Therapists for Teens in Minneapolis, MN

Photo of Dr. Todd J. Lukens, PsyD, LP, MA, MS, Psychologist
Dr. Todd J. Lukens
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Are you a teenager or young adult struggling to find your path in life? Are you still figuring out who you are and what you want out of life? You are not alone. Adolescence is a time of incredible transition and identity formation, and can be stressful and confusing. Despite how challenging this time is and that fact that our frontal lobe has not fully developed, we are asked to make some of the most important decisions of our lives (academic, occupational, relational, vocational). Adolescence and young adults often struggle with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, and identity formation.
Are you a teenager or young adult struggling to find your path in life? Are you still figuring out who you are and what you want out of life? You are not alone. Adolescence is a time of incredible transition and identity formation, and can be stressful and confusing. Despite how challenging this time is and that fact that our frontal lobe has not fully developed, we are asked to make some of the most important decisions of our lives (academic, occupational, relational, vocational). Adolescence and young adults often struggle with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, and identity formation.
(612) 887-3273 View (612) 887-3273
Photo of Catherine Russell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Russell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Some of my work is with adolescent and adult women,teaching them the skills to manage underlying anxiety and trauma which often predate their substance use, adding to the effectiveness of the medication.
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
Some of my work is with adolescent and adult women,teaching them the skills to manage underlying anxiety and trauma which often predate their substance use, adding to the effectiveness of the medication.
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
(612) 260-4569 View (612) 260-4569
Photo of Ryanne T Mellick, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ryanne T Mellick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Do you have life experiences that you are ready to process? Is life feeling too overwhelming and you aren't sure where to start? Are you a parent struggling to connect with your child? Do you have a teenager dealing with mental health symptoms, difficult peer relationships, or poor decision-making? Is your young child struggling with big feelings and behaviors? Would you like to be in nature and walking while you talk? I know these situations and how overwhelming and scary they can be and feel. You don't have to do it alone. I will walk alongside you or your child as we navigate these difficult situations together.
Do you have life experiences that you are ready to process? Is life feeling too overwhelming and you aren't sure where to start? Are you a parent struggling to connect with your child? Do you have a teenager dealing with mental health symptoms, difficult peer relationships, or poor decision-making? Is your young child struggling with big feelings and behaviors? Would you like to be in nature and walking while you talk? I know these situations and how overwhelming and scary they can be and feel. You don't have to do it alone. I will walk alongside you or your child as we navigate these difficult situations together.
(952) 243-3238 View (952) 243-3238
Photo of Amy Griffis, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Amy Griffis
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Are you an older teen or adult ages 17-65 years old? And have you been experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, gender identity exploration/issues, body image issues, or other issues and wish you could work collaboratively with someone who is compassionate and supportive to help you achieve your goals? Change and relief are possible and you don't have to do it alone.
Are you an older teen or adult ages 17-65 years old? And have you been experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, gender identity exploration/issues, body image issues, or other issues and wish you could work collaboratively with someone who is compassionate and supportive to help you achieve your goals? Change and relief are possible and you don't have to do it alone.
(612) 482-7601 View (612) 482-7601
Photo of Carter Hunt, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Carter Hunt
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Accepting NEW clients for Telehealth and in-person! I enjoy working with people of all ages (pre-teen+) and helping them work through where they feel stuck with relationship issues, trauma, and abuse. I help them engage in healing, and living life authentically. I work with clients from an array of various backgrounds and presenting concerns - including doctors, single parents, individuals without housing, students, professional athletes, veterans, retirees, inmates, disabled individuals, homemakers, business owners, teachers, and so forth. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where they can express openly.
Accepting NEW clients for Telehealth and in-person! I enjoy working with people of all ages (pre-teen+) and helping them work through where they feel stuck with relationship issues, trauma, and abuse. I help them engage in healing, and living life authentically. I work with clients from an array of various backgrounds and presenting concerns - including doctors, single parents, individuals without housing, students, professional athletes, veterans, retirees, inmates, disabled individuals, homemakers, business owners, teachers, and so forth. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where they can express openly.
