Therapists for Teens in California

Photo of Jeanne M Munsell, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Jeanne M Munsell
Marriage & Family Therapist, DD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93711
Are you in need of a court-ordered mental health and addictions evaluation? Are you hoping your court case will be resolved with Court ordered Diversion with Mental Health treatment? Have you been abused? Neglected as a child? Has someone told you you have serious Mental Health Issues? I help. I help persons learn coping skills, sobriety skills, resolve the emotional attachment to abuses. I understand the angst of being a teen or young adult. I enjoy working with those who have stresses, strains from work, family, school, depression, and anxiety. I believe that all persons regardless of all factors deserves the best life ever
Are you in need of a court-ordered mental health and addictions evaluation? Are you hoping your court case will be resolved with Court ordered Diversion with Mental Health treatment? Have you been abused? Neglected as a child? Has someone told you you have serious Mental Health Issues? I help. I help persons learn coping skills, sobriety skills, resolve the emotional attachment to abuses. I understand the angst of being a teen or young adult. I enjoy working with those who have stresses, strains from work, family, school, depression, and anxiety. I believe that all persons regardless of all factors deserves the best life ever
(559) 345-9372 View (559) 345-9372
Photo of Mescal Wasilewski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Mescal Wasilewski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90067  (Online Only)
I’ve worked in the field of addiction and mental health for over 20 years, helping to treat clients with a range of diagnosis and difficulties. Much of my work has been with those suffering from addiction and various mental health issues, as well as extensive work with adolescent clients.
I’ve worked in the field of addiction and mental health for over 20 years, helping to treat clients with a range of diagnosis and difficulties. Much of my work has been with those suffering from addiction and various mental health issues, as well as extensive work with adolescent clients.
(844) 271-7282 View (844) 271-7282
Photo of Karen Shay, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Karen Shay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I have had extensive experience in child and adolescent therapy and was the Child and Adolescent Treatment Coordinator at Family Service Agency for 8 eight years prior to private practice.
My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive. I will work with you to overcome depression, anxiety, substance abuse or relationship issues that are holding you back from leading a more fulfilling life. In individual work we will explore your past experiences and family of origin that may have brought you to hold on to many negative unconscious beliefs and behaviors that are leaving you unhappy or unsuccessful in both your work and intimate relationships. In couples work we will work to dismantle destructive communication patterns, learn new ways of reaching toward your partner and increase levels of true intimacy.
I have had extensive experience in child and adolescent therapy and was the Child and Adolescent Treatment Coordinator at Family Service Agency for 8 eight years prior to private practice.
My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive. I will work with you to overcome depression, anxiety, substance abuse or relationship issues that are holding you back from leading a more fulfilling life. In individual work we will explore your past experiences and family of origin that may have brought you to hold on to many negative unconscious beliefs and behaviors that are leaving you unhappy or unsuccessful in both your work and intimate relationships. In couples work we will work to dismantle destructive communication patterns, learn new ways of reaching toward your partner and increase levels of true intimacy.
(415) 259-9669 View (415) 259-9669
Photo of Gretchen Mayer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Gretchen Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CACYFSW
Verified Verified
I specialize in adolescent & young adult therapy with the understanding that an empathic, positive, and coach-like approach fosters the growth process.
Welcome to my profile and congratulations on taking your first step to seeking a happier, healthier you! Seeking counseling and finding the right therapist can be a challenging process so I hope to make this experience as smooth as possible. My ideal client would be an individual (teenager or older) who has decided to make a commitment to work together to achieve their goals whatever they may be. If you are considering counseling and are ready to address what is keeping you from getting the most out of your life, then I look forward to helping you.
I specialize in adolescent & young adult therapy with the understanding that an empathic, positive, and coach-like approach fosters the growth process.
Welcome to my profile and congratulations on taking your first step to seeking a happier, healthier you! Seeking counseling and finding the right therapist can be a challenging process so I hope to make this experience as smooth as possible. My ideal client would be an individual (teenager or older) who has decided to make a commitment to work together to achieve their goals whatever they may be. If you are considering counseling and are ready to address what is keeping you from getting the most out of your life, then I look forward to helping you.
(818) 616-6897 View (818) 616-6897
Photo of Jassmen Berube, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Jassmen Berube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Are you, your teen, or your family struggling? Do you often feel anxious, depressed, lost or hopeless? Sometimes life feels overwhelming and we need a safe, compassionate place to express our thoughts and learn skills to manage the challenges we face. I can help you learn valuable lifelong tools while helping you live the life you want to live. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have a passion for helping people. My therapeutic approach is flexible and individualized for you. I work to help you become more compassionate, understanding and accepting with yourself and others in your life. 
