Therapists for Teens in Chicago, IL

Photo of Samantha L Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Samantha L Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to connect with your teen as they make their way into the world? Does your teen appear to be struggling to adjust to life transitions, including added responsibilities or finding new communities? As a family therapist I am specifically trained to work relationally, it’s where I am most passionate! I have experience and enjoy working with relationships of all kinds, families with teens. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore all of the stressors that are impacting you.
Are you struggling to connect with your teen as they make their way into the world? Does your teen appear to be struggling to adjust to life transitions, including added responsibilities or finding new communities? As a family therapist I am specifically trained to work relationally, it’s where I am most passionate! I have experience and enjoy working with relationships of all kinds, families with teens. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore all of the stressors that are impacting you.
(312) 586-8534 View (312) 586-8534
Photo of Keith Morgan, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keith Morgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
Whether a parent and adolescent struggling to navigate their changing relationship, or an adult faced with the challenges of life transitions, he developed a passion for providing support during these significant periods.
Keith Morgan, LCSW is a psychotherapist and co-founder of Emerge Mental Health & College Counseling whose interests include anxiety, mood disorders, grief, trauma recovery, LGBTQ identity, family/interpersonal conflict and life transitions. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings supporting young adults, adolescents, and families.
Whether a parent and adolescent struggling to navigate their changing relationship, or an adult faced with the challenges of life transitions, he developed a passion for providing support during these significant periods.
Keith Morgan, LCSW is a psychotherapist and co-founder of Emerge Mental Health & College Counseling whose interests include anxiety, mood disorders, grief, trauma recovery, LGBTQ identity, family/interpersonal conflict and life transitions. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings supporting young adults, adolescents, and families.
(773) 839-4040 View (773) 839-4040
Photo of Ronald K. Phillips, LCPC, IL, LLPsych, StateMI, Minn&La, Counselor
Ronald K. Phillips
Counselor, LCPC, IL, LLPsych, StateMI, Minn&La
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Sophocles: "Wisdom outweighs any wealth." Fmr. Exec. Consult re: Conflict resolution & 35+ yrs. member CBOT/CME. . Integrate science & 'art' treatment on best practices. Consult Solutions on relationships & interpersonal challenges at Corporate & Individual level. Specialized with Individual/Couples/Adolescent/Elderly. Fmr. clinical Dir. w/ faith communities & specialist in GRIEF w/ prior work in Hospital & educational settings/Grand Rounds/Ethics at Northwestern & U. Chi. All phone calls FREE. "Vision without execution is a daydream and execution without vision is a nightmare." I look forward to helping you secure your vision
Sophocles: "Wisdom outweighs any wealth." Fmr. Exec. Consult re: Conflict resolution & 35+ yrs. member CBOT/CME. . Integrate science & 'art' treatment on best practices. Consult Solutions on relationships & interpersonal challenges at Corporate & Individual level. Specialized with Individual/Couples/Adolescent/Elderly. Fmr. clinical Dir. w/ faith communities & specialist in GRIEF w/ prior work in Hospital & educational settings/Grand Rounds/Ethics at Northwestern & U. Chi. All phone calls FREE. "Vision without execution is a daydream and execution without vision is a nightmare." I look forward to helping you secure your vision
(872) 666-9790 View (872) 666-9790
Photo of Santyna Piñeiros, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Santyna Piñeiros
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60615
Life can be really difficult to navigate at times. Different spaces in life require different tools and skills. Maybe, you are finding that the tools that worked in a previous space in time, are no longer useful; leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Maybe, you are tired of the same feelings of guilt, hurt, and shame from your past and you are ready to heal. Maybe you are feeling the intensity of the current time and world we live in, and you need a space to process it all. Whatever the case, it is my passion assisting teen and adult women as they discover themselves and develop what they need to live the lives they desire.
Life can be really difficult to navigate at times. Different spaces in life require different tools and skills. Maybe, you are finding that the tools that worked in a previous space in time, are no longer useful; leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Maybe, you are tired of the same feelings of guilt, hurt, and shame from your past and you are ready to heal. Maybe you are feeling the intensity of the current time and world we live in, and you need a space to process it all. Whatever the case, it is my passion assisting teen and adult women as they discover themselves and develop what they need to live the lives they desire.
(773) 570-8092 View (773) 570-8092
Photo of Renee Rienecke, PhD, FAED, Psychologist
Renee Rienecke
Psychologist, PhD, FAED
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604  (Online Only)
Rienecke is a Fellow in the Academy for Eating Disorders and a faculty member of the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders.