(651) 240-5912 View (651) 240-5912
Photo of Stephanie Dietz, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie Dietz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I have been providing therapy to adults and adolescent experiencing a wide range of symptoms and life challenges since 2015.
I have current openings for both in-person and telehealth appointments. Being willing to work on bettering yourself takes a lot of bravery and hard work. I am here to help you along this journey. To support, validate, and lift you up. To help you gain a better understanding of yourself. To teach healthy ways of coping with life’s hardships. To encourage you when things are tough, and hope seems lost. To challenge you to do, think, and feel different as you work towards having a life that feels worth living.
I have been providing therapy to adults and adolescent experiencing a wide range of symptoms and life challenges since 2015.
I have current openings for both in-person and telehealth appointments. Being willing to work on bettering yourself takes a lot of bravery and hard work. I am here to help you along this journey. To support, validate, and lift you up. To help you gain a better understanding of yourself. To teach healthy ways of coping with life’s hardships. To encourage you when things are tough, and hope seems lost. To challenge you to do, think, and feel different as you work towards having a life that feels worth living.
(612) 421-3917 View (612) 421-3917
Photo of Dana Fox, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Dana Fox
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Are you looking for change or support in a stressful situation? I am a practical and compassionate therapist. I take a collaborative approach and build on your strengths to help you reach your goals. I also specialize in working with child and adolescent issues.
Are you looking for change or support in a stressful situation? I am a practical and compassionate therapist. I take a collaborative approach and build on your strengths to help you reach your goals. I also specialize in working with child and adolescent issues.
(612) 204-2248 View (612) 204-2248
Photo of Hope Z White, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hope Z White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
However, areas of special focus include parent development, adolescent development and mental health, couple's and family relationships, trauma, shame, regret and remorse, self esteem, addictions, parenting, life transitions, depression and anxiety.
Life is difficult. Feeling better is possible. We all have the right and the ability to feel some peace and acceptance about our lives; the things we can control and the things we can not. We may often believe the negative thoughts we have (that we often make up) and act accordingly. You can change your life, your outlook and the way you think and feel about yourself and your relationships. I believe changes and growth occur when an individual is able to challenge their thoughts, examine their perspectives and learn how to be true to themselves.
However, areas of special focus include parent development, adolescent development and mental health, couple's and family relationships, trauma, shame, regret and remorse, self esteem, addictions, parenting, life transitions, depression and anxiety.
Life is difficult. Feeling better is possible. We all have the right and the ability to feel some peace and acceptance about our lives; the things we can control and the things we can not. We may often believe the negative thoughts we have (that we often make up) and act accordingly. You can change your life, your outlook and the way you think and feel about yourself and your relationships. I believe changes and growth occur when an individual is able to challenge their thoughts, examine their perspectives and learn how to be true to themselves.
(651) 560-3646 View (651) 560-3646
Photo of Matthew F Ryan, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Matthew F Ryan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55401
My specialties are within systemic-based therapy models, solution-focused therapy, family and relationship counseling, adolescent and young adult issues, assessment and treatment of co-occurring disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and positive psychology.
*Please email about availability* Therapy is not surgery; you don't go to sleep and wake up with all of your problems solved. The sweat and strain and heavy lifting are mostly yours. But with this, however, you can feel more satisfied with therapy when actively involved in the sessions. It is my role to work with your motivation & continue to foster this growth towards positive change. I operate from a person-centered approach, which emphasizes being genuine, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding in the efforts to foster our therapeutic connection to enhance this emotional & powerful relationship.
My specialties are within systemic-based therapy models, solution-focused therapy, family and relationship counseling, adolescent and young adult issues, assessment and treatment of co-occurring disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and positive psychology.
