Therapists for Teens in Salt Lake City, UT

Photo of Claire R Stoecker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claire R Stoecker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Currently, I am enrolled in a two year child and adolescent psychodynamic therapy program through the International Psychotherapy Institute.
I am an experienced child and adolescent therapist. My practice specializes in anxiety, depression, and adjustment using an individualized combination of approaches best suited to the child, adolescent, and family. Interventions include play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness approaches, parenting skills and support.
Currently, I am enrolled in a two year child and adolescent psychodynamic therapy program through the International Psychotherapy Institute.
I am an experienced child and adolescent therapist. My practice specializes in anxiety, depression, and adjustment using an individualized combination of approaches best suited to the child, adolescent, and family. Interventions include play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness approaches, parenting skills and support.
(385) 217-9394 View (385) 217-9394
Photo of Kara Bailey, ACMHC, Counselor
Kara Bailey
Counselor, ACMHC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to making a difference in the lives of children and teens.
Hi there, I'm a child therapist. If you're worried about your child because they are suddenly full of tears (or full of rage), let's work together. You're likely the first to notice a shift in your child. Maybe they seem out of control, the parenting skills you've used up to this point aren't working anymore. Families I work with are struggling at school drop offs or can't stand another yelling match with their teen. If your family has changed, because of divorce, a move, a death, I'd love to partner with you and provide support and direct guidance to return your home to a peaceful place again.
Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to making a difference in the lives of children and teens.
Hi there, I'm a child therapist. If you're worried about your child because they are suddenly full of tears (or full of rage), let's work together. You're likely the first to notice a shift in your child. Maybe they seem out of control, the parenting skills you've used up to this point aren't working anymore. Families I work with are struggling at school drop offs or can't stand another yelling match with their teen. If your family has changed, because of divorce, a move, a death, I'd love to partner with you and provide support and direct guidance to return your home to a peaceful place again.
(385) 481-3097 View (385) 481-3097
Photo of Dr. Justin Hudak, PhD, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Justin Hudak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, CSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating trauma and addiction in adults and adolescents.
Are you or your teen struggling with addiction, ADHD or trauma-related wounds? Do you struggle with feeling alienated by mainstream culture? I have over 6 years experience treating adolescent and adult clients. My approach is unique due to a background in neuroscience, clinical psychology and social work, so I approach therapy by looking at the brain and social environment influences on behavior. My approach to therapy is psychodynamic in nature with a mix of cognitive behavioral techniques. Personally, I am an avid outdoorsman and believe strongly in the transformative power of spending time in nature.
I specialize in treating trauma and addiction in adults and adolescents.
Are you or your teen struggling with addiction, ADHD or trauma-related wounds? Do you struggle with feeling alienated by mainstream culture? I have over 6 years experience treating adolescent and adult clients. My approach is unique due to a background in neuroscience, clinical psychology and social work, so I approach therapy by looking at the brain and social environment influences on behavior. My approach to therapy is psychodynamic in nature with a mix of cognitive behavioral techniques. Personally, I am an avid outdoorsman and believe strongly in the transformative power of spending time in nature.
(385) 993-4758 View (385) 993-4758
Photo of Josie Bohling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Josie Bohling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Are you worried about your teen? Are they acting withdrawn or angry? Are their grades dropping? Are they excluded from their peer group or hanging out with peers that concern you? I will help you achieve your goal of restoring happiness and inspiration to your child's life. If your teen needs support with recovery from prolonged sadness, constant worrying, low self-esteem, drug abuse, sexual assault, self injury or family conflict, counseling can help.
Are you worried about your teen? Are they acting withdrawn or angry? Are their grades dropping? Are they excluded from their peer group or hanging out with peers that concern you? I will help you achieve your goal of restoring happiness and inspiration to your child's life. If your teen needs support with recovery from prolonged sadness, constant worrying, low self-esteem, drug abuse, sexual assault, self injury or family conflict, counseling can help.
(385) 378-6437 View (385) 378-6437
Photo of Pj Mannion, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pj Mannion
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
I am a therapist that loves to think creatively and learn about different points of view. In my personal life I get to play the parts of brother, son, husband, father, artist, friend, and student. I find joy in exploring the mountains and being with my wife and four kids. The best part of my job is getting to know people and helping them kindle their own growth and fulfillment. In my career I have had three years of work in an inpatient adolescent treatment center as well as seven years in an outpatient young-adult program where I was able to serve as a Therapist and Clinical Director, while running my own outpatient practice.
