Therapists for Teens in Asheville, NC

Photo of Amber Lapham, Counselor in Asheville, NC
Amber Lapham
Counselor, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Navigating the formative years can be difficult. Whether your child is navigating independence while having to maintain boundaries or your teen is exploring their identity within the confines of the family expectation and values. Parenting through these significant life moments can be HARD and can leave you wondering if you’re making the right choices. My heart for therapy is exploring autonomy and self awareness with children/adolescents through exploring their current environment/upbringing, processing through the emotions this evokes for them and deciding what choices they want to explore in regards to response.
Navigating the formative years can be difficult. Whether your child is navigating independence while having to maintain boundaries or your teen is exploring their identity within the confines of the family expectation and values. Parenting through these significant life moments can be HARD and can leave you wondering if you’re making the right choices. My heart for therapy is exploring autonomy and self awareness with children/adolescents through exploring their current environment/upbringing, processing through the emotions this evokes for them and deciding what choices they want to explore in regards to response.
(828) 554-2705 View (828) 554-2705
Photo of Mary Monaghan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Mary Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
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Photo of Kathryn Blount, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, NC
Kathryn Blount
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MAEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Having experienced and successfully navigated several major life changes as a teen and woman myself, I am ready to help you find your way through the chaos.
Most people who find me here are pretty miserable and hoping to find a way to make things different in their lives. I work best with girls and women who are willing to bust it to achieve change. Therapy isn't a magic wand - I believe that each individual has the power to recognize what their therapeutic needs are and maybe even how to address them; I am here to provide gentle guidance and perhaps some different perspective to bring awareness to patterns of thought and behavior, therefore facilitating YOUR desire for change.
Having experienced and successfully navigated several major life changes as a teen and woman myself, I am ready to help you find your way through the chaos.
Most people who find me here are pretty miserable and hoping to find a way to make things different in their lives. I work best with girls and women who are willing to bust it to achieve change. Therapy isn't a magic wand - I believe that each individual has the power to recognize what their therapeutic needs are and maybe even how to address them; I am here to provide gentle guidance and perhaps some different perspective to bring awareness to patterns of thought and behavior, therefore facilitating YOUR desire for change.
(828) 527-0758 View (828) 527-0758
Photo of Elizabeth R Allen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Asheville, NC
Elizabeth R Allen, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I love helping families facilitate healthy communication and conflict resolution, parent and teen communication, blended family communication and parenting.
I focus primarily on work with adolescents experiencing anxiety and depression or struggling with self-esteem as well as their families who are experiencing life transitions, parenting difficulties, and relationship concerns.
I love helping families facilitate healthy communication and conflict resolution, parent and teen communication, blended family communication and parenting.
I focus primarily on work with adolescents experiencing anxiety and depression or struggling with self-esteem as well as their families who are experiencing life transitions, parenting difficulties, and relationship concerns.
(828) 408-0527 View (828) 408-0527
Photo of Emily Cox, Licensed Professional Counselor in Asheville, NC
Emily Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Things can feel off and you're not sure why. Maybe noticing your teen pulling away, shut behind a closed door. Your child changing, giving one word answers when they are usually a chatterbox. You may feel that everything is getting on your nerves, having ADHD overwhelm, or like things are in a funk. You know that something is wrong, but are stuck on how to fix it. The disconnect can get to a point where we need some more support. Feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood can lead us to seek that help to reconnect to ourselves and our inner strengths. You can find your strengths again and use them to heal and feel better.
Things can feel off and you're not sure why. Maybe noticing your teen pulling away, shut behind a closed door. Your child changing, giving one word answers when they are usually a chatterbox. You may feel that everything is getting on your nerves, having ADHD overwhelm, or like things are in a funk. You know that something is wrong, but are stuck on how to fix it. The disconnect can get to a point where we need some more support. Feeling unheard, unseen, or misunderstood can lead us to seek that help to reconnect to ourselves and our inner strengths. You can find your strengths again and use them to heal and feel better.
