Therapists for Teens in La Mesa, CA
Kelsey Barillas, LMFT, #133292
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
How’s life? Want to talk about it? It can be hard to take the first step in finding a psychotherapist who is a good fit for you but, you’ve already gotten closer by exploring the web. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and other Mental Health matters can be hard to manage and get in the way of having a peaceful and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with your emotional wellbeing, thoughts, feelings, or adjustments to life experiences, we can work together to look at how to make progress and the changes that you need to process some of the current matters you are facing.
How’s life? Want to talk about it? It can be hard to take the first step in finding a psychotherapist who is a good fit for you but, you’ve already gotten closer by exploring the web. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and other Mental Health matters can be hard to manage and get in the way of having a peaceful and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with your emotional wellbeing, thoughts, feelings, or adjustments to life experiences, we can work together to look at how to make progress and the changes that you need to process some of the current matters you are facing.
My personal development has been enriched in serving as the Associate Director of a private community agency focused on adolescent treatment,family interventions, and worked nationally on resources and curricula on adolescent issues.
I have been in private psychological practice for over 30 years specializing in Marital and Relational therapy, Family problem interventions, Adolescents, and in the treatment of Sexual and Substance Abuse, and family therapy related to these issues. I have a broad range of training and utilize multiple modalities in the course of assisting my clients toward growth and personal change. I also assist clients with value related questions and am helpful for those looking for a "Christian Therapist". Further, I have extensive experience in dealing with the issues of aging, serious health issue, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
My personal development has been enriched in serving as the Associate Director of a private community agency focused on adolescent treatment,family interventions, and worked nationally on resources and curricula on adolescent issues.
I have been in private psychological practice for over 30 years specializing in Marital and Relational therapy, Family problem interventions, Adolescents, and in the treatment of Sexual and Substance Abuse, and family therapy related to these issues. I have a broad range of training and utilize multiple modalities in the course of assisting my clients toward growth and personal change. I also assist clients with value related questions and am helpful for those looking for a "Christian Therapist". Further, I have extensive experience in dealing with the issues of aging, serious health issue, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
Theresa Leal, LCSW...I am an older practitioner and have worked a lot with families, young adults, and teens. I am very goal-oriented and will work with clients to help them identify their needs and help them work toward solutions, I believe in being positive and looking for how to help my clients develop their own answers so they have ownership of them. I am currently working with a family and teenager, I am also working with two teens on their own and I have a number of young adults in their 20s I am working with. I have been working with Oppositional Defiant, PTSD, sexual abuse, racism, and gender issues.
Theresa Leal, LCSW...I am an older practitioner and have worked a lot with families, young adults, and teens. I am very goal-oriented and will work with clients to help them identify their needs and help them work toward solutions, I believe in being positive and looking for how to help my clients develop their own answers so they have ownership of them. I am currently working with a family and teenager, I am also working with two teens on their own and I have a number of young adults in their 20s I am working with. I have been working with Oppositional Defiant, PTSD, sexual abuse, racism, and gender issues.
Being a teenager in today's society is quite a journey. Do you ever feel hopeless when trying to figure out how to help your teen or preteen navigate their big emotions and social struggles? Has your teen lost motivation and connection with others and is no longer finding enjoyment in things they used to love? Being the parent of a teenager is no small feat, especially when they have lost their confidence and self identity. I have dedicated the last 6 years to helping teens, pre-teens, and their parents navigate this delicate time within life development.
Being a teenager in today's society is quite a journey. Do you ever feel hopeless when trying to figure out how to help your teen or preteen navigate their big emotions and social struggles? Has your teen lost motivation and connection with others and is no longer finding enjoyment in things they used to love? Being the parent of a teenager is no small feat, especially when they have lost their confidence and self identity. I have dedicated the last 6 years to helping teens, pre-teens, and their parents navigate this delicate time within life development.
My clients are children, teen, or adult students who are neurodiverse and struggling with learning, socialization, behavior, and/or mental health symptoms. Primary focus is help improve educational (i.e. academic, social, behavioral) and/or vocational functioning with my clients. As a team; we will work together to identify presenting concerns and co-develop goals in order to create a treatment plan to address those concerns through a strength-based and neuro-informed lens. My clients consistently share the positive impact of my services.
My clients are children, teen, or adult students who are neurodiverse and struggling with learning, socialization, behavior, and/or mental health symptoms. Primary focus is help improve educational (i.e. academic, social, behavioral) and/or vocational functioning with my clients. As a team; we will work together to identify presenting concerns and co-develop goals in order to create a treatment plan to address those concerns through a strength-based and neuro-informed lens. My clients consistently share the positive impact of my services.
