Therapy for Teens

Take the first step

Some teens come to therapy experiencing panic, physical discomfort connected to anxiety, or a general sense that something feels wrong even when it is hard to explain exactly what. Others may be very hard on themselves, feel pressure to get things right, or need support building more self-compassion.

Parents often reach out because they can see that their teen is struggling, but they are not always sure what is going on or how to help anymore. Their teen may say that they are having a hard time but struggle to put it into words, or they may brush off support even when it is clear they are distressed.

That can be a hard place to be as a parent. Teens are becoming more independent and want more autonomy, while still needing support from the adults around them.

What does teen therapy look like?

The first session usually involves taking a thorough history and understanding what’s been going on. From there, we work together to identify what your teen would like to get out of therapy.

Goals are individual, but teens I work with may want to:

  • build coping skills for big emotions

  • reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms

  • increase confidence and self-esteem

  • have a place to express themselves

  • improve emotional regulation - build skills for executive functioning

  • become less perfectionistic and more self-compassionate

Sessions are often more structured, with me bringing in activities, skills, or interventions that connect directly to the goals we have identified. We may practice tools together in session, talk through what is happening underneath intense emotions, or work on ways to understand and respond to anxiety differently.

For some teens, simply having a space where they do not have to have everything figured out can be important too.

I want teens to leave therapy with more understanding of what is going on for them and with tools they can use in their everyday lives.

Teen Therapy FAQ

  • At this time, I offer therapy exclusively through telehealth. I plan to begin offering in-person sessions in 2027. If you'd like to be notified when in-person appointments become available, feel free to reach out.

  • Each session is 50 minutes long.

  • The first session is a chance for me to get to know your teen and understand what has brought them to therapy. I’ll ask about what has been going on, what feels hard right now, and what they are hoping might feel different. From there, we’ll begin setting goals together and figuring out what support will be most helpful.

  • Yes. I seek to affirm teens in their LGBTQIA+ identities and give them space to talk openly about them. For some teens, therapy becomes a place to explore who they are and talk about how their identity affects the way they move through the world.

  • That’s common, and it’s helpful for me to know at the beginning of therapy. I try to give teens space to get to know me, ask questions, and have a voice in what we talk about. Therapy tends to work best when teens feel like they have some choice in the process.

  • I work with teens age 14 and up.

  • Therapy may be helpful if your teen seems more anxious, down, irritable, withdrawn, or hard on themselves. You may notice them losing interest in things they usually enjoy, struggling more with school, or having a harder time managing stress. Therapy can also be useful when changes in mood or anxiety are starting to affect relationships, sleep, confidence, or daily life.

  • I do not accept insurance.

    Session Cost

    • Individual Therapy: $130

    • Family Therapy: $160

    Superbills available for possible insurance reimbursement.

  • I would be glad to meet with you and your teen for a free 15-minute consultation to see if I might be a good fit. Your teen can ask questions, get a sense of what I’m like, and have a little say in the process before starting therapy.

  • Therapy is meant to be a space where your teen can talk openly and have privacy.

    There are some exceptions. If I have concerns about your teen’s safety or wellbeing that mean they could be at risk, I have an ethical responsibility as a clinician to involve you.

    I may also check in with parents from time to time about general progress, goals, or ways to support your teen at home, while still protecting the privacy of what they share in session.

    Parents also have access to a secure portal where they can reach out to me directly if they would like to share a concern or speak with me.