Are you, your teen, or your family struggling? Do you often feel anxious, depressed, lost or hopeless? Sometimes life feels overwhelming and we need a safe, compassionate place to express our thoughts and learn skills to manage the challenges we face. I can help you learn valuable lifelong tools while helping you live the life you want to live. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have a passion for helping people. My therapeutic approach is flexible and individualized for you. I work to help you become more compassionate, understanding and accepting with yourself and others in your life. 
(408) 560-4464 View (408) 560-4464
Photo of Maya Deshe Drori, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Maya Deshe Drori
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pablo, CA 94806
Working with adults, adolescent and their families, therapy with me helps my clients understand themselves better, feel better about themselves and have better relationships with everyone in their lives.
I'm passionate, dedicated, funny and curious. I have a huge, caring heart that is accompanied by a sharp and innovative mind. You will feel listened to and understood in ways that will surprise you, as I pick up on the gist of things, and then add thoughts, questions and layers. I will marvel at your uniqueness as I witness your beauty and despair. That will allow you to be the best version of yourself at any time, and will give you new breath so that you may deal with your life better.
Working with adults, adolescent and their families, therapy with me helps my clients understand themselves better, feel better about themselves and have better relationships with everyone in their lives.
I'm passionate, dedicated, funny and curious. I have a huge, caring heart that is accompanied by a sharp and innovative mind. You will feel listened to and understood in ways that will surprise you, as I pick up on the gist of things, and then add thoughts, questions and layers. I will marvel at your uniqueness as I witness your beauty and despair. That will allow you to be the best version of yourself at any time, and will give you new breath so that you may deal with your life better.
(510) 466-1069 View (510) 466-1069
Photo of Mindy Ward, Licensed Professional Counselor in California
Mindy Ward
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Adolescence and young adulthood are times of great potential filled with major developmental tasks. At times those tasks can feel overwhelming. I am passionate about offering hope and unconditional positive regard to support those working through the time of life from pre-teen through young adulthood. A safe and supportive environment, recognizing patterns that no longer serve the client, and an increased self-awareness can help clients to grow into their full potential.
Adolescence and young adulthood are times of great potential filled with major developmental tasks. At times those tasks can feel overwhelming. I am passionate about offering hope and unconditional positive regard to support those working through the time of life from pre-teen through young adulthood. A safe and supportive environment, recognizing patterns that no longer serve the client, and an increased self-awareness can help clients to grow into their full potential.
(408) 430-5994 View (408) 430-5994
Photo of Georgina Anaya, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Georgina Anaya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Accepting New Clients! Who do you and your family talk to when you are seeing your child/teen struggle with school, peer and family relationships, anger, depression, anxiety, OCD, or behaviors that are impacting their safety and well-being? The feeling of powerlessness that what you are trying isn't helping and your child is not getting better can be very overwhelming. The beautiful part of it is that you are willing to support them through it. I believe that as a parent, you are doing your best and that's already setting your child up for best outcomes!
Accepting New Clients! Who do you and your family talk to when you are seeing your child/teen struggle with school, peer and family relationships, anger, depression, anxiety, OCD, or behaviors that are impacting their safety and well-being? The feeling of powerlessness that what you are trying isn't helping and your child is not getting better can be very overwhelming. The beautiful part of it is that you are willing to support them through it. I believe that as a parent, you are doing your best and that's already setting your child up for best outcomes!
(619) 473-4226 View (619) 473-4226
Photo of Terri Shearer, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Terri Shearer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palm Desert, CA 92260  (Online Only)
I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adolescent development, substance abuse, parenting difficulties, and relational issues.
You don’t have to go it alone. I am here to help you find your way back to living the life you want. It can happen. I'm here every step of the way. Because sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we planned. We didn’t know we would end up getting divorced, or blending families, or being a single parent, but here we are. We didn’t know we would adopt instead of birthing our own child, or be raising our grandchildren, or the difficulties we would face raising children in an LGBTQ home. But, here we are. These challenges can cause tremendous anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, confusion, sadness, and suffering. I understand.
I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adolescent development, substance abuse, parenting difficulties, and relational issues.
You don’t have to go it alone. I am here to help you find your way back to living the life you want. It can happen. I'm here every step of the way. Because sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we planned. We didn’t know we would end up getting divorced, or blending families, or being a single parent, but here we are. We didn’t know we would adopt instead of birthing our own child, or be raising our grandchildren, or the difficulties we would face raising children in an LGBTQ home. But, here we are. These challenges can cause tremendous anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, confusion, sadness, and suffering. I understand.
