Therapists for Teens in El Toro, CA

Photo of Olivia Dahlin, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Olivia Dahlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630  (Online Only)
Are you concerned about your child/ teen? Is their behavior related to mental health or are the changes you are observing a normal part of development? You may be noticing behaviors such as withdrawal, sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Or they may be anxious, overwhelmed, moody, fearful or having difficulty focusing in school. It can be hard to start the conversation with your child/ teen or get them to open up? As a parent it can be overwhelming to watch kids struggle and not know how to intervene or offer support. You don't have to do it alone.
Are you concerned about your child/ teen? Is their behavior related to mental health or are the changes you are observing a normal part of development? You may be noticing behaviors such as withdrawal, sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Or they may be anxious, overwhelmed, moody, fearful or having difficulty focusing in school. It can be hard to start the conversation with your child/ teen or get them to open up? As a parent it can be overwhelming to watch kids struggle and not know how to intervene or offer support. You don't have to do it alone.
(949) 694-3451 View (949) 694-3451
Photo of Richard Lappin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Richard Lappin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families in a safe, nurturing environment. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and supervisor of therapists, and I use this experience to tailor my services to meet your individual and specific needs. I work with a wide variety of clients and issues, from children with ADHD and school problems, to adolescents with substance abuse issues, to adults grappling with mood disorders and marital problems.
I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families in a safe, nurturing environment. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and supervisor of therapists, and I use this experience to tailor my services to meet your individual and specific needs. I work with a wide variety of clients and issues, from children with ADHD and school problems, to adolescents with substance abuse issues, to adults grappling with mood disorders and marital problems.
(714) 752-0988 View (714) 752-0988
Photo of Sherri Mahdavi, PhD, Psychologist
Sherri Mahdavi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
People often come to therapy because they are suffering from some psychological difficulties. They want to get rid of depression, anxiety or any other psychological problems that have made life unbearable. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified Jungian analyst with more than 18 years of clinical experience. I will create a safe space for my clients to work through their problems. Therapy from depth perspective can create an opportunity for personal growth. Sometimes in the depth of our depression or anxieties we can find the most important answers to our soul searching.
People often come to therapy because they are suffering from some psychological difficulties. They want to get rid of depression, anxiety or any other psychological problems that have made life unbearable. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified Jungian analyst with more than 18 years of clinical experience. I will create a safe space for my clients to work through their problems. Therapy from depth perspective can create an opportunity for personal growth. Sometimes in the depth of our depression or anxieties we can find the most important answers to our soul searching.
(949) 422-4488 View (949) 422-4488
Photo of Susan Spehling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Spehling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
My name is Susan Spehling. I am an LCSW in CA, AZ, NV & OR. I am a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist. I have special certifications in Trauma (CCTP-II) and ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), specializing in trauma/depression/anxiety & amp; marital problems. I typically work with a wide range of clients, from children, generally around age 10, to adults of varied ages and stages in their lives. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families, with a specialty focus on trauma, depression, resistant depression, anxiety, marital issues, and parenting.
My name is Susan Spehling. I am an LCSW in CA, AZ, NV & OR. I am a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist. I have special certifications in Trauma (CCTP-II) and ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), specializing in trauma/depression/anxiety & amp; marital problems. I typically work with a wide range of clients, from children, generally around age 10, to adults of varied ages and stages in their lives. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families, with a specialty focus on trauma, depression, resistant depression, anxiety, marital issues, and parenting.
(916) 659-8177 View (916) 659-8177
Photo of Merett Sheridan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Merett Sheridan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
Hi there, I'm Merrett, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Areas I can help you with include self-esteem, co-dependency, setting boundaries, work/life balance, caregiver burnout, dysfunctional family dynamics, existential concerns, and life transitions. I use a variety of modalities including positive psychology, solution-focused, and existential, but always work in a client-centered manner, focusing on the issues that matter most to you to help guide you to better understand your experience and solutions for moving forward.