*Please email about availability* Therapy is not surgery; you don't go to sleep and wake up with all of your problems solved. The sweat and strain and heavy lifting are mostly yours. But with this, however, you can feel more satisfied with therapy when actively involved in the sessions. It is my role to work with your motivation & continue to foster this growth towards positive change. I operate from a person-centered approach, which emphasizes being genuine, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding in the efforts to foster our therapeutic connection to enhance this emotional & powerful relationship.
(612) 260-6885 View (612) 260-6885
Photo of Isak Morris, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Isak Morris
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical work is attachment-based and trauma-informed, focusing on child and adolescent populations.
As a systemic therapist, I think of people kind of like nesting dolls: we all go through life as the little one in the middle, whole and independent, yet undeniably we are nestled in larger contextual structures. I will meet you with compassion, humor, and non-judgment in the therapy space, holding your whole picture in mind as we work together to integrate the realities of your context with the realities of your heart. All parts of you are welcomed and held. I am a queer-identifying provider and enjoy supporting clients in navigating their own identities.
My clinical work is attachment-based and trauma-informed, focusing on child and adolescent populations.
As a systemic therapist, I think of people kind of like nesting dolls: we all go through life as the little one in the middle, whole and independent, yet undeniably we are nestled in larger contextual structures. I will meet you with compassion, humor, and non-judgment in the therapy space, holding your whole picture in mind as we work together to integrate the realities of your context with the realities of your heart. All parts of you are welcomed and held. I am a queer-identifying provider and enjoy supporting clients in navigating their own identities.
(612) 482-2652 View (612) 482-2652
Photo of Eric Bender, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eric Bender
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Eric brings a compassionate, collaborative, and fun approach to working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. He strives to create a safe environment for clients to share their stories and learn more about themselves and their world. Eric encourages growth by providing tools to better understand emotions and the way they influence our daily lives. Eric completed his Master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. He has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy in adolescent day treatment, outpatient, and in­ home settings.
Eric brings a compassionate, collaborative, and fun approach to working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. He strives to create a safe environment for clients to share their stories and learn more about themselves and their world. Eric encourages growth by providing tools to better understand emotions and the way they influence our daily lives. Eric completed his Master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. He has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy in adolescent day treatment, outpatient, and in­ home settings.
(952) 260-2983 View (952) 260-2983
Photo of Natallie Chivers-Lockhart, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Natallie Chivers-Lockhart
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55413  (Online Only)
When working with clients, I use a collaborative approach. With this in mind, I want to make sure the relational aspect as well as interpersonal aspects of a person are an important part of the process. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples struggling with interpersonal issues, relational discord, life transitions, familial conflict, body imaging struggles, trauma and other stressors that may arise. I have experience working with adults and adolescents in generational poverty, domestic violence survivors, teen pregnancy, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, sexual trauma and social justice concerns.
When working with clients, I use a collaborative approach. With this in mind, I want to make sure the relational aspect as well as interpersonal aspects of a person are an important part of the process. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples struggling with interpersonal issues, relational discord, life transitions, familial conflict, body imaging struggles, trauma and other stressors that may arise. I have experience working with adults and adolescents in generational poverty, domestic violence survivors, teen pregnancy, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, sexual trauma and social justice concerns.
(763) 363-5427 View (763) 363-5427
Photo of Brenda Schaeffer, DMin, MALP, CAS, Psychologist
Brenda Schaeffer
Psychologist, DMin, MALP, CAS
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Certified Addiction Specialist in Sexual Addiction, Clinical Member of International Transactional Analysis Association, Associate Member of Enneagram Association, Author of "Is It Love or Is It Addiction?" "Healthy Relationship Series", "Love's Way", Loving Me, Loving You","Love or Addiction? The Power and Peril of Teen Sex and Romance".
Seeking psychotherapy is a sign of wellness, an opportunity to grow beyond learned limitations, to help individuals and relationships realize their potential and release creative energy suppressed by traumatic events past or present, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, life transitions, grief, illness, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, low esteem, and victimization.
