Therapists for Teens in Texas

Photo of Julie Crocker, MA,, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julie Crocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA,
Verified Verified
Magnolia, TX 77354
Over 20 years of experience working with children and families in education and ministry. My counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that when an individual feels safe and seen, they are secure enough to share the deepest and most meaningful stories in their life journey. My therapeutic goal is for every child, teen, parent, and adult I meet to know they have been seen, at the very core of their being. By core, I mean the part of us that makes us who we are in heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Over 20 years of experience working with children and families in education and ministry. My counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that when an individual feels safe and seen, they are secure enough to share the deepest and most meaningful stories in their life journey. My therapeutic goal is for every child, teen, parent, and adult I meet to know they have been seen, at the very core of their being. By core, I mean the part of us that makes us who we are in heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit.
(832) 621-4833 View (832) 621-4833
Photo of Jason Brown, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jason Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Now Accepting New Clients. Are you feeling stuck? Feeling trapped in a spiral of anxious or depressive thoughts? Trapped in negative thinking? Do you get angry easily? Feel sad or hopeless? Is your tween or teen struggling with focus, impulsivity, or other behavioral issues? Does lack of motivation, difficultly with decision making, or other challenges get in the way of setting or accomplishing personal goals? My motto is: Think right, feel right. If your thinking is not right, you won't feel right. I provide mental health therapy to teens, adults, families, and couples equipping them with tools to overcome life’s challenges.
Now Accepting New Clients. Are you feeling stuck? Feeling trapped in a spiral of anxious or depressive thoughts? Trapped in negative thinking? Do you get angry easily? Feel sad or hopeless? Is your tween or teen struggling with focus, impulsivity, or other behavioral issues? Does lack of motivation, difficultly with decision making, or other challenges get in the way of setting or accomplishing personal goals? My motto is: Think right, feel right. If your thinking is not right, you won't feel right. I provide mental health therapy to teens, adults, families, and couples equipping them with tools to overcome life’s challenges.
(682) 243-3651 View (682) 243-3651
Photo of Cali Burke, MA, LPC, Associ
Cali Burke
LPC Associate, MA, LPC, Associ
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75208
My ideal client faces significant mental health challenges and seeks empathetic guidance. They may be a young athlete with performance anxiety, a child or adolescent dealing with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, or a woman facing self-esteem or trauma issues. They need empathy, practical coping skills, support, confidentiality, and accessibility. Their goals include improved mental health, personal growth, enhanced performance, healing, and empowerment. Ultimately, they want to transform their lives from struggle and distress to hope, healing, and resilience, with my support on this journey.
My ideal client faces significant mental health challenges and seeks empathetic guidance. They may be a young athlete with performance anxiety, a child or adolescent dealing with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, or a woman facing self-esteem or trauma issues. They need empathy, practical coping skills, support, confidentiality, and accessibility. Their goals include improved mental health, personal growth, enhanced performance, healing, and empowerment. Ultimately, they want to transform their lives from struggle and distress to hope, healing, and resilience, with my support on this journey.
(469) 903-3704 View (469) 903-3704
Photo of Tamra White Truman, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tamra White Truman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
North Richland Hills, TX 76180  (Online Only)
Tamra White, Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor. I have been in individual practice for 18 years. I specialize in several areas of human behavior, including depression, anxiety, marriage/family, as well as LGBTQ + issues. My client focus encompasses family issues, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, as well as the LGBTQ + community.
Tamra White, Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor. I have been in individual practice for 18 years. I specialize in several areas of human behavior, including depression, anxiety, marriage/family, as well as LGBTQ + issues. My client focus encompasses family issues, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, as well as the LGBTQ + community.
(346) 584-2359 View (346) 584-2359
Photo of Carol S. Kerr, MEd, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carol S. Kerr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77554  (Online Only)
My Specialties Include: Parenting Education (Behavior, Adoption, Foster Care), Child/Adolescent (Behavior, Life Changes, ADHD, School, Depression, Anxiety), Adults (Depression, Anxiety, Divorce), Marital/Couple Counseling, Personal Growth, Aging, Work Conflicts, Drug & Alcohol, Codependency, Acute Crisis Counseling (Loss), Christian Counseling (on request).
I am a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. My Counseling Style is Solution-Oriented and Positive. Due to personal life histories there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Therefore, using a team approach we can sort out what choices may be a good fit for your unique personality and aspirations.
My Specialties Include: Parenting Education (Behavior, Adoption, Foster Care), Child/Adolescent (Behavior, Life Changes, ADHD, School, Depression, Anxiety), Adults (Depression, Anxiety, Divorce), Marital/Couple Counseling, Personal Growth, Aging, Work Conflicts, Drug & Alcohol, Codependency, Acute Crisis Counseling (Loss), Christian Counseling (on request).