I am a therapist that loves to think creatively and learn about different points of view. In my personal life I get to play the parts of brother, son, husband, father, artist, friend, and student. I find joy in exploring the mountains and being with my wife and four kids. The best part of my job is getting to know people and helping them kindle their own growth and fulfillment. In my career I have had three years of work in an inpatient adolescent treatment center as well as seven years in an outpatient young-adult program where I was able to serve as a Therapist and Clinical Director, while running my own outpatient practice.
(385) 396-4972 View (385) 396-4972
Photo of Natalie Lanham, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natalie Lanham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
I know firsthand the struggle of divorce, teenagers acting out, being the caregiver of a special needs child, and having to start your life over.
We are taking new clients at our office. We believe that therapy is a journey to build a better you. Whether that is moving through trauma, exploring and conquering anxiety, learning sports psychology tactics, raising your child (and dealing with the wonderful adolescent drama), fighting addiction, or strengthening your marriage, we're in this together. If you enter my therapy office, you are here to grow. While therapy is a process, it does not have to be a long, drawn out, difficult and treacherous.
I know firsthand the struggle of divorce, teenagers acting out, being the caregiver of a special needs child, and having to start your life over.
We are taking new clients at our office. We believe that therapy is a journey to build a better you. Whether that is moving through trauma, exploring and conquering anxiety, learning sports psychology tactics, raising your child (and dealing with the wonderful adolescent drama), fighting addiction, or strengthening your marriage, we're in this together. If you enter my therapy office, you are here to grow. While therapy is a process, it does not have to be a long, drawn out, difficult and treacherous.
(385) 284-0225 View (385) 284-0225
Photo of Maria Creasey-Baldwin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Creasey-Baldwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Whether you're an adult, a teenager, or a couple, I approach therapy through a lens of strengths and trauma awareness.
Are you finding that your mind is running on overdrive, leaving you feeling drained and struggling to focus? Do you feel a lack of motivation to engage in activities you once enjoyed or find yourself navigating through a significant life transition? I specialize in guiding individuals through these exact challenges. Through a collaborative therapeutic approach, I help clients pinpoint the sources of their stress and develop effective strategies to manage the daily hurdles that life presents.
Whether you're an adult, a teenager, or a couple, I approach therapy through a lens of strengths and trauma awareness.
Are you finding that your mind is running on overdrive, leaving you feeling drained and struggling to focus? Do you feel a lack of motivation to engage in activities you once enjoyed or find yourself navigating through a significant life transition? I specialize in guiding individuals through these exact challenges. Through a collaborative therapeutic approach, I help clients pinpoint the sources of their stress and develop effective strategies to manage the daily hurdles that life presents.
(385) 220-8168 View (385) 220-8168
Photo of Josh Kivlovitz, LCSW, DBT-LBC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Josh Kivlovitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to support teens and adults struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, trauma, BPD or other behavioral/emotional concerns.
NOTE: I am currently only taking teen and adult clients seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Prolonged Exposure. Clients interested in DBT can join my waitlist by contacting DBT Network of Utah at 801-568-2898 or dbtnetworkofutah.net (no current waitlist for teens/families), and clients interested in Prolonged Exposure can contact me directly through PsychologyToday or my website to join my waitlist. If you or your teen feel stuck in painful emotions, behavioral patterns, or painful past experiences, you are in the right place!
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to support teens and adults struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, trauma, BPD or other behavioral/emotional concerns.
NOTE: I am currently only taking teen and adult clients seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Prolonged Exposure. Clients interested in DBT can join my waitlist by contacting DBT Network of Utah at 801-568-2898 or dbtnetworkofutah.net (no current waitlist for teens/families), and clients interested in Prolonged Exposure can contact me directly through PsychologyToday or my website to join my waitlist. If you or your teen feel stuck in painful emotions, behavioral patterns, or painful past experiences, you are in the right place!
