Therapists for Teens in Asheville, NC

Photo of Jon West, LCSWA
Jon West
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
As a parent of a teenager, you’re wondering: How can I support my kid to be the best version of themself they can be? Contacting a therapist can be intimidating. But you’re taking an important first step in seeking out that therapist who you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship with to help your teen become the person they believe they can be. I work with clients in a relaxed, natural, and professional atmosphere to collaborate with them to identify the different paths and choices that lay before them so they can be empowered to become the rockstar version of themselves they always dreamed of.
As a parent of a teenager, you’re wondering: How can I support my kid to be the best version of themself they can be? Contacting a therapist can be intimidating. But you’re taking an important first step in seeking out that therapist who you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship with to help your teen become the person they believe they can be. I work with clients in a relaxed, natural, and professional atmosphere to collaborate with them to identify the different paths and choices that lay before them so they can be empowered to become the rockstar version of themselves they always dreamed of.
(828) 522-9377 View (828) 522-9377
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Asheville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(828) 571-7133 View (828) 571-7133
Photo of Elizabeth Rose Allen - Elizabeth R Allen, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth R Allen, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I love helping families facilitate healthy communication and conflict resolution, parent and teen communication, blended family communication and parenting.
I focus primarily on work with adolescents experiencing anxiety and depression or struggling with self-esteem as well as their families who are experiencing life transitions, parenting difficulties, and relationship concerns.
I love helping families facilitate healthy communication and conflict resolution, parent and teen communication, blended family communication and parenting.
I focus primarily on work with adolescents experiencing anxiety and depression or struggling with self-esteem as well as their families who are experiencing life transitions, parenting difficulties, and relationship concerns.
(828) 408-0527 View (828) 408-0527
Photo of Vanessa Guerrero, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
(828) 382-8550 View (828) 382-8550
Photo of Natalie R Hill, MA,  LCMHC, QS
Natalie R Hill
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Welcome! I'm so glad you've made the decision to embark on your journey towards healing, you deserve it! If traditional talk therapy hasn't quite hit the mark for you or your teen, experiential therapy might be a game-changer. I’ve found that activities like hiking, climbing, working with horses, or engaging in art can offer more effective results. I bring a playful, youthful energy to my work—I’m a big kid at heart! I believe in balancing laughter with the seriousness of our sessions. I view therapy as a space where we can embrace the full range of emotions, combining humor and authenticity with deep, empathetic support.
Welcome! I'm so glad you've made the decision to embark on your journey towards healing, you deserve it! If traditional talk therapy hasn't quite hit the mark for you or your teen, experiential therapy might be a game-changer. I’ve found that activities like hiking, climbing, working with horses, or engaging in art can offer more effective results. I bring a playful, youthful energy to my work—I’m a big kid at heart! I believe in balancing laughter with the seriousness of our sessions. I view therapy as a space where we can embrace the full range of emotions, combining humor and authenticity with deep, empathetic support.
(828) 463-1495 View (828) 463-1495
Photo of Scott Fischer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Scott Fischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806
Though I work with everyone, and all are welcome, always, I specialize in working with adolescent teens and adult men. Emphasizing mindfulness, my work is particularly effective in dealing with patterns of substance use or other addictive tendencies, social anxiety, ADHD, and important life transitions. Rather than having my own agenda, I appreciate helping clients clarify and compassionately move toward their vision, find meaning through challenge, and gain deeper understanding of their own dilemmas. I also enjoy helping people learn to communicate authentically with their loved ones in ways that help change detrimental patterns.
Though I work with everyone, and all are welcome, always, I specialize in working with adolescent teens and adult men. Emphasizing mindfulness, my work is particularly effective in dealing with patterns of substance use or other addictive tendencies, social anxiety, ADHD, and important life transitions. Rather than having my own agenda, I appreciate helping clients clarify and compassionately move toward their vision, find meaning through challenge, and gain deeper understanding of their own dilemmas. I also enjoy helping people learn to communicate authentically with their loved ones in ways that help change detrimental patterns.
(919) 371-5930 View (919) 371-5930
Photo of Liz Lucarelli, BCC, RPT-S, LCMHC
Liz Lucarelli
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, BCC, RPT-S, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I specialize in working with children, preteens, and adolescents ages 8 - 16+. I also offer therapy/coaching for parents raising a challenging child/ teen and family therapy to help mend the parent-child relationship. I work best with clients who may be anxious, depressed, working through grief/loss or trauma, and have low self-esteem, and need social, life, coping, or relationship skills. My approach is playful, authentic, and honest! I blend play and expressive arts - sand tray, drawing, role-playing, and other experiential activities. I want to help my clients become more calm, curious, connected, resilient, and empowered!
