 13 to 17 in our West Los Angeles office or by secure video for clients located in California, with family sessions for parents.
Worried about your teen this break? Schedule a first appointment now. Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Therapy takes place in our office at 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, or by secure video.
Why break can be harder than school
School gives a struggling teen structure: a reason to get up, adults who notice them, friends they see every day. Over two or three weeks of break that structure disappears. For teens at private and independent high schools across Southern California, break may also mean first semester grades posting, early decision results, friends traveling, family gatherings and long, empty afternoons. Teens who were barely holding on in November can slip quickly in December.
A simple plan for the break
- Sleep. The CDC notes teens need 8 to 10 hours. Some extra rest is fine, but agree on a latest wake time, such as 10 AM, so days do not flip into nights.
- Screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a family media use plan. Keep it simple: phones charge outside the bedroom overnight, and no screens at meals.
- One thing out of the house each day. A walk, the beach, a workout, an errand with you. Daylight and movement help mood.
- Family time, low pressure. Short, regular time together works better than one big outing. Cook, drive somewhere, watch something your teen picks.
- A little purpose. A part-time job, volunteering, a project or catching up on one class. Not the whole day; just something.
- A plan for gatherings. Let your teen know they can step away from relatives’ questions about grades and college, and agree on a signal or a way out.
Warning signs to watch over break
- Sleeping most of the day, or barely sleeping at night
- Staying in their room and avoiding friends and family for days at a time
- Not eating, or eating very differently
- Drinking, cannabis or vaping, especially alone
- Giving away belongings, saying goodbye or talking about being a burden
- Self-harm, or long sleeves and covered skin when it is warm
- Talk of wanting to die or not being here
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression in teens can look like irritability and withdrawal, not just sadness. See signs of teen depression parents miss and our does my teen need therapy checklist.
Timing: get the appointment on the calendar
Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Many families find the weekdays of winter break are actually easier for appointments, since there is no school to work around. If you are worried, call before break begins so a first appointment is on the calendar, or call in the first weekdays after the holidays. Do not wait for spring.
How therapy at Blackburn helps
- One-on-one sessions in our office or by secure video (for clients located in California) for depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and the stress of school. CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR and Brainspotting are among the approaches used.
- Family sessions to rebuild communication and agree on house rules, screens and school expectations before the new semester.
- A plan for going back. If first semester went badly, we help your teen and your family plan the return in January, and can provide documentation for your teen’s school when clinically appropriate, with your written permission.
- More support if needed. The Blackburn Concierge Outpatient Program offers typically 3 to 5 hours a week of one-on-one therapy with no groups, and psychiatric care can be arranged.
When to get urgent help
If your teen is in danger right now, call 911. If your teen talks about wanting to die, is harming themselves or you are worried they might, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time of day. You can call 988 as a parent, for advice about what to do next.
Questions
Should I let my teen sleep in over winter break?
Some extra sleep is healthy, especially after finals. Set a latest wake time so sleep does not drift into the afternoon, which can worsen mood and make going back to school much harder.
How strict should I be about screens over break?
Aim for a few clear rules rather than constant battles: phones out of the bedroom overnight, none at meals and some screen-free time outside each day. The AAP family media use plan is a good starting point.
Is winter break a good time to start therapy?
Yes. Appointments are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and weekday times are often easier to find when there is no school. Starting before January also gives your teen support going into second semester.
My teen refuses to come to therapy. What can I do?
Parents can start by calling us on their own. We can talk through how to bring it up. Family sessions are another way in for teens who will not come alone.
What if things get worse during the holidays?
If your teen is in danger, call 911. If they talk about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 any time, including on holidays. For non-urgent concerns, call us on the next weekday.
More for families: therapy for private school students, teen vaping, cannabis and alcohol and therapy for high-achieving teens. For college students home for break, see therapy for college students home for winter break. If your teen is home from boarding school, see boarding school teen home for break.
Get started
Get a first appointment on the calendar before break. Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
You can also email info@blackburnclinical.com or contact us. Parents usually make the first call; your teen does not need to be on the line.