Dr. Rienecke is a consultant with SpringSource Psychological Center where she sees individual clients and has immediate availability. Dr. Rienecke specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders. She has extensive training in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders, which is an emperically validated, gold standard treatment. Dr. Rienecke received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program.
Rienecke is a Fellow in the Academy for Eating Disorders and a faculty member of the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders.
Dr. Rienecke is a consultant with SpringSource Psychological Center where she sees individual clients and has immediate availability. Dr. Rienecke specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders. She has extensive training in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders, which is an emperically validated, gold standard treatment. Dr. Rienecke received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program.
(630) 576-9953 View (630) 576-9953
Photo of Lauren Moring, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Moring
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607  (Online Only)
Do you have a child or teenager that is displaying difficult behaviors or moods at school or home? Have they experienced some adverse event/s such as abuse, trauma, or loss of a loved one? A loss of interest in things they once enjoyed? Are they lacking in relational supports or friendship with same-aged peers? I have worked in the Chicago school system for four years and specialize in working with children and adolescents who need support to work through symptoms that stem from previous hardships, improve communication and emotional regulation, and to promote optimal mental health.
Do you have a child or teenager that is displaying difficult behaviors or moods at school or home? Have they experienced some adverse event/s such as abuse, trauma, or loss of a loved one? A loss of interest in things they once enjoyed? Are they lacking in relational supports or friendship with same-aged peers? I have worked in the Chicago school system for four years and specialize in working with children and adolescents who need support to work through symptoms that stem from previous hardships, improve communication and emotional regulation, and to promote optimal mental health.
(773) 232-3640 View (773) 232-3640
Photo of Yanet Vanegas, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Yanet Vanegas
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dr. Yanet Vanegas, and I understand that seeking support for mental well-being can be a challenging journey. I'm a child and adolescent psychologist and a perinatal mental health certified provider. My approach goes beyond merely treating symptoms. It’s about sparking lasting change and fostering personal growth. I create personalized treatment plans using the latest therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, and DBT.
Hello, I'm Dr. Yanet Vanegas, and I understand that seeking support for mental well-being can be a challenging journey. I'm a child and adolescent psychologist and a perinatal mental health certified provider. My approach goes beyond merely treating symptoms. It’s about sparking lasting change and fostering personal growth. I create personalized treatment plans using the latest therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, and DBT.
(815) 339-8858 View (815) 339-8858
Joseph Henry Thomas
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60653  (Online Only)
Joseph Thomas, LCPC. I specialize in working with adolescent and adult clients with concerns ranging from depression, relationship issues, and phase of life issues. I bring 25 years of clinical experience to mentoring and support of clients who desire self-improvement in their lives. My therapeutic approach is grounded in patience and non-judgment. I believe in establishing a comfortable and stable environment to allow clients to assess their strengths, self-assess areas for growth, and explore themselves in more depth. I have overseen programs dedicated to stabilizing and empowering adolescent and adults struggling with societal, cultural and personal issues.
Joseph Thomas, LCPC. I specialize in working with adolescent and adult clients with concerns ranging from depression, relationship issues, and phase of life issues. I bring 25 years of clinical experience to mentoring and support of clients who desire self-improvement in their lives. My therapeutic approach is grounded in patience and non-judgment. I believe in establishing a comfortable and stable environment to allow clients to assess their strengths, self-assess areas for growth, and explore themselves in more depth. I have overseen programs dedicated to stabilizing and empowering adolescent and adults struggling with societal, cultural and personal issues.
(773) 295-7071 View (773) 295-7071
Photo of Michele Dubuisson - Michele Dubuisson LCSW, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele Dubuisson LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
I specialize in adolescent and women's mental health across the lifespan and have additional training in these areas.
My practice prioritizes women and femmes. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and relational from both a trauma informed and feminist orientation. I believe that we are all resilient, each of us has unique strengths. I work with my clients to build on these strengths, increase their insight, and develop the trust needed to achieve their goals. I do this by providing a safe space in which you may process your experiences, express your feelings, challenge unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop self-awareness.
I specialize in adolescent and women's mental health across the lifespan and have additional training in these areas.