(828) 374-0958 View (828) 374-0958
Photo of Vanessa Guerrero, LCMHC Associate in Asheville, NC
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
(828) 382-8550 View (828) 382-8550
Photo of Andy Sermos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Andy Sermos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
When I was an adolescent I was a Bart Simpson. I was routinely sent to the office, struggled with peer relationships and had frequent conflicts with authority figures. I relate well with teen and young adult males because I still partake in skating, lifting, and gaming. It can be difficult navigating the labyrinths of life, be it conflicts with parents, the effects of divorce, the aftermath of abuse, etc. Long story short, with good decisions and coping skills, you can overcome your problems and correct the course of your ship.
When I was an adolescent I was a Bart Simpson. I was routinely sent to the office, struggled with peer relationships and had frequent conflicts with authority figures. I relate well with teen and young adult males because I still partake in skating, lifting, and gaming. It can be difficult navigating the labyrinths of life, be it conflicts with parents, the effects of divorce, the aftermath of abuse, etc. Long story short, with good decisions and coping skills, you can overcome your problems and correct the course of your ship.
(828) 532-2139 View (828) 532-2139
Photo of Max Weissman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Asheville, NC
Max Weissman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC, CTS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
My name is Max, and I am an Asheville-based counselor. I am honored to work with people from all walks of life, and specialize in providing therapy to adolescents and young-adults (ages 12-25). As a male counselor and therapist I am particularly skilled at helping young men identify difficulties in their lives and learn how to appropriately address them. I offer both long-term counseling, as well as solution focused brief therapy. I completely understand that navigating the adolescent and early-adulthood years can be extremely difficult (for both parent and child) and I am here to help...
My name is Max, and I am an Asheville-based counselor. I am honored to work with people from all walks of life, and specialize in providing therapy to adolescents and young-adults (ages 12-25). As a male counselor and therapist I am particularly skilled at helping young men identify difficulties in their lives and learn how to appropriately address them. I offer both long-term counseling, as well as solution focused brief therapy. I completely understand that navigating the adolescent and early-adulthood years can be extremely difficult (for both parent and child) and I am here to help...
(828) 656-5322 View (828) 656-5322
Photo of Allison Becker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Allison Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
Adolescence and young adulthood are challenging times, full of growth and transition for individuals and families. I love supporting adolescents and emerging adults as they explore their identities and light their paths into adulthood. I am skilled at working with families through these transitional times, and also enjoy supporting couples in achieving healthy communication and partnership. My clinical experience runs the gamut from in-home work with court mandated youth, residential work with adolescent girls, and community-based outpatient therapy with high school students and kids in foster care.
Adolescence and young adulthood are challenging times, full of growth and transition for individuals and families. I love supporting adolescents and emerging adults as they explore their identities and light their paths into adulthood. I am skilled at working with families through these transitional times, and also enjoy supporting couples in achieving healthy communication and partnership. My clinical experience runs the gamut from in-home work with court mandated youth, residential work with adolescent girls, and community-based outpatient therapy with high school students and kids in foster care.
(828) 481-8514 View (828) 481-8514
Photo of Scott Fischer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Asheville, NC
Scott Fischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806
Though I work with everyone, and all are welcome, always, I specialize in working with adolescent teens and adult men. Emphasizing mindfulness, my work is particularly effective in dealing with patterns of substance use or other addictive tendencies, social anxiety, ADHD, and important life transitions. Rather than having my own agenda, I appreciate helping clients clarify and compassionately move toward their vision, find meaning through challenge, and gain deeper understanding of their own dilemmas. I also enjoy helping people learn to communicate authentically with their loved ones in ways that help change detrimental patterns.