I am a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. My Counseling Style is Solution-Oriented and Positive. Due to personal life histories there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Therefore, using a team approach we can sort out what choices may be a good fit for your unique personality and aspirations.
(281) 336-9470 View (281) 336-9470
Photo of Donna K Sullivan, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Donna K Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77079
My experience includes work with individuals, couples, families and groups, including adolescent, adults and eldercare issues.
Life can sometimes be complicated. Workplace stress, relationship challenges, financial difficulty and complicated family issues can become overwhelming, especially when you feel fatiqued, anxious, depressed, confused or alone. You may even begin to lose hope for the possibility of ever getting what you want and living a happy, productive life. A counselor can help you identify the root of the problems and develop steps toward their resolution. There is no reason to struggle through another day alone. Reach out for the support you need and we will work together to move you towards living the life you want to live.
My experience includes work with individuals, couples, families and groups, including adolescent, adults and eldercare issues.
Life can sometimes be complicated. Workplace stress, relationship challenges, financial difficulty and complicated family issues can become overwhelming, especially when you feel fatiqued, anxious, depressed, confused or alone. You may even begin to lose hope for the possibility of ever getting what you want and living a happy, productive life. A counselor can help you identify the root of the problems and develop steps toward their resolution. There is no reason to struggle through another day alone. Reach out for the support you need and we will work together to move you towards living the life you want to live.
(281) 524-4233 View (281) 524-4233
Photo of Trey Holmes, LPC-A
Trey Holmes
LPC Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Whether the client is a child, teen, or adult, Trey strives to help each person strengthen their relationships with themselves and others, improve their mental health, and learn how to cope with and overcome difficulties.
Trey specializes in working with people who have chronic illness/chronic pain, depression, anxiety, individuals, children, teens, and Christian counseling. With a background of growing up in the church, and an education in biblical studies and theology, Trey is also open to utilizing faith-based counseling to those who desire it. Some of the therapeutic approaches he uses include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and existential therapy. To help deal with the trials that life brings his personal counseling approach aligns with person-centered therapy.
Whether the client is a child, teen, or adult, Trey strives to help each person strengthen their relationships with themselves and others, improve their mental health, and learn how to cope with and overcome difficulties.
Trey specializes in working with people who have chronic illness/chronic pain, depression, anxiety, individuals, children, teens, and Christian counseling. With a background of growing up in the church, and an education in biblical studies and theology, Trey is also open to utilizing faith-based counseling to those who desire it. Some of the therapeutic approaches he uses include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and existential therapy. To help deal with the trials that life brings his personal counseling approach aligns with person-centered therapy.
(469) 949-4334 View (469) 949-4334
Photo of Annie Weber, LPC-A, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Annie Weber
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC-A, MA
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78260
Annie, an LPC-Associate passionate about empowering individuals from ages 4 and up, specializing in child and teen therapy. I hold a BA in Psychology from Trinity and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary’s. My expertise includes depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem. Committed to creating a safe space for healing and growth, I help clients navigate life’s challenges and pursue personal development.
Annie, an LPC-Associate passionate about empowering individuals from ages 4 and up, specializing in child and teen therapy. I hold a BA in Psychology from Trinity and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary’s. My expertise includes depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem. Committed to creating a safe space for healing and growth, I help clients navigate life’s challenges and pursue personal development.
(830) 271-4748 View (830) 271-4748
Photo of Arianna Martinez, MA, LPC-A
Arianna Martinez
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78228
Please contact me if you are struggling with your child or teen.
As a dedicated therapist specializing in children and teens, my primary focus is to provide compassionate and effective support for their mental health and well-being. Through a combination of active listening, empathy, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I create a safe and nurturing space where young individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. I work collaboratively with them to explore and understand their challenges, helping them develop coping strategies and resilience. By fostering a trusting and nonjudgmental relationship, I aim to empower children and teens to navigate their day-to-day lives.
Please contact me if you are struggling with your child or teen.
As a dedicated therapist specializing in children and teens, my primary focus is to provide compassionate and effective support for their mental health and well-being. Through a combination of active listening, empathy, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I create a safe and nurturing space where young individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. I work collaboratively with them to explore and understand their challenges, helping them develop coping strategies and resilience. By fostering a trusting and nonjudgmental relationship, I aim to empower children and teens to navigate their day-to-day lives.