Lauren Goebel, Neurospicy Teen Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
If you are wondering if I might be a good fit for you or your teen, please reach out and schedule a free 15 minute consultation! You can book online with me at LetsWanderPsychotherapy.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with teens (ages 13 to 18) and young adults (18-21). I work with a variety of issues/topics including: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA), depression, anxiety, academic issues, bullying/peer issues, trauma and family relationships. I work with the LGBTQIA+ community and enjoy working with teens who are questioning or having concerns around sexuality or gender identity. When working with teens, establishing a connection and safety is my first goal. Once we have a trusting relationship, I work with them find their own goals that will enhance their life and relationships.
If you are wondering if I might be a good fit for you or your teen, please reach out and schedule a free 15 minute consultation! You can book online with me at LetsWanderPsychotherapy.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with teens (ages 13 to 18) and young adults (18-21). I work with a variety of issues/topics including: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA), depression, anxiety, academic issues, bullying/peer issues, trauma and family relationships. I work with the LGBTQIA+ community and enjoy working with teens who are questioning or having concerns around sexuality or gender identity. When working with teens, establishing a connection and safety is my first goal. Once we have a trusting relationship, I work with them find their own goals that will enhance their life and relationships.
Dr Millican, Child Assessment (ADHD, Autism, PDA)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Welcome! If you are looking to have your child or teen tested for Autism, ADHD, PDA, giftedness or other forms of neurodiversity from an affirming lens, you are in the right place! I provide assessment for children ages 6 to 18. The process involves an in-person testing session with the child as well as thorough interviews with the parents, family members, and teachers. I will also do a record review of any previous testing that has been completed, report cards, and any lEPs/504 plans. This is an extensive deep dive assessment that will help you better understand your child's identity, support needs, and ways to best parent them.
Welcome! If you are looking to have your child or teen tested for Autism, ADHD, PDA, giftedness or other forms of neurodiversity from an affirming lens, you are in the right place! I provide assessment for children ages 6 to 18. The process involves an in-person testing session with the child as well as thorough interviews with the parents, family members, and teachers. I will also do a record review of any previous testing that has been completed, report cards, and any lEPs/504 plans. This is an extensive deep dive assessment that will help you better understand your child's identity, support needs, and ways to best parent them.
Jennifer Leonard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Is your teenager acting differently or struggling with mood changes? Is the whole family being negatively affected by their behavior? I have 20 years of experience helping teens, couples and families learn how to manage and communicate their emotions effectively and respectfully. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to be “messed up” or in total crisis to seek help from a therapist.... Sometimes it only takes a few sessions to get on track so please call today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Is your teenager acting differently or struggling with mood changes? Is the whole family being negatively affected by their behavior? I have 20 years of experience helping teens, couples and families learn how to manage and communicate their emotions effectively and respectfully. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to be “messed up” or in total crisis to seek help from a therapist.... Sometimes it only takes a few sessions to get on track so please call today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Have you felt sad or hopeless in the past month? Do you put off things you should be doing? Do you feel like you're failing? Do you panic when something reminds you of past trauma? Have you been worried about your child for more than a few weeks? If you’re struggling with depression, stress, or trauma, or if you're concerned about your child/ teen, I can help. When life feels out of control, I can offer you the support you need to overcome these obstacles. Together, we can return control of your life to YOU, where it belongs.
Have you felt sad or hopeless in the past month? Do you put off things you should be doing? Do you feel like you're failing? Do you panic when something reminds you of past trauma? Have you been worried about your child for more than a few weeks? If you’re struggling with depression, stress, or trauma, or if you're concerned about your child/ teen, I can help. When life feels out of control, I can offer you the support you need to overcome these obstacles. Together, we can return control of your life to YOU, where it belongs.
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a teen struggling with their mood, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
Does your self esteem need a boost? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you have a teen struggling with their mood, which may be affecting their learning or relationships? You may need some support for yourself, your primary relationship, or your family. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. There is joy in the solving and you are already on your way.
Ward Learning Solutions
Licensed Educational Psychologist, EdD, ABSNP, NCSP
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941
Renate Ward specializes in the identification, assessment, and diagnosis of Learning Disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and other child/ adolescent disabilities including social-emotional and behavioral factors that impact how children learn.
Is your child struggling in school with learning or behavior? Are you concerned they may have a learning disability, emotional disability, or neurological disorder such as ADHD or Autism? Are you an adult in college or a career where you have/suspect a learning disability impacting your performance? Dr. Ward's goal is to assist parents in being the best advocate for their children by providing knowledge, guidance, and confidence that they are doing everything possible to maximize their child’s learning potential. Dr. Ward also specializes in DHH assessments with 13 years of teaching and 10 years of assessing this population in ASL.
Renate Ward specializes in the identification, assessment, and diagnosis of Learning Disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and other child/ adolescent disabilities including social-emotional and behavioral factors that impact how children learn.
