Therapists for Teens in Orinda, CA

Photo of Brooke Rawdin, PsyD, Psychologist
Brooke Rawdin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I aim to engage children and adolescents by being active and creative in sessions.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
I aim to engage children and adolescents by being active and creative in sessions.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
(925) 660-7971 View (925) 660-7971
Photo of Dr. Karlene Alves, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Karlene Alves
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out for support from a therapist can be a vulnerable experience, whether you are an adult, parent, or need support for your child/ teen, I welcome you to reach out and I can collaborate with you to help clarify and define your goals for treatment.
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
Reaching out for support from a therapist can be a vulnerable experience, whether you are an adult, parent, or need support for your child/ teen, I welcome you to reach out and I can collaborate with you to help clarify and define your goals for treatment.
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
(925) 248-3421 View (925) 248-3421
Photo of Katie Byram, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Byram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Watching your teen struggle with anxiety, academic stress, or social pressures is incredibly challenging. The transition to college, with its demands to succeed, make new friends, and adapt to an entirely new environment, can feel overwhelming. If you’re a college student, you might feel more anxious or down than usual, with all the expectations and responsibilities starting to feel impossible to manage. You know something needs to change, and you’re ready to tackle this stage of life with confidence. I support teens and young adults in navigating the challenges of growing up and transitioning to college life.
Watching your teen struggle with anxiety, academic stress, or social pressures is incredibly challenging. The transition to college, with its demands to succeed, make new friends, and adapt to an entirely new environment, can feel overwhelming. If you’re a college student, you might feel more anxious or down than usual, with all the expectations and responsibilities starting to feel impossible to manage. You know something needs to change, and you’re ready to tackle this stage of life with confidence. I support teens and young adults in navigating the challenges of growing up and transitioning to college life.
(925) 438-0360 View (925) 438-0360
Photo of John A Barakos Jr, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
John A Barakos Jr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
When you're in crisis with your teen you need support to sort out how to respond and calm things down, once calm, families need a plan to resolve the underlying issues that keep conflict going.
Hello! I am an MFT and I specialize in managing conflict, I can help when it seems that you are constantly battling with your child. I work in the short term to stabalize the situation and get everyone back to the table. Then we work together to resolve the underlying issues. I mostly work with at risk adolescents and their families. These are young people who have had conflicts at home, trouble at school and/or trouble with the law.
When you're in crisis with your teen you need support to sort out how to respond and calm things down, once calm, families need a plan to resolve the underlying issues that keep conflict going.
Hello! I am an MFT and I specialize in managing conflict, I can help when it seems that you are constantly battling with your child. I work in the short term to stabalize the situation and get everyone back to the table. Then we work together to resolve the underlying issues. I mostly work with at risk adolescents and their families. These are young people who have had conflicts at home, trouble at school and/or trouble with the law.
(925) 270-0331 View (925) 270-0331
Photo of Sarene Russum, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarene Russum
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
TEENS: I PROVIDE SAFETY AND UNDERSTANDING.
I SPECIALIZE IN WORKING WITH TEEN GIRLS AND ADULT WOMEN. I am a warm and compassionate therapist. I work with clients to promote understanding and awareness to be able to move beyond obstacles and find a level of acceptance and healing. It takes courage to come to therapy, to feel difficult feelings, to talk about them and to figure out how to cope with them. Therapy is a process, change/healing take time and commitment. I feel passionate about helping people know themselves and feel worthy. I continue to be in awe of people's bravery in the therapeutic process and feel privileged to be a witness.
TEENS: I PROVIDE SAFETY AND UNDERSTANDING.
I SPECIALIZE IN WORKING WITH TEEN GIRLS AND ADULT WOMEN. I am a warm and compassionate therapist. I work with clients to promote understanding and awareness to be able to move beyond obstacles and find a level of acceptance and healing. It takes courage to come to therapy, to feel difficult feelings, to talk about them and to figure out how to cope with them. Therapy is a process, change/healing take time and commitment. I feel passionate about helping people know themselves and feel worthy. I continue to be in awe of people's bravery in the therapeutic process and feel privileged to be a witness.
