The period of adolescence is often seen as the most difficult time in an individual’s life. Both adolescent males and females go through a series of maturational, emotional, and developmental changes that can sometimes create considerable conflict for them. They encounter problems with parents and peers as they attempt to establish a personal identity and in establishing a sense of autonomy. Adolescent psychotherapy would be recommended if a parent sees a sudden change in routine such as withdrawal from family or friends, isolation, intense irritability, academic decline, or loss of interest in their regular activities or interests. Less common, but most serious indications for psychotherapy would include cutting or self-mutilatory behavior, or suicidal threats or gestures.