(760) 621-7553 View (760) 621-7553
Photo of Gena Gear—Kids•teens•assessments•counseling, Psychologist in California
Gena Gear—Kids•teens•assessments•counseling
Psychologist, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Napa, CA 94559
Is your child having trouble in school? Acting out, or having a hard time in class? Do you get enough support from your child's school? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you struggle with your child or teen? An expert evaluation can help to focus your efforts and get your kids the support they need. An assessment can identify a path forward for children with learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum, and other challenges. For gifted children, an assessment can help your child access the optimal school environment for their capabilities. Your child can learn to celebrate their strengths and work WITH their brain. Reach out now.
Is your child having trouble in school? Acting out, or having a hard time in class? Do you get enough support from your child's school? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you struggle with your child or teen? An expert evaluation can help to focus your efforts and get your kids the support they need. An assessment can identify a path forward for children with learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum, and other challenges. For gifted children, an assessment can help your child access the optimal school environment for their capabilities. Your child can learn to celebrate their strengths and work WITH their brain. Reach out now.
(707) 309-7011 View (707) 309-7011
Photo of Marta McLean, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Marta McLean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
I am also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based treatment of child and adolescent trauma.
Welcome to my practice. Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness or hopelessness? Have you or your child experienced a trauma that continues affecting your mood, relationships and daily functioning? Are you struggling with recent change or parenting concerns? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience helping clients heal, gain new perspective and transform their lives by reaching their mental health goals. I serve individual adults and kids 10 years and older.
I am also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based treatment of child and adolescent trauma.
Welcome to my practice. Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness or hopelessness? Have you or your child experienced a trauma that continues affecting your mood, relationships and daily functioning? Are you struggling with recent change or parenting concerns? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience helping clients heal, gain new perspective and transform their lives by reaching their mental health goals. I serve individual adults and kids 10 years and older.
(530) 686-5330 View (530) 686-5330
Photo of Chad Medlin, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Chad Medlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redding, CA 96001
Adolescent boys often have the most difficulty working through their problems.
I help males from teenage to older learn how to express their feelings in non-destructive ways and learn how to better understand the feelings they have. They learn how to feel good about themselves rather than compare themselves negatively to others. Therapy is not about being sick. It is about learning new skills to better manage what life throws our way. My clients see me more as a trusted confidant who cares about them than as a clinician looking at them through a microscope.
Adolescent boys often have the most difficulty working through their problems.
I help males from teenage to older learn how to express their feelings in non-destructive ways and learn how to better understand the feelings they have. They learn how to feel good about themselves rather than compare themselves negatively to others. Therapy is not about being sick. It is about learning new skills to better manage what life throws our way. My clients see me more as a trusted confidant who cares about them than as a clinician looking at them through a microscope.
(530) 572-5835 View (530) 572-5835
Photo of Bruce Chernack, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Bruce Chernack
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Need help with your son? Are you a young man who needs help with ongoing anxiety, depression, or substance abuse issues? I have been working with adolescent boys and young men for over 25 years. Anger, depression, socialization, isolation, substance use/abuse, separation, realtionships, or just plain growing up are some of the issues. As a parent, or a young man yourself, you want to do your best to help you and your family navigate through our complicated and ever changing culture. I connect with my clients through humor, knowledge of a young person’s culture, and a confidential relationship.
Need help with your son? Are you a young man who needs help with ongoing anxiety, depression, or substance abuse issues? I have been working with adolescent boys and young men for over 25 years. Anger, depression, socialization, isolation, substance use/abuse, separation, realtionships, or just plain growing up are some of the issues. As a parent, or a young man yourself, you want to do your best to help you and your family navigate through our complicated and ever changing culture. I connect with my clients through humor, knowledge of a young person’s culture, and a confidential relationship.
(415) 799-8237 View (415) 799-8237
Photo of Amanda Peraza, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Amanda Peraza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ontario, CA 91761  (Online Only)
I work with adolescent aged youth and adults to help navigate the stressors and challenges of everyday life and cope with past traumas that are interfering with their current reality.
Hello my name is Amanda Peraza (they/them). My goal as a therapist is to provide a gender affirming safe space for you to explore your most authentic self!
I work with adolescent aged youth and adults to help navigate the stressors and challenges of everyday life and cope with past traumas that are interfering with their current reality.
Hello my name is Amanda Peraza (they/them). My goal as a therapist is to provide a gender affirming safe space for you to explore your most authentic self!
