Therapy for Pre-teens & Teens

Being a teen (or the parent of one) is hard — therapy doesn’t have to be.

Whether your child is shutting down, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, sadness, school pressure, identity, or just not acting like themselves — you’re not alone, and neither are they.

The truth is, growing up today comes with more emotional pressure than ever before. Between academic stress, social media, friendships, family changes, and figuring out who they are, many pre-teens and teens feel like they’re carrying more than they know how to handle.

Therapy gives them a space to breathe, vent, process what’s going on inside, and feel seen without judgment. It’s not about “fixing” your child — it’s about helping them understand themselves, build healthy coping skills, and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.

What We Treat

Anxiety & Overwhelm

Many teens feel anxious — about school, social situations, their future, or just keeping it all together. They might overthink everything, feel panicked for no clear reason, or shut down because it’s all just too much. Therapy helps teens learn to manage their thoughts, calm their nervous system, and feel more in control.

Sadness, Depression, or Feeling Numb

Sometimes teens don’t feel “sad” — they just feel tired all the time, disconnected, or like they’re going through the motions. They may not know how to talk about it, or they might believe no one would understand. Therapy gives them a safe space to unpack what’s going on and feel less alone.

School Pressure & Burnout

Between academic expectations, extracurriculars, and social life, teens often feel like they’re failing if they’re not doing everything perfectly. When that pressure builds up, it can lead to stress, burnout, or feeling like giving up. We help teens reset expectations, build balance, and prioritize their own well-being.

Friendship Struggles & Peer Pressure

Teen friendships can be intense — when things go wrong, it can feel like the world is falling apart. Whether it’s bullying, feeling left out, or trying to fit in, therapy helps teens navigate their relationships while learning how to stay true to themselves.

Identity & Self-Esteem

Teens are figuring out who they are — and that journey isn’t always smooth. Whether they’re questioning their gender or sexuality, struggling with body image, or feeling like they don’t belong anywhere, therapy offers a judgment-free zone to explore their identity and build confidence.

Family Tension & Communication Issues

Home life isn’t always easy. Some teens feel misunderstood, others feel like they’re walking on eggshells. We help teens learn to express themselves more clearly and cope with tough family dynamics — while also helping parents better understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

Grief, Loss, or Life Changes

Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a divorce, moving, or any major life transition — grief can hit teens in unexpected ways. We support them in naming their feelings, making sense of what they’ve lost, and finding stability again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my teen needs therapy?

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get support. If your child seems more withdrawn, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or “just not themselves,” it may be time to check in. Therapy can help them make sense of what they’re feeling, even if they can’t fully explain it yet.

What kinds of issues do you help with?

We work with pre-teens and teens facing anxiety, depression, stress, school pressure, friendship struggles, self-esteem issues, identity questions, grief, family conflict, and more. Whether it’s something big or something they haven’t even put into words, we’re here to support them.

Will I be involved as a parent?

Yes — your involvement matters. For younger teens and pre-teens, we often check in with parents to provide updates, support, and guidance. For older teens, we respect their privacy while maintaining open communication with you about general goals and safety concerns. We’ll work together to find the right balance.

Is therapy confidential for teens?

Yes, with a few exceptions. What your teen shares in therapy stays private unless there is a safety concern (e.g., risk of harm to themselves or others). We’ll always do our best to involve you in meaningful ways while still honoring your teen’s need for a safe, private space.