My practice prioritizes women and femmes. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and relational from both a trauma informed and feminist orientation. I believe that we are all resilient, each of us has unique strengths. I work with my clients to build on these strengths, increase their insight, and develop the trust needed to achieve their goals. I do this by providing a safe space in which you may process your experiences, express your feelings, challenge unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop self-awareness.
(630) 233-9533 View (630) 233-9533
Photo of Maria Zdunek, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Zdunek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
My ideal client is a teen, young adult, or adult facing challenges related to life transitions and change. These individuals may be feeling overwhelmed by the changes they are experiencing and struggling to find their footing in a new stage of life. They may be dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression, and feeling unsure of how to move forward. They want to feel confident in their abilities and empowered to take on the challenges of change and transition with greater success. I am here to help them achieve these goals, and provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore and address their thoughts and feelings.
My ideal client is a teen, young adult, or adult facing challenges related to life transitions and change. These individuals may be feeling overwhelmed by the changes they are experiencing and struggling to find their footing in a new stage of life. They may be dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression, and feeling unsure of how to move forward. They want to feel confident in their abilities and empowered to take on the challenges of change and transition with greater success. I am here to help them achieve these goals, and provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore and address their thoughts and feelings.
(773) 985-2495 View (773) 985-2495
Photo of Sara Clairmont, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Clairmont
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60608
I specialize in individual and family therapy focusing on anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, depression, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, obesity, parenting, peer relationships, relationship issues, self esteem, trauma and PTSD with teen, families and adults.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe it is important to start where the patient (or family) is in their therapeutic journey. I can help you explore and understand the emotional barriers in life and reach your full potential utilizing patient-centered and strengths-based approach to care.
I specialize in individual and family therapy focusing on anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, depression, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, obesity, parenting, peer relationships, relationship issues, self esteem, trauma and PTSD with teen, families and adults.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe it is important to start where the patient (or family) is in their therapeutic journey. I can help you explore and understand the emotional barriers in life and reach your full potential utilizing patient-centered and strengths-based approach to care.
(312) 548-6349 View (312) 548-6349
Photo of Daniel Laluna, PsyD, Psychologist
Daniel Laluna
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Laluna received a BA from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and PsyD with a concentration in child and adolescent mental health from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Daniel Laluna, Regional Clinical Director, is a licensed clinical psychologist, who has extensive experience and expertise providing neuropsychological/psychological testing, as well as therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. He specializes in providing comprehensive testing evaluations (e. g. ADHD, Autism, IQ, Learning Disorders, Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Memory, and Pre-Surgical).
Laluna received a BA from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and PsyD with a concentration in child and adolescent mental health from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Daniel Laluna, Regional Clinical Director, is a licensed clinical psychologist, who has extensive experience and expertise providing neuropsychological/psychological testing, as well as therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. He specializes in providing comprehensive testing evaluations (e. g. ADHD, Autism, IQ, Learning Disorders, Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Memory, and Pre-Surgical).
(872) 266-3719 View (872) 266-3719
Photo of Madison Schieber, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Madison Schieber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
My background includes working with neurodivergent children in an outpatient setting and clients, from adolescent to geriatric, in a hospital with a range of different mental health disorders, trauma history, and life experiences.
I make sure your concerns are heard, your strengths are celebrated, and your journey to wellness is guided with compassion and expertise. I believe that by understanding and empathizing with my clients I can create a strong therapeutic relationship that promotes growth & transformation. I understand that everyone has their own unique story and I am committed to listening with compassion and without judgment. With a compassionate and collaborative approach I strive to help my clients overcome their challenges, feel more empowered, and achieve their goals. I believe in using evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and mindfulness.
My background includes working with neurodivergent children in an outpatient setting and clients, from adolescent to geriatric, in a hospital with a range of different mental health disorders, trauma history, and life experiences.