Though I work with everyone, and all are welcome, always, I specialize in working with adolescent teens and adult men. Emphasizing mindfulness, my work is particularly effective in dealing with patterns of substance use or other addictive tendencies, social anxiety, ADHD, and important life transitions. Rather than having my own agenda, I appreciate helping clients clarify and compassionately move toward their vision, find meaning through challenge, and gain deeper understanding of their own dilemmas. I also enjoy helping people learn to communicate authentically with their loved ones in ways that help change detrimental patterns.
(919) 371-5930 View (919) 371-5930
Photo of Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling, Counselor in Asheville, NC
Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
(828) 230-8687 View (828) 230-8687
Photo of Jeffie Cilano, Counselor in Asheville, NC
Jeffie Cilano
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Parents, teens, preteens, and Co-Parenting counseling are my focus. I work with teens and preteens needing support with anxiety, depression, divorce, low self-esteem and who struggle with learning challenges. I work to create a therapeutic environment where you and your teen feel safe to share, feel seen and heard, and can set goals, learn new life skills; to help create space between emotions, and reactions. Creating an overall happier relationship with life. And where you as parents can receive support, and also as co-parents develop healthy communication skills, and learn to create the parenting relationship you desire.
Parents, teens, preteens, and Co-Parenting counseling are my focus. I work with teens and preteens needing support with anxiety, depression, divorce, low self-esteem and who struggle with learning challenges. I work to create a therapeutic environment where you and your teen feel safe to share, feel seen and heard, and can set goals, learn new life skills; to help create space between emotions, and reactions. Creating an overall happier relationship with life. And where you as parents can receive support, and also as co-parents develop healthy communication skills, and learn to create the parenting relationship you desire.
(828) 383-8377 View (828) 383-8377
Photo of Elaine Roche, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Elaine Roche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
(828) 457-7188 View (828) 457-7188
Photo of Elaine Roche, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Elaine Roche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
When you or your adolescent have an eating disorder it impacts almost every moment. Hopelessness, insecurity, frustration, anxiety, and grief become a part of every day. I work with people in various stages of eating disorder recovery- from the newbies to those wanting to maintain their progress. As one of only two clinicians in Asheville trained in best practices for adolescents, I am able to help clients and families using the latest research and make impacts that have lasting change. My adult clients are motivated. They've had enough of their life ruined by this condition and are done with suffering, they just need a path out.
(828) 374-8922 View (828) 374-8922
Photo of Taylor Maxson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, NC
Taylor Maxson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
(828) 373-3768 View (828) 373-3768
Photo of Melina Bridges, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, NC
Melina Bridges
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
As an child & teen therapist, I use creative and emotionally based therapies to help young people discover their self-worth and potential.
I offer expressive and emotionally based therapies to children (ages 6 and older) a warm and nurturing environment which provides a safe space to do any healing they might need to do to move forward, to feel better about who they are, or share what might have happened in their lives that makes their heart ache. I help teens and young adults navigate the turbulence of hormones, and school work, friendships and home life, college and relationships, and all the other activities and significant events happening, while trying to discover who they are and what makes them feel most alive.
As an child & teen therapist, I use creative and emotionally based therapies to help young people discover their self-worth and potential.
I offer expressive and emotionally based therapies to children (ages 6 and older) a warm and nurturing environment which provides a safe space to do any healing they might need to do to move forward, to feel better about who they are, or share what might have happened in their lives that makes their heart ache. I help teens and young adults navigate the turbulence of hormones, and school work, friendships and home life, college and relationships, and all the other activities and significant events happening, while trying to discover who they are and what makes them feel most alive.
(828) 373-6117 View (828) 373-6117
Photo of Jon West, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in Asheville, NC
Jon West
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
As a parent of a teenager, you’re wondering: How can I support my kid to be the best version of themself they can be? Contacting a therapist can be intimidating. But you’re taking an important first step in seeking out that therapist who you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship with to help your teen become the person they believe they can be. I work with clients in a relaxed, natural, and professional atmosphere to collaborate with them to identify the different paths and choices that lay before them so they can be empowered to become the rockstar version of themselves they always dreamed of.