Hi there, I'm Merrett, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Areas I can help you with include self-esteem, co-dependency, setting boundaries, work/life balance, caregiver burnout, dysfunctional family dynamics, existential concerns, and life transitions. I use a variety of modalities including positive psychology, solution-focused, and existential, but always work in a client-centered manner, focusing on the issues that matter most to you to help guide you to better understand your experience and solutions for moving forward.
(760) 935-6664 View (760) 935-6664
Photo of Jennifer Villar, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Villar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92610
I have been a licensed therapist since 2018. Before that I was a special education teacher, working with children in a non-public school. I have 3 years of working with children and adolescents who have history or PTSD, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and general neglect. I have a year experience of working with adults who are working through grief, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem concerns, and depression. I tend to use cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice, and enjoy mixing in motivational interviewing, strength based, and solution focused therapy.
I have been a licensed therapist since 2018. Before that I was a special education teacher, working with children in a non-public school. I have 3 years of working with children and adolescents who have history or PTSD, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and general neglect. I have a year experience of working with adults who are working through grief, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem concerns, and depression. I tend to use cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice, and enjoy mixing in motivational interviewing, strength based, and solution focused therapy.
(657) 837-1439 View (657) 837-1439
Photo of Tina Luke, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tina Luke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92610
My name is Tina Luke, a licensed clinical social worker. I work with clients struggling with various forms of anxiety, managing stress, trauma, depression, social and specific phobias, relationships transitions, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, brief crisis intervention and PTSD. I like to use a strength based approach to allow identifying of strengths of the client to draw from when advancing into sessions. My main approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach to therapy is ensuring that the client is being heard and that services are tailored to meet the needs of the client.
My name is Tina Luke, a licensed clinical social worker. I work with clients struggling with various forms of anxiety, managing stress, trauma, depression, social and specific phobias, relationships transitions, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, brief crisis intervention and PTSD. I like to use a strength based approach to allow identifying of strengths of the client to draw from when advancing into sessions. My main approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach to therapy is ensuring that the client is being heard and that services are tailored to meet the needs of the client.
(657) 216-7356 View (657) 216-7356
Photo of John Robles, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Robles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
Hi, my name is John Robles, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has engaged with people, by way of a client centered approach, to partner with them in continuing their self-improvement journey. I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress, depression, existential struggles and relational challenges. The conditions I am most comfortable treating are Anxiety, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Hi, my name is John Robles, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has engaged with people, by way of a client centered approach, to partner with them in continuing their self-improvement journey. I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress, depression, existential struggles and relational challenges. The conditions I am most comfortable treating are Anxiety, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
(415) 230-2644 View (415) 230-2644
Photo of Joe Mutow, LPCC
Joe Mutow
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
I have provided therapy for individuals (children K-12 and adults), family, group, and couple sessions for over ten years. My modality is Cognitive Behavioral which means we believe it is not the event itself but how we perceive and react to the circumstance that may cause a problem. We will explore different possibilities through our session and discover what may serve us the best in pursuing happiness.
I have provided therapy for individuals (children K-12 and adults), family, group, and couple sessions for over ten years. My modality is Cognitive Behavioral which means we believe it is not the event itself but how we perceive and react to the circumstance that may cause a problem. We will explore different possibilities through our session and discover what may serve us the best in pursuing happiness.
(909) 316-1947 View (909) 316-1947
Photo of Janel Guinane, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janel Guinane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
My career in the helping professions started in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco working with adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. This launched a long road of determination to attain a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2008 and then a Master’s in Social Work in 2010. I obtained my Clinical License in 2015. Throughout my educational years and afterward, I worked with many different populations such as children, teens, TAY, former foster youth, homeless youth, adults with mental illness, homeless adults, and those arrested for alcohol and/or drug related offenses.
My career in the helping professions started in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco working with adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. This launched a long road of determination to attain a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2008 and then a Master’s in Social Work in 2010. I obtained my Clinical License in 2015. Throughout my educational years and afterward, I worked with many different populations such as children, teens, TAY, former foster youth, homeless youth, adults with mental illness, homeless adults, and those arrested for alcohol and/or drug related offenses.
