Adolescence can bring intense emotional, academic, social and family pressures. When anxiety, low mood, anger, withdrawal or changes in behaviour begin affecting daily life, professional support can help.
Dr. Saira Farhan provides adolescent and teen counselling in Karachi, Pakistan, with online appointments available when suitable. She works with teenagers and parents to understand their concerns, identify mental health needs and agree on practical support.
When might a teenager need support?
Changes in mood, independence and relationships are common during adolescence. Professional support may help when difficulties persist, intensify or begin affecting daily life. Signs can include:
- Anxiety, panic, overthinking or severe exam and school pressure
- Persistent low mood, hopelessness, withdrawal or loss of interest
- Sudden anger, risk-taking or noticeable changes in behaviour
- Poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, falling grades or school refusal
- Bullying, peer pressure, social anxiety or friendship difficulties
- Body-image, identity, confidence, gaming or social-media concerns
- Ongoing conflict at home or difficulty adjusting after migration or family change
Self-harm, suicidal statements or immediate danger require urgent local emergency or crisis support rather than a routine appointment.
What is adolescent counselling?
Adolescent counselling adapts conversation and practical psychological support to the young person’s age, maturity and circumstances. It can help them understand feelings, manage anxiety, build coping skills and function better at school and home.
Child and adolescent counselling differs by age and developmental stage. Parents comparing child or adolescent counselling services should know that this page focuses primarily on adolescents and teenagers.
Age-appropriate adolescent counselling techniques
There is no single approach for every teenager. Depending on their needs, sessions may involve:
- Recognising emotions, triggers and patterns in thoughts or behaviour
- Developing coping skills for anxiety, anger, low mood or exam stress
- Improving sleep, study routines, problem-solving and emotional regulation
- Exploring friendships, bullying, confidence, identity or family expectations
- Helping parents communicate, set boundaries and respond more effectively at home
As an FCPS-qualified psychiatrist and trained psychotherapist, Dr. Saira Farhan can combine counselling with psychiatric assessment when symptoms may reflect depression, anxiety or another mental health condition. Medication is not automatic. If considered appropriate, its benefits, limitations and side effects are discussed with the teenager and parent or guardian.
Confidentiality and parent involvement
At the beginning, Dr. Saira Farhan explains confidentiality and its limits to the teenager and parent or guardian. Parents remain involved in the main concerns, treatment plan and support at home, but are not normally given a word-for-word account. Information may be shared for serious safety, safeguarding or legal reasons. The approach also depends on age and circumstances.
What happens at the first appointment?
The first appointment may include time with the teenager and parent together, followed by a private conversation with the young person. The discussion may cover mood, anxiety, sleep, school, friendships, screens, family life and physical health. The plan might include counselling, parent guidance, further assessment or coordination with another professional.
If a full diagnostic assessment is the first step, see Psychiatric Evaluation. For individual talking therapy, see Psychotherapy.
Appointments in Karachi, across Pakistan and abroad
Appointments are available in Karachi and online across Pakistan when clinically suitable. Dr. Saira Farhan’s experience in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia helps her understand academic pressure, family expectations and cultural concerns that may affect South Asian teenagers.
Pakistani and South Asian families in the UK, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands or the Gulf may enquire about online support. Suitability depends on age, privacy, location, clinical needs and local professional and safeguarding requirements. Families must have access to local emergency support.
Fees and booking
Appointments cost Rs. 6,000 and usually last 25 to 30 minutes. Book an in-person or online appointment through WhatsApp at +92 321 5588832. WhatsApp is for booking, not crisis support.