(210) 941-4308 View (210) 941-4308
Photo of Jenny Goldstein, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jenny Goldstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704  (Online Only)
Over the course of my career, I have worked with various populations of child, teen, and adult clients in the mental health field. I can honestly say that I love what I do and have always found a unique way to connect with each client. I believe it is important to view each person who I meet with an intersectional and unbiased lens and to construct a treatment plan and therapy style for each client that is in line with not just their specific mental health needs, but their personality, sense of humor, and personal values.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with various populations of child, teen, and adult clients in the mental health field. I can honestly say that I love what I do and have always found a unique way to connect with each client. I believe it is important to view each person who I meet with an intersectional and unbiased lens and to construct a treatment plan and therapy style for each client that is in line with not just their specific mental health needs, but their personality, sense of humor, and personal values.
(512) 846-9378 View (512) 846-9378
Photo of Danielle Cooper, PhD, Psychologist
Danielle Cooper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77494
Welcome! Life can often feel challenging - I strive to help restore hope for adults, children, and adolescents who may be going through a difficult time. Parenting a child or adolescent who is struggling can feel especially overwhelming and exhausting. Does your child or teen struggle with behavioral or academic challenges? Or maybe you are concerned they are showing signs of depressed mood, anxiety, increased irritability, or difficulties paying attention and staying organized. Parenting is one of the most important things that we will do in our lives, yet much of the information available to parents is conflicting or confusing.
Welcome! Life can often feel challenging - I strive to help restore hope for adults, children, and adolescents who may be going through a difficult time. Parenting a child or adolescent who is struggling can feel especially overwhelming and exhausting. Does your child or teen struggle with behavioral or academic challenges? Or maybe you are concerned they are showing signs of depressed mood, anxiety, increased irritability, or difficulties paying attention and staying organized. Parenting is one of the most important things that we will do in our lives, yet much of the information available to parents is conflicting or confusing.
(832) 734-7475 View (832) 734-7475
Photo of Dr. Emily Horton, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Emily Horton
Licensed Professional Counselor, RPT
Verified Verified
Spring, TX 77381
Whether you are healing from perinatal mental health struggles or have a child or adolescent in need of support, it would be my honor to walk with you on your journey.
There is no manual for parenting, as much as many of us might wish there were. The point of parenting is not to have all the answers before we start out, but instead, to figure it out on the go as our children grow. Because as our children grow, so do we. Whether you are healing from postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, birth trauma, perinatal loss, or other experiences that can arise during the pregnancy and postpartum period, you can have a safe space to grow and heal. Also, I believe that play is the natural language of children and use my specialized training as a play therapist to support the child’s and family’s wellbeing.
Whether you are healing from perinatal mental health struggles or have a child or adolescent in need of support, it would be my honor to walk with you on your journey.
There is no manual for parenting, as much as many of us might wish there were. The point of parenting is not to have all the answers before we start out, but instead, to figure it out on the go as our children grow. Because as our children grow, so do we. Whether you are healing from postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, birth trauma, perinatal loss, or other experiences that can arise during the pregnancy and postpartum period, you can have a safe space to grow and heal. Also, I believe that play is the natural language of children and use my specialized training as a play therapist to support the child’s and family’s wellbeing.
(936) 226-2723 View (936) 226-2723
Photo of Vanessa Faulkner - Thriveworks Counseling Psychiatry College Station, Licensed Professional Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling Psychiatry College Station
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
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.
(979) 364-4926 View (979) 364-4926
Photo of Charde T Walker, LCSW, CART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charde T Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CART
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77082  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical social worker, Chardé assists children, adolescent and adult clients utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities including a holistic approach, a play-centered approach, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Hi, I’m Chardé. I’m here to remind you that our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us. There seems to be no one who can see it, but you’re just about ready to tap out. Your plans have been laid, and you’re ambitious and determined, but inside your motivation fades and your fears are growing. You’ve spent the last few years running the race, jumping through the hoops you thought would keep things together, yet it doesn’t seem like there is an end. You’ve given everything to others and now you are the one who feels left behind like no one understands. No more. It’s time you make a change.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Chardé assists children, adolescent and adult clients utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities including a holistic approach, a play-centered approach, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Hi, I’m Chardé. I’m here to remind you that our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us. There seems to be no one who can see it, but you’re just about ready to tap out. Your plans have been laid, and you’re ambitious and determined, but inside your motivation fades and your fears are growing. You’ve spent the last few years running the race, jumping through the hoops you thought would keep things together, yet it doesn’t seem like there is an end. You’ve given everything to others and now you are the one who feels left behind like no one understands. No more. It’s time you make a change.
(346) 482-2566 View (346) 482-2566
Photo of Amy M Jones, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy M Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Midland, TX 79707  (Online Only)
Amy Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience in education and the last 4 in counseling in school and private practice. She is passionate about helping individuals with depression, anxiety, grief trauma, child and adolescent issues, addiction, life transitions, low self-esteem, career struggles, emptiness (directionless), confidence, stress, and her favorite, helping them become the best version of themselves. Amy has a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, a Master's in Guidance and Counseling Certification, and a Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology.
