S2E16: Supporting Teens Through Depression - a conversation with Dr. Amy Mezulis

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In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m excited to welcome Dr. Amy Mezulis, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Joon, a telehealth practice dedicated to supporting teens through their mental health challenges (​​https://www.joon.com/therapist/amy-mezulis). Dr. Mezulis shares her journey from academia to launching Joon and talks about her passion for helping teens and their families navigate the current mental health crisis.

We dive into her recently published workbook for teens, designed to help them manage depression in a more engaging and accessible way. I love how this workbook invites teens to take ownership of their mental health instead of following rigid, clinical approaches. We discuss the importance of meeting teens where they are—whether that means starting with small behavioral changes or addressing the issues that matter most to them, like friendships or trauma, before tackling things like sleep routines or schoolwork.

We also explore how telehealth can be a game-changer for teens, offering them a more private, comfortable space to open up. Without the stress of in-person therapy or awkward car rides with parents, teens can engage in therapy on their own terms, often leading to better outcomes.

Dr. Mezulis shares some great insights on how therapists, teens, and parents can work together using a step-by-step approach—kind of like a “training plan”—to help teens build small, sustainable habits that lead to bigger changes. We talk about the challenges of getting parents on board with this approach, especially when academic or social pressures create a sense of urgency.

We also touch on how important it is for parents to understand that small progress is still progress. Meeting your child where they are isn’t about coddling them—it’s about loving and supporting them. Dr. Mezulis also gives us a closer look at Joon and how their telehealth platform is making a difference for teens and therapists alike across several states.

If you want to learn how to better support your teen’s mental health in today’s world, this episode is packed with practical tips and valuable insights! Please also check out her practice website at https://mezulispsychology.com/