(385) 316-6123 View (385) 316-6123
Photo of Jenny N Jarvis, MS, CMHC, Counselor
Jenny N Jarvis
Counselor, MS, CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
I get it. Life happens. I’ve had those experiences myself. It can be hard to know what to do when your relationships are struggling or when you need help. It’s uniquely difficult when you’re worried about your teenager & looking for support. But here you are, taking this monumental step toward improvement. I tend to use a strengths-based approach in my work, helping my clients embrace their best self and enhance their life through the “Three C’s”: Connection, Creation & Contribution. Laying a foundation that allows for the development of the Three C’s leads to living a life of purpose, meaning & “pyong” - peace & confidence in life.
I get it. Life happens. I’ve had those experiences myself. It can be hard to know what to do when your relationships are struggling or when you need help. It’s uniquely difficult when you’re worried about your teenager & looking for support. But here you are, taking this monumental step toward improvement. I tend to use a strengths-based approach in my work, helping my clients embrace their best self and enhance their life through the “Three C’s”: Connection, Creation & Contribution. Laying a foundation that allows for the development of the Three C’s leads to living a life of purpose, meaning & “pyong” - peace & confidence in life.
(801) 405-3088 View (801) 405-3088
Photo of Christoffer Loderup, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christoffer Loderup
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
If your teen or you meet these criteria, we may be a good fit!.
Is your teen withdrawing, struggling in school, or isolating? Feeling lost yourself? You're not alone. Seeking professional help is a profound way to care for yourself or your loved one. Counseling is an effective way to help teens, young adults, and families work through conflict, build new skills, and strengthen relationships.
If your teen or you meet these criteria, we may be a good fit!.
Is your teen withdrawing, struggling in school, or isolating? Feeling lost yourself? You're not alone. Seeking professional help is a profound way to care for yourself or your loved one. Counseling is an effective way to help teens, young adults, and families work through conflict, build new skills, and strengthen relationships.
(801) 878-6274 View (801) 878-6274
Photo of Monica Dixon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Monica Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Being a teenager can be tough. Being a parent of a teenager can be even more so. Because this is such an intense developmental period, when you realize you need some outside help, finding the right person can be tricky. Over the past six teen years, I have connected with teens, young adults and their parents to help them find their way to stronger relationships and a solid sense of self. I help teens and young adults with addiction, eating disorders, anxiety and depression, communication and life skills, family relationships, trauma, social media anxiety/isolation, and more.
Being a teenager can be tough. Being a parent of a teenager can be even more so. Because this is such an intense developmental period, when you realize you need some outside help, finding the right person can be tricky. Over the past six teen years, I have connected with teens, young adults and their parents to help them find their way to stronger relationships and a solid sense of self. I help teens and young adults with addiction, eating disorders, anxiety and depression, communication and life skills, family relationships, trauma, social media anxiety/isolation, and more.
(801) 441-4026 View (801) 441-4026
Photo of Stephanie Voigt Yabko, PsyD, MC, Psychologist
Stephanie Voigt Yabko
Psychologist, PsyD, MC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Other specialties: Anxiety - worry, health concerns, panic; Depression - low self-esteem, feeling "blah"; Sleep Problems; Stress - from school, work, relationships; Child/ Adolescent Behavior Problems; Adjustment Problems - changes in your life that are difficult; Substance Abuse Recovery - recently sober/aftercare, accountability for your recovery.
I have been told that I am calming, levelheaded, caring, and flexible. I work with clients of all ages utilizing an integrative, strengths-based, individualized approach to therapy, often combining concepts of self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance to help you attain your goals. I believe in helping you to flourish in your life, not just eliminate symptoms. I do this by helping you use your inner creativity, wisdom, resilience, appreciation, and courage to change your life.
Other specialties: Anxiety - worry, health concerns, panic; Depression - low self-esteem, feeling "blah"; Sleep Problems; Stress - from school, work, relationships; Child/ Adolescent Behavior Problems; Adjustment Problems - changes in your life that are difficult; Substance Abuse Recovery - recently sober/aftercare, accountability for your recovery.
I have been told that I am calming, levelheaded, caring, and flexible. I work with clients of all ages utilizing an integrative, strengths-based, individualized approach to therapy, often combining concepts of self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance to help you attain your goals. I believe in helping you to flourish in your life, not just eliminate symptoms. I do this by helping you use your inner creativity, wisdom, resilience, appreciation, and courage to change your life.
