Counseling for Teens
Being a teenager is hard.
Today’s teens face more exposure to stressors than any previous generation, including academic pressure, social relationships, family issues, and identity struggles. Peer pressure, extracurricular activities, future uncertainty, mental health challenges, and the influence of technology and social media further compound their stress. Over time, these pressures can lead to depression, anxiety, and unhealthy behavioral patterns. The urgency to address these issues is critical; the teenage years are a pivotal window for intervention. Fortunately, teens are remarkably adaptable and can quickly benefit from the right guidance and self-awareness. Our practice has successfully counseled thousands of teens, guided parents, and facilitated positive changes, helping teens become happy, well-adjusted, independent, motivated, and self-aware adults.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Teens
Your teen may be experiencing…
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair about the future
- Irritability and impatience
- Low self-esteem or body image
- Decreased motivation to attend school or do schoolwork
- Extreme nervousness or anxiety that prevents them from being able to enjoy regular activities (such as going out with a group of friends)
- Extreme fatigue/exhaustion or insomnia
- Confusion about who they are
- Thoughts of suicide and self-harm
Your teen may feel self-conscious, insecure, or nervous about attending counseling, and that is completely normal! Mental health issues are more common in teens than many people realize – but it’s treatable. Our expert clinicians are passionate about helping teens. We welcome each unique individual to our judgment-free, compassionate environment.
Our staff comes from a wide array of specialties, to help each client overcome whatever it is that they are going through. It is our mission to foster emotional and personal growth through personalized therapy.
Therapy for teens is proven to help with:
- Feelings of depression, anxiousness, or hopelessness about the future
- Loss of motivation to attend school or do schoolwork
- Big life changes such as their parent’s divorce, the transition from middle to high school to college, or switching to a new school altogether
- Loss of a loved one or an important relationship
- Conflicts between teens and parents
- Uncertain self-identity or low self-esteem
- Social anxiety when interacting with peers
- Academic difficulties
- Performance based esteem
Parents Role in Your Teen’s Counseling
We recognize the challenges of connecting with your teen and fostering a healthy family dynamic. Our clinicians explain therapy processes and normal teenage behaviors to help you transition from directing to facilitating, promoting independence in your teen. This approach prepares them for future milestones like college.
We encourage as much parental involvement as your teen will allow in the therapeutic process but at minimum, you’ll know exactly where your child is at in treatment through regular updates from their therapist.
From the first session, you’ll meet with your child’s therapist in person, by phone, or through telehealth to provide a complete history and discuss your treatment goals. After this initial meeting, your teen will begin their one-on-one therapy sessions, creating a safe space for open discussion and establishing their individual therapy goals. Future sessions will remain one-on-one between your teen and their therapist unless a family dynamic issue requires more parental involvement. Throughout the process, you’ll receive updates, tips, and insights on treatment progress and guidance on supporting your child’s positive emotional and behavioral changes at home and in the classroom. This approach balances your teen’s need for confidentiality with your desire to stay informed and involved.
Meet our therapists specializing in Teen Counseling.
Joy Laurila
MSW, LCSW
Shea Dickey
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
Ramon Aleman
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Kelsey Morgan
Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Somatic Practitioner
Kiesa DeSimone
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Aimee Yasin
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Theodosia Soula Hareas
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor Director
Madison Magnus
M.S., RMHCI
Emily Tripp
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Alyssa Merryman
Registered Mental Health Clinican Intern
Brittany Hoff
B.A., M.S., Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Sarah Drew
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Lindsay Jacobs
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
If You’re Experiencing These Symptoms, It May Be Time For Professional Help.