(909) 359-9122 View (909) 359-9122
Photo of Maud M Aretz, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Maud M Aretz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
My ideal client has general anxiety and depression. They range in age from adolescent, young adult, middle aged to seniors. I enjoy working with children but in person is best since play and art are used as approaches.
My ideal client has general anxiety and depression. They range in age from adolescent, young adult, middle aged to seniors. I enjoy working with children but in person is best since play and art are used as approaches.
(909) 442-4203 View (909) 442-4203
Photo of Noel Ochoa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California
Noel Ochoa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
I completed a Kaiser child and adolescent mental health fellowship program in 2018.
The focus of my service has been to youth and their families. I’m looking to provide support to adolescents (6th grade) up to young adults with challenges of anxiety, depression, OCD, neurodivergent and life transitions. The world has been a challenging place and the last 3 years have really impacted that, I hear it all the time. Know that you are not alone.
I completed a Kaiser child and adolescent mental health fellowship program in 2018.
The focus of my service has been to youth and their families. I’m looking to provide support to adolescents (6th grade) up to young adults with challenges of anxiety, depression, OCD, neurodivergent and life transitions. The world has been a challenging place and the last 3 years have really impacted that, I hear it all the time. Know that you are not alone.
(562) 662-7291 View (562) 662-7291
Photo of Jennifer Hsia, Psychologist in California
Jennifer Hsia
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Are you anxious about your health or visits to the doctor? Trying to cope with your health condition? Learning and exploring your racial, ethnic. and/or cultural identity? Considering or in the process of freezing your eggs and/or becoming a solo parent by choice? I’m here to help. Whether you are a teen, adult, or older adult, I will work with you to develop skills, find your new normal, and/or identify and move toward goals that align with your values.
Are you anxious about your health or visits to the doctor? Trying to cope with your health condition? Learning and exploring your racial, ethnic. and/or cultural identity? Considering or in the process of freezing your eggs and/or becoming a solo parent by choice? I’m here to help. Whether you are a teen, adult, or older adult, I will work with you to develop skills, find your new normal, and/or identify and move toward goals that align with your values.
(626) 298-7899 View (626) 298-7899
Photo of Audrey Rose Majerczak, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Audrey Rose Majerczak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Therapy can be an opportunity to optimize your flow and balance of life. Together we’ll enrich the skills to empower yourself and your relationships. For the couple: learning and redefining your relationship and how to maximize each others strengths to build not just a lasting relationship, but a relationship that inspires awe. For teens: let's just talk like adults! Helping teens to find their voice and place, balance behaviors to project forward towards their future. Whatever you are looking for we can start now. Contact me for individual, teen or couples therapy.
Therapy can be an opportunity to optimize your flow and balance of life. Together we’ll enrich the skills to empower yourself and your relationships. For the couple: learning and redefining your relationship and how to maximize each others strengths to build not just a lasting relationship, but a relationship that inspires awe. For teens: let's just talk like adults! Helping teens to find their voice and place, balance behaviors to project forward towards their future. Whatever you are looking for we can start now. Contact me for individual, teen or couples therapy.
(925) 369-7082 View (925) 369-7082
Photo of Kristen Alongi-Davis, Psychologist in California
Kristen Alongi-Davis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
Is your child or adolescent defiant? Angry? Aggressive? Disrespectful? Hyper? Impulsive? Inattentive? Anxious or Depressed? I can help! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. I have spent my career focusing on helping families with children and adolescents who have disruptive behaviors, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or experience with trauma.
Is your child or adolescent defiant? Angry? Aggressive? Disrespectful? Hyper? Impulsive? Inattentive? Anxious or Depressed? I can help! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. I have spent my career focusing on helping families with children and adolescents who have disruptive behaviors, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or experience with trauma.
(408) 533-0473 View (408) 533-0473
Photo of Mahima Mohan, Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Mahima Mohan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90806  (Online Only)
I maintain a social justice lens in my treatment, and have specialized training related to trauma, sexual abuse/violence, adolescent mental health, and identity development.
When seeking support, you deserve an experience that feels safe, personalized, and inclusive. I'm committed to helping you through your healing with compassion and sensitivity. You lead the process as I aid in facilitating your journey towards empowerment.
I maintain a social justice lens in my treatment, and have specialized training related to trauma, sexual abuse/violence, adolescent mental health, and identity development.
When seeking support, you deserve an experience that feels safe, personalized, and inclusive. I'm committed to helping you through your healing with compassion and sensitivity. You lead the process as I aid in facilitating your journey towards empowerment.
(424) 349-4930 x704 View (424) 349-4930 x704

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.