Certified Addiction Specialist in Sexual Addiction, Clinical Member of International Transactional Analysis Association, Associate Member of Enneagram Association, Author of "Is It Love or Is It Addiction?" "Healthy Relationship Series", "Love's Way", Loving Me, Loving You","Love or Addiction? The Power and Peril of Teen Sex and Romance".
Seeking psychotherapy is a sign of wellness, an opportunity to grow beyond learned limitations, to help individuals and relationships realize their potential and release creative energy suppressed by traumatic events past or present, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, life transitions, grief, illness, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, low esteem, and victimization.
(952) 373-0448 View (952) 373-0448
Photo of Cory Call, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cory Call
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I am inspired and humbled by the stories of people's lives - and I'm here to help when life gets challenging. If you're in the midst of a life transition or are feeling directionless - we can explore purpose. If life seems too hectic or feels increasingly hopeless - we'll work together to identify the underlying issue and explore solutions. If it feels like you and your teenager are stuck or if the relationship between your spouse/partner is a source of stress - we can work on communication. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and aren't sure how things can change, I can help.
I am inspired and humbled by the stories of people's lives - and I'm here to help when life gets challenging. If you're in the midst of a life transition or are feeling directionless - we can explore purpose. If life seems too hectic or feels increasingly hopeless - we'll work together to identify the underlying issue and explore solutions. If it feels like you and your teenager are stuck or if the relationship between your spouse/partner is a source of stress - we can work on communication. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and aren't sure how things can change, I can help.
(651) 321-1515 View (651) 321-1515
Photo of Ashley Jefferson-Becerra, MA, LPCC, LADC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Ashley Jefferson-Becerra
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55416
She has previous experience serving individuals with substance use in an intensive outpatient program, behavioral assisted living home, and adolescent residential treatment.
Ashley takes an approach to therapy that emphasizes the individual experience and strives for every person to feel welcomed, honored, and respected. She focuses on inclusivity and empathy in session by using both complementary health approaches and evidenced based practices. Ashley is gender-affirming with a proactive social justice lens and has a background working with adults and adolescents with trauma, mental health, and substance use concerns. Ashley is credentialed as a pre-licensed clinical counselor under supervision and an alcohol and drug counselor.
She has previous experience serving individuals with substance use in an intensive outpatient program, behavioral assisted living home, and adolescent residential treatment.
Ashley takes an approach to therapy that emphasizes the individual experience and strives for every person to feel welcomed, honored, and respected. She focuses on inclusivity and empathy in session by using both complementary health approaches and evidenced based practices. Ashley is gender-affirming with a proactive social justice lens and has a background working with adults and adolescents with trauma, mental health, and substance use concerns. Ashley is credentialed as a pre-licensed clinical counselor under supervision and an alcohol and drug counselor.
(612) 425-1834 View (612) 425-1834
Photo of Tiffany Robinson - The Bismillah Institute, MS, LMHC, NCC, QS
The Bismillah Institute
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, QS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55406  (Online Only)
We also offer Forensic Evaluations and have the only Free Teen Mental Health Clinic in the State with wrap around services.
Feeling low in Iman? Suffering from sleeplessness, stress, sadness? Are your relationships suffering? We are here for you. The trusted elders in our communities are full of advice. But to achieve personal growth or marital success in the Western World? It requires your ability to learn and apply interpersonal skills that weave together strong faith and research-based fundamentals in our Western Battlegrounds. Make a confidential appointment today to learn how Islamic Principals and a real, licensed professional, will help you heal. Ask about free therapy for teens, college students, and more.
We also offer Forensic Evaluations and have the only Free Teen Mental Health Clinic in the State with wrap around services.
Feeling low in Iman? Suffering from sleeplessness, stress, sadness? Are your relationships suffering? We are here for you. The trusted elders in our communities are full of advice. But to achieve personal growth or marital success in the Western World? It requires your ability to learn and apply interpersonal skills that weave together strong faith and research-based fundamentals in our Western Battlegrounds. Make a confidential appointment today to learn how Islamic Principals and a real, licensed professional, will help you heal. Ask about free therapy for teens, college students, and more.