(801) 894-9158 View (801) 894-9158
Photo of Kendra Parry, MSWI, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kendra Parry
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSWI
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Are you a teen or adult navigating life's challenging transitions? I specialize in helping teens and young adults through adolescence and new life chapters. I empower women to see menstruation and menopause as superpowers and embrace their life cycles. I also support all genders with perinatal mood disorders, including (in)fertility, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and trauma. Additionally, I provide compassionate care for older clients and those in end-of-life stages. Let's work together to find strength, resilience, and peace on your journey.
Are you a teen or adult navigating life's challenging transitions? I specialize in helping teens and young adults through adolescence and new life chapters. I empower women to see menstruation and menopause as superpowers and embrace their life cycles. I also support all genders with perinatal mood disorders, including (in)fertility, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and trauma. Additionally, I provide compassionate care for older clients and those in end-of-life stages. Let's work together to find strength, resilience, and peace on your journey.
(385) 503-5229 View (385) 503-5229
Photo of Tammie Daniel, LCMHC, Counselor
Tammie Daniel
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
Life’s journey can be full of unexpected twists that test our resilience, but you’re not alone. Taking the step to seek therapy is a brave path toward personal growth, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I believe in therapy as a partnership, where we work together to explore your goals and aspirations. Whether you’re a family, child, teen, young adult, or adult, my approach is tailored to your unique needs. Through both in-person and telehealth sessions, let’s embark on this journey together, empowering you to thrive and find inner peace amidst life’s challenges.
Life’s journey can be full of unexpected twists that test our resilience, but you’re not alone. Taking the step to seek therapy is a brave path toward personal growth, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I believe in therapy as a partnership, where we work together to explore your goals and aspirations. Whether you’re a family, child, teen, young adult, or adult, my approach is tailored to your unique needs. Through both in-person and telehealth sessions, let’s embark on this journey together, empowering you to thrive and find inner peace amidst life’s challenges.
(385) 348-5563 View (385) 348-5563
Photo of Athena Metos, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Athena Metos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping each individual, child, adolescent or adult to achieve inner strength and happiness!.
Life is a journey and along the way there are often circumstances that create great pain and trauma that often redirect us down the wrong path.If we try to ignore the pain it only gets worse & the cycle of dysfunction begins! I have learned that we all need help navigating though life's trials, and yet it takes a lot of inner strength to even ask! As a therapist my goal is to allow you to reach your greatest potential during this journey and gain the right tools to navigate through anything that comes in your path!
I enjoy helping each individual, child, adolescent or adult to achieve inner strength and happiness!.
Life is a journey and along the way there are often circumstances that create great pain and trauma that often redirect us down the wrong path.If we try to ignore the pain it only gets worse & the cycle of dysfunction begins! I have learned that we all need help navigating though life's trials, and yet it takes a lot of inner strength to even ask! As a therapist my goal is to allow you to reach your greatest potential during this journey and gain the right tools to navigate through anything that comes in your path!
(801) 800-8860 View (801) 800-8860
Photo of Oriah Knorr, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oriah Knorr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
My recovery from a process addiction and lack of support with it as a teen, as well as my value of helping others develop a meaningful life, led me to social work.
Developing more resilience and greater fulfillment in life. Finding space for joy and love alongside loss and pain. My approach to therapy honors clients' unique life experiences in their entirety while creating a safe space to explore the difficulties and wonders of life. Utilizing a trauma-informed lens I guide clients through their strengths and values to clarify and motivate them towards a more fulfilling and resilient life. I utilize several therapeutic modalities, including acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness.
My recovery from a process addiction and lack of support with it as a teen, as well as my value of helping others develop a meaningful life, led me to social work.
Developing more resilience and greater fulfillment in life. Finding space for joy and love alongside loss and pain. My approach to therapy honors clients' unique life experiences in their entirety while creating a safe space to explore the difficulties and wonders of life. Utilizing a trauma-informed lens I guide clients through their strengths and values to clarify and motivate them towards a more fulfilling and resilient life. I utilize several therapeutic modalities, including acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness.
(385) 503-8909 View (385) 503-8909
Photo of Steven McCowin, PhD, JD, Psychologist
Steven McCowin
Psychologist, PhD, JD
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
I have counseled adolescents and children in public schools (both junior high and elementary school levels) and my private practice.