(925) 357-9631 View (925) 357-9631
Photo of Krystal J Alderete, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Krystal J Alderete
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
I specialize in treating childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
(415) 969-6011 View (415) 969-6011
Photo of Renee K. Miller, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renee K. Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
My specialties include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, parenting and adolescent issues.
My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.
My specialties include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, parenting and adolescent issues.
My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.
(925) 695-7914 View (925) 695-7914
Photo of Grace Malonai - TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment , PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH, Counselor
TheraThrive Counseling & Assessment
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
We offer therapy, assessment, evaluation, and consultation to children, teens, adults, couples, co/parents, families, and groups.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
We offer therapy, assessment, evaluation, and consultation to children, teens, adults, couples, co/parents, families, and groups.
If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional intensity, high sensitivity, loneliness, insomnia, or relationship problems, or if your child or teen struggles with excessive worry, moodiness or sadness, you don't need to manage alone. We are a group of authentic and interactive therapists who are strengths-based in our approach. Let us help you (or your child, teen, family member) gain insight and understanding, learn emotional regulation, improve your relationships, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve satisfaction at work/school, and experience well-being and empowerment. www.TheraThrive.com
(925) 350-8130 View (925) 350-8130
Photo of Deidre Doyle, PhD, LEP, NCSP, PPSC
Deidre Doyle
PhD, LEP, NCSP, PPSC
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Counseling can help children and adolescents to resolve emotional and behavioral challenges and develop coping skills.
If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, I am here to help. As an Educational Psychologist with years of experience, I am uniquely qualified to evaluate your child's learning style and create a plan that helps them succeed in school. I specialize in the intervention and assessment of individuals with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders. An evaluation can uncover the causes of your child's difficulties with learning, behavior, or social functioning. The focus is on attention, memory, reasoning, and emotional functioning. Results provide parents with diagnoses and intervention recommendations.
Counseling can help children and adolescents to resolve emotional and behavioral challenges and develop coping skills.
If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, I am here to help. As an Educational Psychologist with years of experience, I am uniquely qualified to evaluate your child's learning style and create a plan that helps them succeed in school. I specialize in the intervention and assessment of individuals with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders. An evaluation can uncover the causes of your child's difficulties with learning, behavior, or social functioning. The focus is on attention, memory, reasoning, and emotional functioning. Results provide parents with diagnoses and intervention recommendations.
(925) 406-3894 View (925) 406-3894
Photo of Erica Fawn Thomas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erica Fawn Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I provide Teen Therapy, Family Therapy, or Individual Therapy for Teens and families struggling with Anxiety and/or depression.
Parenting can be the hardest job in the world and I am here to help. Do you have a difficult teenager? Is your child having trouble in High School? Has your family experienced divorce, remarriage, or difficulties with co-parenting? These types of issues have become very common and it is normal to need some help coping with them. I have many years experience working with children and their families and as a parent I can relate to the difficulties that arise each day. The decision to start therapy can be difficult because you may feel that you have already tried everything or you wonder if this will really help.
I provide Teen Therapy, Family Therapy, or Individual Therapy for Teens and families struggling with Anxiety and/or depression.
Parenting can be the hardest job in the world and I am here to help. Do you have a difficult teenager? Is your child having trouble in High School? Has your family experienced divorce, remarriage, or difficulties with co-parenting? These types of issues have become very common and it is normal to need some help coping with them. I have many years experience working with children and their families and as a parent I can relate to the difficulties that arise each day. The decision to start therapy can be difficult because you may feel that you have already tried everything or you wonder if this will really help.
(925) 281-3551 View (925) 281-3551
Photo of Katie Byram, LMFT, LPCC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Byram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Are you a teen or young adult working through depression, anxiety or trauma? Are you a new mom navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood? Katie is passionate about helping both adolescents and adults develop healthy emotional regulation strategies across a variety of circumstances. Katie has a specialty focus in maternal health, in particular, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Katie meets clients where they are with understanding, compassion, and respect in order to support the growth and healing process.
Are you a teen or young adult working through depression, anxiety or trauma? Are you a new mom navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood? Katie is passionate about helping both adolescents and adults develop healthy emotional regulation strategies across a variety of circumstances. Katie has a specialty focus in maternal health, in particular, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Katie meets clients where they are with understanding, compassion, and respect in order to support the growth and healing process.