I make sure your concerns are heard, your strengths are celebrated, and your journey to wellness is guided with compassion and expertise. I believe that by understanding and empathizing with my clients I can create a strong therapeutic relationship that promotes growth & transformation. I understand that everyone has their own unique story and I am committed to listening with compassion and without judgment. With a compassionate and collaborative approach I strive to help my clients overcome their challenges, feel more empowered, and achieve their goals. I believe in using evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and mindfulness.
(872) 246-8322 View (872) 246-8322
Photo of Jessica A Sweet, LMFT, LCPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica A Sweet
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Currently have immediate day time appointments. Waitlist for evening. If you have a child or adolescent that feels depressed, anxious, worried, disconnected from relationships, or struggling with a certain issue, I can help. I also have experience working with self-harming, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, or bullying. I also work with family dynamics like parenting struggles, issues with divorce, couple counseling, parent/child relationships. If you are an adult struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problem, work conflict or other issues, I can help create solutions for these problems.
Currently have immediate day time appointments. Waitlist for evening. If you have a child or adolescent that feels depressed, anxious, worried, disconnected from relationships, or struggling with a certain issue, I can help. I also have experience working with self-harming, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, or bullying. I also work with family dynamics like parenting struggles, issues with divorce, couple counseling, parent/child relationships. If you are an adult struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problem, work conflict or other issues, I can help create solutions for these problems.
(847) 380-3222 View (847) 380-3222
Photo of Jose Rodrigo Nino, MA, LCPC, CBL, Counselor
Jose Rodrigo Nino
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CBL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60646
I specialize in working with a diverse population on a variety of issues related to child, adolescent, and adult mental health, as well as transitions, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral health conditions.
Do you ever stand back and take a look at the big picture of your life and wonder how things ended up this way? Do you feel unhappy with your choices or situation, but unsure about how to start unraveling barriers and start moving in the direction that you want? I can help you examine your choices and behaviors, big and small, understand how they might be keeping you stuck or unfulfilled, and collaboratively find your power to make changes that bring you more in line with the kind of life you want and deserve to have.
I specialize in working with a diverse population on a variety of issues related to child, adolescent, and adult mental health, as well as transitions, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral health conditions.
Do you ever stand back and take a look at the big picture of your life and wonder how things ended up this way? Do you feel unhappy with your choices or situation, but unsure about how to start unraveling barriers and start moving in the direction that you want? I can help you examine your choices and behaviors, big and small, understand how they might be keeping you stuck or unfulfilled, and collaboratively find your power to make changes that bring you more in line with the kind of life you want and deserve to have.
(773) 598-5743 View (773) 598-5743
Photo of David M Brooks, PhD, PsyD, Psychologist
David M Brooks
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
So, I offer a free initial consultation period for individuals and parents making this decision to evaluate and determine if I can be of help for you, or your teenager.
In our contemporary society it is easy to be content and even glad for medications that soothe symptoms, but healing comes from working through our underlying inner conflicts in a textured human relationship in which we can feel what we truly feel and become who we truly are. I believe distressful symptoms, whether depression, anxiety, anger, hurt, a sense of meaninglessness, a sense of emptiness, addictions, or behavior problems are signs. They are signs that it is time to grow our mindfulness of our underlying needs, feelings, and thereby gain choices for living more contently within our communities and families.
So, I offer a free initial consultation period for individuals and parents making this decision to evaluate and determine if I can be of help for you, or your teenager.
In our contemporary society it is easy to be content and even glad for medications that soothe symptoms, but healing comes from working through our underlying inner conflicts in a textured human relationship in which we can feel what we truly feel and become who we truly are. I believe distressful symptoms, whether depression, anxiety, anger, hurt, a sense of meaninglessness, a sense of emptiness, addictions, or behavior problems are signs. They are signs that it is time to grow our mindfulness of our underlying needs, feelings, and thereby gain choices for living more contently within our communities and families.
(312) 624-6260 View (312) 624-6260
Photo of Colette Blakely - Blakely Counseling Services, Inc., Counselor
Blakely Counseling Services, Inc.
Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625  (Online Only)
She has written a curriculum for pre-teen girls and facilitates multicultural symposiums, workshops and classes.