I primarily focus on two practice areas: Working with survivors of serious trauma (combat or other military trauma, assault, natural disasters, accidents, etc.) who suffer from PTSD or other post-trauma issues, and working with adolescents and verbal children who are dealing with behavioral problems, anxiety issues (OCD, panic, etc.), or depression.
I have counseled adolescents and children in public schools (both junior high and elementary school levels) and my private practice.
I primarily focus on two practice areas: Working with survivors of serious trauma (combat or other military trauma, assault, natural disasters, accidents, etc.) who suffer from PTSD or other post-trauma issues, and working with adolescents and verbal children who are dealing with behavioral problems, anxiety issues (OCD, panic, etc.), or depression.
(801) 335-6360 View (801) 335-6360
Photo of Mark Xavier Dunn, LCMHCS, LCMHC
Mark Xavier Dunn
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or trauma? Are there problematic patterns in your relationships? Are you having difficulty effectively parenting your adolescent or young adult? You are not alone and I can help. I have been working with individuals and families for over 25 years with positive results. I create a compassionate and emotionally safe environment where we will begin your journey. I will listen to your story and together we will work through the beliefs that create limitations. I will help you develop strategies and a daily practice to improve your life.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or trauma? Are there problematic patterns in your relationships? Are you having difficulty effectively parenting your adolescent or young adult? You are not alone and I can help. I have been working with individuals and families for over 25 years with positive results. I create a compassionate and emotionally safe environment where we will begin your journey. I will listen to your story and together we will work through the beliefs that create limitations. I will help you develop strategies and a daily practice to improve your life.
(828) 522-9662 View (828) 522-9662
Photo of Lisa D'Agostino, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa D'Agostino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Using a client centered approach on relational issues, and failure to communicate, I can help you with you partner, teen, parent(s), sibling(s) or friendships? You may be stuck in a cycle of addictive behavior because you are avoiding pain in you life, from childhood, grief or present day stressors.
Everything we see tells us we are always supposed to be happy, “put on a happy face”. True growth and happiness comes through facing pain and learning skills, tools and techniques that will lead to real happiness and inner contentment. With in the context of a supportive environment I can help you face your pain, and overcome blocks that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to help you become unstuck and learn to embrace challenges. Together we can identify your unique challenges and implement tools to overcome them. Reach out for a 15 minute consult.
Using a client centered approach on relational issues, and failure to communicate, I can help you with you partner, teen, parent(s), sibling(s) or friendships? You may be stuck in a cycle of addictive behavior because you are avoiding pain in you life, from childhood, grief or present day stressors.
Everything we see tells us we are always supposed to be happy, “put on a happy face”. True growth and happiness comes through facing pain and learning skills, tools and techniques that will lead to real happiness and inner contentment. With in the context of a supportive environment I can help you face your pain, and overcome blocks that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to help you become unstuck and learn to embrace challenges. Together we can identify your unique challenges and implement tools to overcome them. Reach out for a 15 minute consult.
(385) 481-3416 View (385) 481-3416
Photo of Paige Kasper, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paige Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84104  (Online Only)
I provide therapy to adult and adolescent individuals, via Telehealth, with a variety of issues, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, life transitions, meditation, mind-body connection, and mindfulness.
Telehealth Therapist: Throughout our lifetime we encounter various transitions and challenges, I believe these experiences hold opportunity for transformation and growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that each person’s journey is unique; therefore, this is not a “one size fits all” therapeutic experience. I strive to assist people in achieving their highest potential for fulfillment and wellbeing. It is my aim to assist clients in discovering their authentic self by providing a trusting and compassionate therapeutic environment where you feel safe engaging in problem solving and self-discovery.
I provide therapy to adult and adolescent individuals, via Telehealth, with a variety of issues, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, life transitions, meditation, mind-body connection, and mindfulness.
Telehealth Therapist: Throughout our lifetime we encounter various transitions and challenges, I believe these experiences hold opportunity for transformation and growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that each person’s journey is unique; therefore, this is not a “one size fits all” therapeutic experience. I strive to assist people in achieving their highest potential for fulfillment and wellbeing. It is my aim to assist clients in discovering their authentic self by providing a trusting and compassionate therapeutic environment where you feel safe engaging in problem solving and self-discovery.
(509) 517-7256 View (509) 517-7256
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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.