(407) 543-0345 View (407) 543-0345
Photo of Joanna L Kelly, MA, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joanna L Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
Worried about your child's behavior? Struggling with parenting? Concerned about your adolescent's self image or self harm? Stuck in a negative cycle with your significant other and unsure how to connect again? Coming to terms with divorce and co-parenting? Wanting to improve family communication? Battling the shadows of depression and anxiety? Wanting change in your life but not sure what? Seeking therapy is hard and deeply personal. You are the expert in your life and I strive to make each client feel accepted, safe and understood. Together, we can discover your unique path to change and healing within yourself and relationships.
(612) 276-6301 View (612) 276-6301
Photo of Coach Nakumbe - Coach Nakumbe, PhD, LPCC, LADC, ACS, CPC
Coach Nakumbe
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LADC, ACS, CPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Specialties: Parent-teen and couples conflict.
··Accepting New Clients·· I help individuals and couples who are struggling with addiction and relationship problems. I'll help you discover the core reason(s) for why you're struggling and help develop strategies that work to change your way of thinking and behaviors so you can have longer sobriety, reduce relapses and have healthier relationships. We'll work to develop tailored relapse prevention/intervention skills for addiction, coping skills for managing mental health symptoms, and conflict resolution skills for your relationships.
Specialties: Parent-teen and couples conflict.
··Accepting New Clients·· I help individuals and couples who are struggling with addiction and relationship problems. I'll help you discover the core reason(s) for why you're struggling and help develop strategies that work to change your way of thinking and behaviors so you can have longer sobriety, reduce relapses and have healthier relationships. We'll work to develop tailored relapse prevention/intervention skills for addiction, coping skills for managing mental health symptoms, and conflict resolution skills for your relationships.
(612) 223-6622 View (612) 223-6622
Photo of Steve J. Ruff, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steve J. Ruff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent? Are they struggling with peer relationships, divorce, school difficulties, worry, sadness, or behavioral issues? Are you struggling with how to respond to and manage your child's behaviors and emotions? My gentle yet direct approach helps children identify feelings and challenges, to problem solve and find new, productive ways to cope. I collaborate with parents and families in a way that has a child feeling supported, understood and cared about. I truly enjoy being invited into a child's world, and helping them feel empowered and equipped to get through life's challenges.
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent? Are they struggling with peer relationships, divorce, school difficulties, worry, sadness, or behavioral issues? Are you struggling with how to respond to and manage your child's behaviors and emotions? My gentle yet direct approach helps children identify feelings and challenges, to problem solve and find new, productive ways to cope. I collaborate with parents and families in a way that has a child feeling supported, understood and cared about. I truly enjoy being invited into a child's world, and helping them feel empowered and equipped to get through life's challenges.
(612) 293-9348 View (612) 293-9348
Photo of Todd Monger, MA, LPCC, NCC, Counselor
Todd Monger
Counselor, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55404
My work history involves child & adolescent in-patient settings, 17 years as the director of a University counseling center, and consultation for an adoption support ministry.
My experience is working in the area of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD, adoption support, family dynamics and communication, & college issues offering solution focused techniques to bring about positive change and healing. As an attachment theorist I value practical, experiential discovery of the things that hold people back from optimal functioning in life. I seek to join with people by being creative in the work we do together to meet clients where they are at using the talents and strengths he or she has to create successful steps forward.
My work history involves child & adolescent in-patient settings, 17 years as the director of a University counseling center, and consultation for an adoption support ministry.
My experience is working in the area of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD, adoption support, family dynamics and communication, & college issues offering solution focused techniques to bring about positive change and healing. As an attachment theorist I value practical, experiential discovery of the things that hold people back from optimal functioning in life. I seek to join with people by being creative in the work we do together to meet clients where they are at using the talents and strengths he or she has to create successful steps forward.
(952) 373-0575 View (952) 373-0575
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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.