Is your child struggling in school with learning or behavior? Are you concerned they may have a learning disability, emotional disability, or neurological disorder such as ADHD or Autism? Are you an adult in college or a career where you have/suspect a learning disability impacting your performance? Dr. Ward's goal is to assist parents in being the best advocate for their children by providing knowledge, guidance, and confidence that they are doing everything possible to maximize their child’s learning potential. Dr. Ward also specializes in DHH assessments with 13 years of teaching and 10 years of assessing this population in ASL.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
Is your child or teen struggling at home, school, or in their everyday life? Are you trying to figure out how to be the best parent for them? As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor I can help your child or teen work through their struggles and help you, as their parent, help them too.
Terri Kisselovich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2005. She was awarded both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work at San Diego State University. Terri utilizes a framework of the biopsychosocial model, which looks at the “whole person,” meaning the connections between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Life can be difficult sometimes, and everyone may need help navigating their path. Terri can help create a blueprint along this journey of healing using evidenced based practices of cognitive based therapy, dialectical based therapy.
Terri Kisselovich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2005. She was awarded both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work at San Diego State University. Terri utilizes a framework of the biopsychosocial model, which looks at the “whole person,” meaning the connections between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Life can be difficult sometimes, and everyone may need help navigating their path. Terri can help create a blueprint along this journey of healing using evidenced based practices of cognitive based therapy, dialectical based therapy.
Mary Nelsen Tamborski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPDT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
Waitlist for new clients
It isn't problems that determine health and well-being, but what we do about them. I believe that problems provide opportunities for personal growth and development. My mission is to help clients find solutions through awareness and possibilities they might not see on their own. I respect the inner health in each person that sometimes becomes buried behind the filters of the thought system. Understanding how you created your thought system frees you to access your inner wisdom instead of allowing your thought system to control you. If you have questions about how I might help you, please contact me.
It isn't problems that determine health and well-being, but what we do about them. I believe that problems provide opportunities for personal growth and development. My mission is to help clients find solutions through awareness and possibilities they might not see on their own. I respect the inner health in each person that sometimes becomes buried behind the filters of the thought system. Understanding how you created your thought system frees you to access your inner wisdom instead of allowing your thought system to control you. If you have questions about how I might help you, please contact me.
Madeline Weerts
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hello, I'm Maddie. I feel grateful to support individuals, partners, and families on their growth journeys. I work with clients to create a space where they can feel comfortable to reflect, cry, laugh, think – be authentically themselves. I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults facing anxiety and depression, negative body image and eating disorders, substance use, and other co-occurring struggles. I am passionate about guiding clients through trauma, loss, and grief - because no one should have to navigate it alone.
Hello, I'm Maddie. I feel grateful to support individuals, partners, and families on their growth journeys. I work with clients to create a space where they can feel comfortable to reflect, cry, laugh, think – be authentically themselves. I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults facing anxiety and depression, negative body image and eating disorders, substance use, and other co-occurring struggles. I am passionate about guiding clients through trauma, loss, and grief - because no one should have to navigate it alone.
Irenda Rios Immigration Evaluation Evaluaciones Inmigracion
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
I love to see others be over-comers and feel privileged when I can be a part of that process. I recognize that one of God´s specialties is to "make a way" in the desert. Sometimes the desert is the parent-child relationship, a trauma in the life of the adult or the child, depression and anxiety, a learning or developmental difference, difficulty crossing cultures, etc. Sometimes our own difficulties with self esteem, boundaries, or trauma make day-to-day responsibilities difficult. The kids I worked with in Mexico for many years taught me a lot about overcoming trauma, regulating their emotions, etc. (They also taught me Spanish!)
Accepting the responsibility to change is a difficult task but once you take the initiative, it is highly rewarding. Sometimes we need to take a step back to reflect on a new way to approach situations when "our way" seems to be getting in our way. These are common responses to trauma, depression, and many other conditions that we can't always think our way out of, despite our best efforts.
Accepting the responsibility to change is a difficult task but once you take the initiative, it is highly rewarding. Sometimes we need to take a step back to reflect on a new way to approach situations when "our way" seems to be getting in our way. These are common responses to trauma, depression, and many other conditions that we can't always think our way out of, despite our best efforts.
Jacqueline Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
Our emotional health is so important. It affects how we navigate each day — from how we perform at work to how we interact with the people in our lives. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can be debilitating and keep us from experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Trauma, abuse and self-injurious behavior, both in the past and going on today, also have a huge affect on how we function. And issues in our relationships can stop us from moving forward – whether it’s our marriage, with our children or family members or our friends. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help
Our emotional health is so important. It affects how we navigate each day — from how we perform at work to how we interact with the people in our lives. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can be debilitating and keep us from experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Trauma, abuse and self-injurious behavior, both in the past and going on today, also have a huge affect on how we function. And issues in our relationships can stop us from moving forward – whether it’s our marriage, with our children or family members or our friends. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help
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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.