Teen Stress Check & Plan
A teen-friendly stress worksheet with checklists for stressors and stress signs, an overall stress rating and a plan for actions and supports.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Stress management
- Approach / concern
- Teens (13-18)
- Technique
- Stress management
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Teen Stress Check & Plan?
Adolescents face multiple stressors across school, relationships, family and digital life. A structured stress check helps teens identify sources and signs of stress and plan practical coping with support.
Why it works
Adaptive coping is associated with better adjustment in adolescence (Compas et al., 2017). Adolescence is a sensitive developmental period in which supportive skill-building has lasting value (Steinberg, 2014).
When to use it
- School counselling
- Teens with anxiety, irritability or sleep problems
- Exam periods
- Family sessions
How to use it in session
- Invite the teen to tick stressors and signs.
- Rate overall stress.
- Choose two or three stressors to address.
- Plan one action and support for each.
- Review in a week.
Clinician tips
- Let teens lead; avoid lecturing.
- Physical symptoms often signal stress.
- Screen for self-harm if stress is severe.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is stress bad for teens?
Some stress can be motivating. Ongoing high stress can affect mood, sleep and health, so it’s worth addressing.
When should a teen get extra help?
If stress causes ongoing problems with sleep, school, friendships or mood, or any thoughts of self-harm, reach out for support.
References
Compas, B. E., Jaser, S. S., Bettis, A. H., Watson, K. H., Gruhn, M. A., Dunbar, J. P., Williams, E., & Thigpen, J. C. (2017). Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analysis and narrative review. Psychological Bulletin, 143(9), 939-991.
Steinberg, L. (2014). Age of opportunity: Lessons from the new science of adolescence. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