Amy Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience in education and the last 4 in counseling in school and private practice. She is passionate about helping individuals with depression, anxiety, grief trauma, child and adolescent issues, addiction, life transitions, low self-esteem, career struggles, emptiness (directionless), confidence, stress, and her favorite, helping them become the best version of themselves. Amy has a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, a Master's in Guidance and Counseling Certification, and a Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology.
(432) 286-1671 View (432) 286-1671
Photo of Lasharta Pearson - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Katy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Katy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77494
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.
(346) 525-3568 View (346) 525-3568
Photo of Callie Curtin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Callie Curtin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75206
If you are feeling something is not right in your life, it can help to talk to someone who is not involved in the situation. You can come in to therapy, talk about your life, leave with a new outlook and leave some of the problem behind. Callie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) which is used to treat trauma and anxiety, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional.
If you are feeling something is not right in your life, it can help to talk to someone who is not involved in the situation. You can come in to therapy, talk about your life, leave with a new outlook and leave some of the problem behind. Callie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) which is used to treat trauma and anxiety, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional.
(214) 393-7415 x3 View (214) 393-7415 x3
Photo of Jonathan F Anderson, MA, LPC-S, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jonathan F Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LCMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
I receive consistent feedback that I understand peoples' perspectives with compassion and competence, whether it is a couple dealing with conflict, or a teenager struggling to get their parents to understand how they feel.
People who are ready to dig in and make changes that improve their lives are successful in my practice. Because our sessions are two-way conversations, we find the insights and solutions that fit your unique personality and circumstances. I am not a cookie-cutter therapist; I provide clear, concise feedback to help you efficiently meet your therapeutic goals. My conversational style is relaxed and interactive. Blending humor, science, and intuition, I help people feel at ease whether it is in my office or virtual.
I receive consistent feedback that I understand peoples' perspectives with compassion and competence, whether it is a couple dealing with conflict, or a teenager struggling to get their parents to understand how they feel.
People who are ready to dig in and make changes that improve their lives are successful in my practice. Because our sessions are two-way conversations, we find the insights and solutions that fit your unique personality and circumstances. I am not a cookie-cutter therapist; I provide clear, concise feedback to help you efficiently meet your therapeutic goals. My conversational style is relaxed and interactive. Blending humor, science, and intuition, I help people feel at ease whether it is in my office or virtual.
(512) 771-7621 View (512) 771-7621
Photo of K'breaun Watkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
K'breaun Watkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77024
I am a licensed therapist with six years of experience in behavioral health. I support teens and adults with learning to process and manage troubling thoughts and behaviors. Some of these challenges include, anxiety depression, women’s issues, teen challenges, life transitions, and military transition issues. My therapy style is warm, engaging, and affirming. I provide a space to be yourself and use integrated evidence-based therapy approaches. You will be able to address any past trauma, discover negative core beliefs that prevent your growth and development, identify positive coping skills, and improve overall self awareness.
I am a licensed therapist with six years of experience in behavioral health. I support teens and adults with learning to process and manage troubling thoughts and behaviors. Some of these challenges include, anxiety depression, women’s issues, teen challenges, life transitions, and military transition issues. My therapy style is warm, engaging, and affirming. I provide a space to be yourself and use integrated evidence-based therapy approaches. You will be able to address any past trauma, discover negative core beliefs that prevent your growth and development, identify positive coping skills, and improve overall self awareness.
(281) 724-4688 View (281) 724-4688
Photo of Donna Gibbs, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Donna Gibbs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77054
Hi, thank you for visiting my profile! With being here right now in this moment you are on the right path of reaching your optimal self, to live life with purpose and in peace. Life comes with many changes and is inevitable when growing and having various external and internal shifts. Change can be welcomed and celebrated however also scary and confusing. Whether it is adjusting to being an adolescent, transitioning to adulthood, or dealing with adversities of life, when faced properly change helps develop character and resiliency. Are you ready to face what's preventing you from having healthy connections with others and joy?
Hi, thank you for visiting my profile! With being here right now in this moment you are on the right path of reaching your optimal self, to live life with purpose and in peace. Life comes with many changes and is inevitable when growing and having various external and internal shifts. Change can be welcomed and celebrated however also scary and confusing. Whether it is adjusting to being an adolescent, transitioning to adulthood, or dealing with adversities of life, when faced properly change helps develop character and resiliency. Are you ready to face what's preventing you from having healthy connections with others and joy?
(713) 396-3659 View (713) 396-3659
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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.