Dr. Colette Blakely, LCPC, is the Director of BLAKELY Counseling Services. She has been active in the counseling field for the past 22+ years. Dr. Blakely works with adults, teens, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, lifestyle concerns, grief, and other mental health concerns. She is certified as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. She has her terminal degree from Regent University in Counseling and Psychology; she also holds a master's degree in School Counseling from Concordia University and is certified as a School Counselor. Her professional affiliations include the National Certified Counseling, the American Counseling Association, and the American School Counselor Association.
She has written a curriculum for pre-teen girls and facilitates multicultural symposiums, workshops and classes.
Dr. Colette Blakely, LCPC, is the Director of BLAKELY Counseling Services. She has been active in the counseling field for the past 22+ years. Dr. Blakely works with adults, teens, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, lifestyle concerns, grief, and other mental health concerns. She is certified as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. She has her terminal degree from Regent University in Counseling and Psychology; she also holds a master's degree in School Counseling from Concordia University and is certified as a School Counselor. Her professional affiliations include the National Certified Counseling, the American Counseling Association, and the American School Counselor Association.
(312) 313-3462 View (312) 313-3462
Photo of Kaitlyn Vranek, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kaitlyn Vranek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
Kaitlyn has the most work experience with the populations of clients from teenager to young adult/adult stages.
Kaitlyn specializes in working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood, behavioral and personality disorders, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, and addiction. Kaitlyn considers a client’s social and cultural background to enhance her understanding of each client. Each person has a different path to healing, and she enjoys discovering that path together. She uses a combination of modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed interventions, and psychodynamic influences.
Kaitlyn has the most work experience with the populations of clients from teenager to young adult/adult stages.
Kaitlyn specializes in working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood, behavioral and personality disorders, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, and addiction. Kaitlyn considers a client’s social and cultural background to enhance her understanding of each client. Each person has a different path to healing, and she enjoys discovering that path together. She uses a combination of modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed interventions, and psychodynamic influences.
(872) 250-5411 View (872) 250-5411
Photo of Dr. Evette Addai, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Evette Addai
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622
Waitlist for new clients
Is it hard for your child or teen to cope with a medical illness or recent life change? Is your teen struggling with instructions, worrying about the future, staying in their room, and getting angry over small things? Or is your child having more tantrums and struggles with their behavior? There's hope! We will work together to make things better using proven ways to express strong emotions, change behaviors, and make a positive future for you and your child. My style is all about making you and your child feel heard, empowered, and cared for. We'll work together to make things better for you and your family!
Is it hard for your child or teen to cope with a medical illness or recent life change? Is your teen struggling with instructions, worrying about the future, staying in their room, and getting angry over small things? Or is your child having more tantrums and struggles with their behavior? There's hope! We will work together to make things better using proven ways to express strong emotions, change behaviors, and make a positive future for you and your child. My style is all about making you and your child feel heard, empowered, and cared for. We'll work together to make things better for you and your family!
(773) 570-2280 View (773) 570-2280
Photo of Alana Muriel, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alana Muriel
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622  (Online Only)
Are you looking for assistance managing ADHD for yourself or your teen? My approach is warm and non-judgmental, I approach therapy from both a practical and emotional lens. I want to help you achieve your goals and offer a space to express and make sense of emotional experiences. I have vast experience working with the neurodivergent population, and enjoy assisting those with ADHD and Autism as they navigate relationships, life responsibilities, and transitions. I am queer-allied and body-neutral.
Are you looking for assistance managing ADHD for yourself or your teen? My approach is warm and non-judgmental, I approach therapy from both a practical and emotional lens. I want to help you achieve your goals and offer a space to express and make sense of emotional experiences. I have vast experience working with the neurodivergent population, and enjoy assisting those with ADHD and Autism as they navigate relationships, life responsibilities, and transitions. I am queer-allied and body-neutral.
(630) 793-4899 View (630) 793-4899
Teen Therapists

What does therapy for teenagers look like?

When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.

How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?

There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.

How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?

It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.

How do you prepare teens for therapy?

You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.