As a parent of a teenager, you’re wondering: How can I support my kid to be the best version of themself they can be? Contacting a therapist can be intimidating. But you’re taking an important first step in seeking out that therapist who you can build a trusting therapeutic relationship with to help your teen become the person they believe they can be. I work with clients in a relaxed, natural, and professional atmosphere to collaborate with them to identify the different paths and choices that lay before them so they can be empowered to become the rockstar version of themselves they always dreamed of.
(828) 522-9377 View (828) 522-9377
Photo of Hans Rosario-Singer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Asheville, NC
Hans Rosario-Singer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
I believe every child and adolescent has the potential within themselves to become healthier and happier, and it is my job to help them unlock that potential. Traditional cognitive and behavioral approaches often fail to create meaningful change, which can lead to feelings of failure or discouragement rather than empowerment. Whether your child or adolescent is struggling with self-esteem, social challenges, or regulation skills, I can help them recognize and unlock the skills and strengths that they already have to over come those challenges.
I believe every child and adolescent has the potential within themselves to become healthier and happier, and it is my job to help them unlock that potential. Traditional cognitive and behavioral approaches often fail to create meaningful change, which can lead to feelings of failure or discouragement rather than empowerment. Whether your child or adolescent is struggling with self-esteem, social challenges, or regulation skills, I can help them recognize and unlock the skills and strengths that they already have to over come those challenges.
(828) 761-7605 View (828) 761-7605
Photo of Online Teletherapy For Asheville North Carolina Martha Watson in Asheville, NC
Online Teletherapy For Asheville North Carolina Martha Watson
PhD, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Specialties: Trauma & PTSD (Online Men's Trauma Coaching), Anxiety and Stress Management, Stress Reduction for Cancer Patients, Child & Teen Stress, Anxiety, Fear and Anger Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Coaching), Pain Management, Spirituality and Mind-body Medicine.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
Specialties: Trauma & PTSD (Online Men's Trauma Coaching), Anxiety and Stress Management, Stress Reduction for Cancer Patients, Child & Teen Stress, Anxiety, Fear and Anger Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Coaching), Pain Management, Spirituality and Mind-body Medicine.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, IBS/anxiety, or your child's anger? The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably increased stress and anxiety, impacting both adults and children's mental and physical well-being. A holistic approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body medicine offers evidence-based methods for lasting results. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of stress challenges, helping you cope, restore your health & handle life transitions. It tackles stress triggers like fear, negative emotions & feeling overwhelmed. Book your complimentary online consultation today for a drug free positive coping strategy.
(828) 888-0944 View (828) 888-0944
Photo of Liz Lucarelli, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, NC
Liz Lucarelli
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, BCC, RPT-S, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803
I specialize in working with children, preteens, and adolescents ages 8 - 16+. I also offer therapy/coaching for parents raising a challenging child/teen and family therapy to help mend the parent-child relationship. I work best with clients who may be anxious, depressed, working through grief/loss or trauma, and have low self-esteem, and need social, life, coping, or relationship skills. My approach is playful, authentic, and honest! I blend play and expressive arts - sand tray, drawing, role-playing, and other experiential activities. I want to help my clients become more calm, curious, connected, resilient, and empowered!
I specialize in working with children, preteens, and adolescents ages 8 - 16+. I also offer therapy/coaching for parents raising a challenging child/teen and family therapy to help mend the parent-child relationship. I work best with clients who may be anxious, depressed, working through grief/loss or trauma, and have low self-esteem, and need social, life, coping, or relationship skills. My approach is playful, authentic, and honest! I blend play and expressive arts - sand tray, drawing, role-playing, and other experiential activities. I want to help my clients become more calm, curious, connected, resilient, and empowered!
(828) 523-9624 View (828) 523-9624
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.