I specialize in working with children, preteens, and adolescents ages 8 - 16+. I also offer therapy/coaching for parents raising a challenging child/ teen and family therapy to help mend the parent-child relationship. I work best with clients who may be anxious, depressed, working through grief/loss or trauma, and have low self-esteem, and need social, life, coping, or relationship skills. My approach is playful, authentic, and honest! I blend play and expressive arts - sand tray, drawing, role-playing, and other experiential activities. I want to help my clients become more calm, curious, connected, resilient, and empowered!
(828) 523-9624 View (828) 523-9624
Photo of Syd Speer - Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling, MA, LCMHC, Counselor
Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
(828) 230-8687 View (828) 230-8687
Photo of Elaine Roche, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elaine Roche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
(828) 457-7188 View (828) 457-7188
Photo of Chris Dellicarpini - Asheville Counseling & Wellness Center, MS, LPC, BCN, CCMHC
Asheville Counseling & Wellness Center
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LPC, BCN, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
We also offer ADHD evaluation for child, adolescent, and adult populations including academic accommodations for students.
The staff and clinicians at Asheville Counseling & Wellness Center are dedicated to improving the quality of life of our Clients. We offer a multitude of treatment modalities in order to provide the best care possible. Our clients can expect to receive effective and efficient treatments, while we provide the best possible client/clinician experience. Our focus is helping the public achieve health, healing and well-being. We look forward to working with you and your family.
We also offer ADHD evaluation for child, adolescent, and adult populations including academic accommodations for students.
The staff and clinicians at Asheville Counseling & Wellness Center are dedicated to improving the quality of life of our Clients. We offer a multitude of treatment modalities in order to provide the best care possible. Our clients can expect to receive effective and efficient treatments, while we provide the best possible client/clinician experience. Our focus is helping the public achieve health, healing and well-being. We look forward to working with you and your family.
(828) 482-0346 View (828) 482-0346
Photo of Mary Monaghan, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
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Photo of Elaine Roche, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elaine Roche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
(828) 374-8922 View (828) 374-8922
Photo of Trysh Huntington-Buchan Adolescent Therapist, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Trysh Huntington-Buchan Adolescent Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28804
Being a teen-ager is SUPER hard. Being their parent can be even harder. There are times when you struggle to comprehend where your child is coming from and have no idea what they are dealing with. Perhaps you tried communicating with your child and all you receive is 'I don't want to talk about it' or 'I'm fine.' Maybe you feel you are living with a stranger and worry that your child's behavior is hard to understand, secretive or dangerous? Technology hasn't even been mentioned yet! Living in an environment like this can challenge the family system.
Being a teen-ager is SUPER hard. Being their parent can be even harder. There are times when you struggle to comprehend where your child is coming from and have no idea what they are dealing with. Perhaps you tried communicating with your child and all you receive is 'I don't want to talk about it' or 'I'm fine.' Maybe you feel you are living with a stranger and worry that your child's behavior is hard to understand, secretive or dangerous? Technology hasn't even been mentioned yet! Living in an environment like this can challenge the family system.
(828) 385-5545 View (828) 385-5545
Photo of Lisa Lavelle Bowen, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Lavelle Bowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
Whatever issue, I help with healing from trauma and grief, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, some mental disorders or other difficulties you, your child, your teenager, your spouse or significant other may be facing.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. Many years of experience counseling children, teens and adults. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. My experience includes working with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture from all over the world in a psychiatric hospital, outpatient clinic work, being a clinical supervisor, school based therapist work, counseling for military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
Whatever issue, I help with healing from trauma and grief, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, some mental disorders or other difficulties you, your child, your teenager, your spouse or significant other may be facing.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression. Many years of experience counseling children, teens and adults. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. My experience includes working with World Trade Center 9/11 survivors, survivors of torture from all over the world in a psychiatric hospital, outpatient clinic work, being a clinical supervisor, school based therapist work, counseling for military, their spouses & children at bases in USA, Europe and Japan and private practice.
(828) 360-8820 View (828) 360-8820
Photo of Marissa Maffei, LCSW-A
Marissa Maffei
LCSW Associate, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
Hey there :) I come from a trauma-informed, client centered background and am here to meet you where you are. I specialize in child/ adolescent and early adulthood treatment with a focus on life transitions, processing past experiences, family challenges, and identity formation. I am part of Thrive Mental Health Center located in Asheville, NC. We are a diverse group of clinicians specializing in the treatment of clients dealing with psychological and behavioral challenges. We offer individual, couple, and family therapy. Our core values are quality of care, individualized approach, person-centered & cultural competence.
Hey there :) I come from a trauma-informed, client centered background and am here to meet you where you are. I specialize in child/ adolescent and early adulthood treatment with a focus on life transitions, processing past experiences, family challenges, and identity formation. I am part of Thrive Mental Health Center located in Asheville, NC. We are a diverse group of clinicians specializing in the treatment of clients dealing with psychological and behavioral challenges. We offer individual, couple, and family therapy. Our core values are quality of care, individualized approach, person-centered & cultural competence.