(909) 675-0160 View (909) 675-0160
Photo of Reneshia White, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Reneshia White
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Toro, CA 92630
I have experience working in multiple disciplinary settings while servicing urban impact communities. I have a strong passion for connecting with teens by being supportive and encouraging as the teens have dealt with personal issues ranging from depression to suicidal ideation.
I have experience working in multiple disciplinary settings while servicing urban impact communities. I have a strong passion for connecting with teens by being supportive and encouraging as the teens have dealt with personal issues ranging from depression to suicidal ideation.
(747) 269-6449 View (747) 269-6449

More Therapists Nearby

SoCal Adolescent Wellness
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
We have both male and female therapists available for weekly teen therapy and family therapy.
We have current availability with both male and female therapists for weekly teen therapy and family therapy. Let us help you today!
We have both male and female therapists available for weekly teen therapy and family therapy.
We have current availability with both male and female therapists for weekly teen therapy and family therapy. Let us help you today!
(949) 649-0541 View (949) 649-0541
Photo of Sharon Bowen - Therapy Outside- Taking New Clients, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Therapy Outside- Taking New Clients
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
As a parent I know there is no worse feeling than watching your child struggle and being helpless to stop it. Trying desperately to help and connect with them only to feel like they are moving farther away from you despite how much you love them. Ultimately, nothing is more painful than feeling like you have failed your child. In the end all parents want is for their children to be happy and healthy but often to a child or teenager, going to therapy can make them feel like they are a problem that needs to be fixed.
As a parent I know there is no worse feeling than watching your child struggle and being helpless to stop it. Trying desperately to help and connect with them only to feel like they are moving farther away from you despite how much you love them. Ultimately, nothing is more painful than feeling like you have failed your child. In the end all parents want is for their children to be happy and healthy but often to a child or teenager, going to therapy can make them feel like they are a problem that needs to be fixed.
(714) 278-3382 View (714) 278-3382
Photo of Sheryl E Woodhouse, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sheryl E Woodhouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience with adolescent issues and parent/child conflict in addition to working with families facing issues involving blended families, domestic violence - victims of crime and sexual assault.
Male and female stressed needing balance in their individual and/or family life. Pre mid and post divorce or separations.
I have extensive experience with adolescent issues and parent/child conflict in addition to working with families facing issues involving blended families, domestic violence - victims of crime and sexual assault.
Male and female stressed needing balance in their individual and/or family life. Pre mid and post divorce or separations.
(949) 212-6228 View (949) 212-6228
Photo of Alisa Gibney, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alisa Gibney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
I conduct a thorough assessment to gain accurate knowledge and clarity about the challenges affecting your teen.
The families of South Orange County are under tremendous pressures; the stress can be compounded by those facing the challenges of a teen demonstrating behavioral or emotional issues. At times, the behavior of your teen may be so worrisome that it risks the health and normal functioning of not only your teen, but your entire family. At times like this, you may benefit from partnering with me to guide you through a specialized adolescent assessment and determine necessary treatment for your child.
I conduct a thorough assessment to gain accurate knowledge and clarity about the challenges affecting your teen.
The families of South Orange County are under tremendous pressures; the stress can be compounded by those facing the challenges of a teen demonstrating behavioral or emotional issues. At times, the behavior of your teen may be so worrisome that it risks the health and normal functioning of not only your teen, but your entire family. At times like this, you may benefit from partnering with me to guide you through a specialized adolescent assessment and determine necessary treatment for your child.
(949) 484-0951 View (949) 484-0951
Photo of Sharon Chan - Sharon Chan,LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Chan,LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Sharon has current openings in the office and through telehealth (if you reside in California). Is your teen struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, or with difficult thoughts? As a parent, are you overwhelmed by all of the demands of being a parent? Does your youth have a difficult time making friends or communicating with others? Is your child highly sensitive? Some teens have a difficult time managing their emotions and it may result in isolation, difficulty concentrating and/or other behaviors. I can help by providing support and guidance to help them to reach their goals.
