It was previously predicted that adolescents living in institutional homes and orphanages, away from the typical nurturing environment in a family, would have more psychological symptoms than those living with their parents. A sample of Lebanese adolescents living in orphanages and institutional homes (AOI, n= 75) were compared to those living with their parents and families (APF, n= 75) on depression, anxiety and self-esteem. Both samples were given the Centre for Epidemiological Depression Scale for Children (CED-SC), Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE-S), and a demographic questionnaire. Lebanese adolescents in orphanages and institutional homes were found with higher symptoms of depression and anxiety. No difference in self-esteem was found between both samples. Additionally, when males and females were compared separately, no difference was found in the self-esteem of both samples. Having a deceased parent was not found to lead to higher symptoms of depression in Lebanese adolescents living in institutional homes and orphanages. These results were compared to previous findings, and suggestions were made for further studies.