(828) 672-3015 View (828) 672-3015
Photo of Noah McCarter, LCMHC-A, Counselor
Noah McCarter
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I welcome teen and adult clients of all ethnicities, genders, orientations, ability, and religions.
Life is full of challenges that impact our mental health and many of them are outside of our control. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and/or depressed when facing them. I see the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative alliance that will empower you to make positive changes and gain a greater sense of meaning and control in your life. In working together, I hope to create a space where you feel supported, respected, and welcomed to explore your experience deeper. I believe you deserve to lead a happy, healthy, and meaningful life and am ready to help you achieve it.
I welcome teen and adult clients of all ethnicities, genders, orientations, ability, and religions.
Life is full of challenges that impact our mental health and many of them are outside of our control. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and/or depressed when facing them. I see the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative alliance that will empower you to make positive changes and gain a greater sense of meaning and control in your life. In working together, I hope to create a space where you feel supported, respected, and welcomed to explore your experience deeper. I believe you deserve to lead a happy, healthy, and meaningful life and am ready to help you achieve it.
(828) 519-5734 View (828) 519-5734
Photo of Della Louise Pope - Della Pope Family Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Della Pope Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Are you ready to learn how to support your anxious, overwhelmed tween or teen? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.
You watch as your tween or teen struggle: they isolate in their room, tell you they are fine, but don't want to do the things that used to make them happy. They have big outbursts and seem so unhappy. It's easy to take it on, like you've failed as a parent. You're up at night worrying, wishing it was still as simple as putting a bandaid on a scraped knee. But it's not that simple anymore. The reality is, your tween or teen is dealing with so much: social media, the state of the world, a future that can feel uncertain. And add to that all the regular stressors! It's easy to feel like your family is the only one struggling.
Are you ready to learn how to support your anxious, overwhelmed tween or teen? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.
You watch as your tween or teen struggle: they isolate in their room, tell you they are fine, but don't want to do the things that used to make them happy. They have big outbursts and seem so unhappy. It's easy to take it on, like you've failed as a parent. You're up at night worrying, wishing it was still as simple as putting a bandaid on a scraped knee. But it's not that simple anymore. The reality is, your tween or teen is dealing with so much: social media, the state of the world, a future that can feel uncertain. And add to that all the regular stressors! It's easy to feel like your family is the only one struggling.
(828) 630-8661 View (828) 630-8661
Photo of Taylor Maxson, MS, LCMHC
Taylor Maxson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/ teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/ teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
(828) 373-3768 View (828) 373-3768
Photo of Andy Sermos, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andy Sermos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
When I was an adolescent I was a Bart Simpson. I was routinely sent to the office, struggled with peer relationships and had frequent conflicts with authority figures. I relate well with teen and young adult males because I still partake in lifting, skating, and gaming. It can be difficult navigating the labyrinths of life, be it conflicts with parents, the effects of divorce, the aftermath of abuse, etc. Long story short, with good decisions and coping skills, you can overcome your problems and correct the course of your ship.
When I was an adolescent I was a Bart Simpson. I was routinely sent to the office, struggled with peer relationships and had frequent conflicts with authority figures. I relate well with teen and young adult males because I still partake in lifting, skating, and gaming. It can be difficult navigating the labyrinths of life, be it conflicts with parents, the effects of divorce, the aftermath of abuse, etc. Long story short, with good decisions and coping skills, you can overcome your problems and correct the course of your ship.
(828) 532-2139 View (828) 532-2139
Photo of Melina Bridges, LCMHC
Melina Bridges
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Having worked in the public schools for many years, I know how to hold space and listen to your child or teen.
I offer expressive and emotionally based therapies to children (ages 6 and older) a warm and nurturing environment which provides a safe space to do any healing they might need to do to move forward, to feel better about who they are, or share what might have happened in their lives that makes their heart ache. I help teens and young adults navigate the turbulence of hormones, and school work, friendships and home life, college and relationships, and all the other activities and significant events happening, while trying to discover who they are and what makes them feel most alive.
Having worked in the public schools for many years, I know how to hold space and listen to your child or teen.
I offer expressive and emotionally based therapies to children (ages 6 and older) a warm and nurturing environment which provides a safe space to do any healing they might need to do to move forward, to feel better about who they are, or share what might have happened in their lives that makes their heart ache. I help teens and young adults navigate the turbulence of hormones, and school work, friendships and home life, college and relationships, and all the other activities and significant events happening, while trying to discover who they are and what makes them feel most alive.
(828) 373-6117 View (828) 373-6117
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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.