Sharon has current openings in the office and through telehealth (if you reside in California). Is your teen struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, or with difficult thoughts? As a parent, are you overwhelmed by all of the demands of being a parent? Does your youth have a difficult time making friends or communicating with others? Is your child highly sensitive? Some teens have a difficult time managing their emotions and it may result in isolation, difficulty concentrating and/or other behaviors. I can help by providing support and guidance to help them to reach their goals.
(626) 658-3302 View (626) 658-3302
Photo of Ryan M. Watanabe, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ryan M. Watanabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Are you concerned about your teenager's excessive stress, argumentative behavior at home, or declining grades? Adolescence is a stressful period as the developmental changes that occur during this time affect almost every area of a teenager's functioning (e.g. relationships with others, risk-taking behavior, sense of identity). However, these changes often lead to great distress on the teenager and their families. Psychotherapy can be a great tool for your child to work through his or her conflicts as they make the difficult transition into adulthood.
Are you concerned about your teenager's excessive stress, argumentative behavior at home, or declining grades? Adolescence is a stressful period as the developmental changes that occur during this time affect almost every area of a teenager's functioning (e.g. relationships with others, risk-taking behavior, sense of identity). However, these changes often lead to great distress on the teenager and their families. Psychotherapy can be a great tool for your child to work through his or her conflicts as they make the difficult transition into adulthood.
(949) 297-6072 View (949) 297-6072
Photo of Mary C Pratt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary C Pratt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
I have been working with individuals and families for over 20 years. I love helping individuals and families feel more competent and happy. Whether it is an issue with your preschooler or communication problems with your teenager, I can help find a solution that everyone can live with.
I have been working with individuals and families for over 20 years. I love helping individuals and families feel more competent and happy. Whether it is an issue with your preschooler or communication problems with your teenager, I can help find a solution that everyone can live with.
(949) 485-4563 View (949) 485-4563
Photo of Brittany Fella, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Fella
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
We begin to celebrate them! When your teen is seen, known and accepted they grow.
Chances are, you might be concerned about your teens mood and behavior. You are willing to do anything to see them happy. You know this time in their life can be hard, and you understand their confusion. Their frustration, and your frustration makes sense. I am here to help. Over the past decade, I’ve found ways to connect with teens; the ones that have tried everything to feel better, and despite their best efforts, have run out of options. Together, with a strong dose of humor and realness, we can understand and make sense of their behavior.
We begin to celebrate them! When your teen is seen, known and accepted they grow.
Chances are, you might be concerned about your teens mood and behavior. You are willing to do anything to see them happy. You know this time in their life can be hard, and you understand their confusion. Their frustration, and your frustration makes sense. I am here to help. Over the past decade, I’ve found ways to connect with teens; the ones that have tried everything to feel better, and despite their best efforts, have run out of options. Together, with a strong dose of humor and realness, we can understand and make sense of their behavior.
(949) 806-4552 View (949) 806-4552
Photo of Ella Davies, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ella Davies
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92610
If you are ready to explore the parts of your life that have been holding you back, or if your teenager is struggling with emotions and behaviors that seem out of control, I’m here to help. My clients tell me that they appreciate my straight forward and compassionate style, and kids and teens tell me they get my sense of humor. I have been working in the helping profession for over a decade, and can help you in understanding how to talk to your child so they can hear you, in working with your teenager to navigate adolescence and young adulthood, or in discovering what is keeping you stuck in a rut instead of chasing your dreams.
If you are ready to explore the parts of your life that have been holding you back, or if your teenager is struggling with emotions and behaviors that seem out of control, I’m here to help. My clients tell me that they appreciate my straight forward and compassionate style, and kids and teens tell me they get my sense of humor. I have been working in the helping profession for over a decade, and can help you in understanding how to talk to your child so they can hear you, in working with your teenager to navigate adolescence and young adulthood, or in discovering what is keeping you stuck in a rut instead of chasing your dreams.
(657) 214-3185 View (657) 214-3185

See more therapy options for El Toro

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.