(925) 248-4693 View (925) 248-4693
Photo of Neda Ehya, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Neda Ehya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I specialize in both adolescent and adult psychotherapy and treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and complex trauma (PTSD).
My therapy style is down to earth, warm, inviting and active. I believe therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist. We will work together to explore, reflect and identify areas in which insight and change are needed to achieve your goals. In sessions, I openly share my thoughts and my perspective as a guiding force but respect and believe that you are the leader in the room. I provide therapy as a transformative experience or a space to just let go, it can be whatever you need it to be, as long as the purpose of this space is for you to heal and find more joy in your life.
I specialize in both adolescent and adult psychotherapy and treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and complex trauma (PTSD).
My therapy style is down to earth, warm, inviting and active. I believe therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist. We will work together to explore, reflect and identify areas in which insight and change are needed to achieve your goals. In sessions, I openly share my thoughts and my perspective as a guiding force but respect and believe that you are the leader in the room. I provide therapy as a transformative experience or a space to just let go, it can be whatever you need it to be, as long as the purpose of this space is for you to heal and find more joy in your life.
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Photo of Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist
Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
(925) 406-3544 View (925) 406-3544
Photo of Rachel Moran, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Moran
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Welcome! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Orinda. My practice is devoted to helping individuals, couples and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance related issues. I have been involved in the addiction recovery field for over three decades, working with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I specialize in providing support, education, prevention and crisis management.
Welcome! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Orinda. My practice is devoted to helping individuals, couples and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance related issues. I have been involved in the addiction recovery field for over three decades, working with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I specialize in providing support, education, prevention and crisis management.
(925) 271-2728 View (925) 271-2728
Photo of Jessica Lim, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jessica Lim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
(415) 779-7371 View (415) 779-7371
Photo of Allison Gans, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Allison Gans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, teens, and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, teens, and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
(510) 730-2965 View (510) 730-2965
Photo of Ryan Kellett Crochiere - Ryan Crochiere, LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ryan Crochiere
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
(415) 630-5506 View (415) 630-5506
Photo of Debra Jay Sheppard, LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Jay Sheppard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
In my practice I work with adults, couples, teens, families, people suffering from loss,depression, anxiety, PTSD, life threatening illness, care taking aging parents, parents of children with special needs, divorce and retirement.
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
In my practice I work with adults, couples, teens, families, people suffering from loss,depression, anxiety, PTSD, life threatening illness, care taking aging parents, parents of children with special needs, divorce and retirement.
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
(925) 357-9935 View (925) 357-9935
Photo of Heather Young, MA, BCBA
Heather Young
MA, BCBA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Social Solutions is SGroups foundational 15-week, online social skills program for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning skills to make and keep friends, develop coping strategies for anxious feelings, and increase your self confidence.
Heather Young is a board certified behavior analyst and a certified PEERSⓇ provider trained by the Semel Institute at UCLA. Heather earned her Masters degree in Special Education at San Francisco State University. She has over twelve years experience working with people with autism of all ages, their families, team members, therapists, schools, and communities to provide meaningful change for her clients’ lives. In her spare time you can find Heather spending time with her husband and two daughters. She loves going on walks, yoga, attending concerts, and the beach. She resides in the Bay Area, California.
Social Solutions is SGroups foundational 15-week, online social skills program for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning skills to make and keep friends, develop coping strategies for anxious feelings, and increase your self confidence.
Heather Young is a board certified behavior analyst and a certified PEERSⓇ provider trained by the Semel Institute at UCLA. Heather earned her Masters degree in Special Education at San Francisco State University. She has over twelve years experience working with people with autism of all ages, their families, team members, therapists, schools, and communities to provide meaningful change for her clients’ lives. In her spare time you can find Heather spending time with her husband and two daughters. She loves going on walks, yoga, attending concerts, and the beach. She resides in the Bay Area, California.
(925) 886-2758 View (925) 886-2758
Photo of Elizabeth Rae Walker, MA, MBA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Rae Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
(925) 259-3986 View (925) 259-3986
1
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.