Therapists for Teens and Adolescents in La Costa, CA
I believe a lot of us are carrying some degree of self-judgment, shame, or unresolved pain. Until those wounds are neutralized, nothing you do to try and change will work.The combination of therapies that I use are designed to release negative belief systems and painful emotions. To heal them at the core so that you are free from them completely. My years of experience have taught me how to identify the root of the problem and to know what will be most effective in healing what is keeping you stuck.
I believe a lot of us are carrying some degree of self-judgment, shame, or unresolved pain. Until those wounds are neutralized, nothing you do to try and change will work.The combination of therapies that I use are designed to release negative belief systems and painful emotions. To heal them at the core so that you are free from them completely. My years of experience have taught me how to identify the root of the problem and to know what will be most effective in healing what is keeping you stuck.
I work with individuals (incl teens), couples & families struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, grief & loss, and more.
Do you struggle with heightened stress, grief and loss, low self-esteem, or maybe challenging relationships that negatively impact your day-to-day functioning? Do you experience patterns of negative thinking, or have difficulty processing your emotions, internally or externally? Do you feel frustrated or overwhelmed to maintain a "healthy" standard of living that seems unattainable?
I work with individuals (incl teens), couples & families struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, grief & loss, and more.
Do you struggle with heightened stress, grief and loss, low self-esteem, or maybe challenging relationships that negatively impact your day-to-day functioning? Do you experience patterns of negative thinking, or have difficulty processing your emotions, internally or externally? Do you feel frustrated or overwhelmed to maintain a "healthy" standard of living that seems unattainable?
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy (Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy (Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
Or maybe you're a parent seeking support for your teen and wanting them to have a safe, understanding space to process what they’re going through.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based approaches to help clients better understand themselves, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected to who they are. I also offer faith based therapy.
Or maybe you're a parent seeking support for your teen and wanting them to have a safe, understanding space to process what they’re going through.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based approaches to help clients better understand themselves, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected to who they are. I also offer faith based therapy.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself? Have adult ADHD and/or childhood trauma? I take an integrative, relational, and strength-based approach to healing - attending to the mind, body, and spirit. I believe that humans are inherently resilient, and what may have worked to help you cope in the past may not be working for you in the present. This can show up as isolating from others, internalizing other people's behavior as your fault, scanning for threats, addictions, risk-taking, overworking, perfectionism, etc. I want to help you rediscover your strengths and deepen your sense of hope so you can lead a more vital, exuberant life.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself? Have adult ADHD and/or childhood trauma? I take an integrative, relational, and strength-based approach to healing - attending to the mind, body, and spirit. I believe that humans are inherently resilient, and what may have worked to help you cope in the past may not be working for you in the present. This can show up as isolating from others, internalizing other people's behavior as your fault, scanning for threats, addictions, risk-taking, overworking, perfectionism, etc. I want to help you rediscover your strengths and deepen your sense of hope so you can lead a more vital, exuberant life.
Dr. Riser has over 13 years of experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and various other evidence-based approaches for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders with special interest in emotion regulation, self-harm, and suicidality. Dr. Riser is an integrative psychologist, utilizing science-based interventions while also taking a holistic, mind + body, indivualized approach to treatment. Dr. Riser earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago Medical School/RFUMS with a concentration in psychopathology.
Dr. Riser has over 13 years of experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and various other evidence-based approaches for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders with special interest in emotion regulation, self-harm, and suicidality. Dr. Riser is an integrative psychologist, utilizing science-based interventions while also taking a holistic, mind + body, indivualized approach to treatment. Dr. Riser earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago Medical School/RFUMS with a concentration in psychopathology.
I am now accepting NEW clients! I offer counseling to individuals and couples, providing assistance in navigating difficult life events, relationship challenges, mood-related disorders, and postpartum depression or anxiety. My background includes working with a diverse client population who present with wide-ranging diagnosis and clinical complexities. In addition to providing therapy to both adults and children, I have extensive experience working with co-occurring disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I am dedicated to working with my clients on identifying and achieving their goals, whatever those may be!
I am now accepting NEW clients! I offer counseling to individuals and couples, providing assistance in navigating difficult life events, relationship challenges, mood-related disorders, and postpartum depression or anxiety. My background includes working with a diverse client population who present with wide-ranging diagnosis and clinical complexities. In addition to providing therapy to both adults and children, I have extensive experience working with co-occurring disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I am dedicated to working with my clients on identifying and achieving their goals, whatever those may be!
Suddenly, it seems like you are not able to talk to your partner anymore. You experience long stretches of time passing where you are avoiding each other, or trying to communicate but keep ending up on separate pages. Are you frustrated with your relationship, but uninterested in talking about what is NOT working? Couples therapy is not just about discussing the problems, but about making things better. It is time to get past the blame, guilt, and helplessness that has sucked all of the love out of your relationship. Instead, let's work together to build the partnership skills that will return you to love and intimacy.
Suddenly, it seems like you are not able to talk to your partner anymore. You experience long stretches of time passing where you are avoiding each other, or trying to communicate but keep ending up on separate pages. Are you frustrated with your relationship, but uninterested in talking about what is NOT working? Couples therapy is not just about discussing the problems, but about making things better. It is time to get past the blame, guilt, and helplessness that has sucked all of the love out of your relationship. Instead, let's work together to build the partnership skills that will return you to love and intimacy.
Whether you are struggling in relationships, going through a season of transition or seeking a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life, I would be honored to work with you. My intention as a counselor is to be a healing presence in the life of my clients by offering unconditional acceptance and holding the space for you to be your truest self. I believe that every challenge is an invitation to transformation, and together we will seek wisdom and reflect on the growth that longs to occur in your life.
Whether you are struggling in relationships, going through a season of transition or seeking a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life, I would be honored to work with you. My intention as a counselor is to be a healing presence in the life of my clients by offering unconditional acceptance and holding the space for you to be your truest self. I believe that every challenge is an invitation to transformation, and together we will seek wisdom and reflect on the growth that longs to occur in your life.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi I am Katie ! Throughout my life I've been driven by a fierce commitment to fostering positive transformations in diverse communities, advocating tirelessly for equal access to mental health resources and support. Guided by an unwavering desire to empower individuals to cultivate emotional resilience amid life's challenges, I've dedicated myself to creating safe havens where people can authentically explore their experiences.
Hi I am Katie ! Throughout my life I've been driven by a fierce commitment to fostering positive transformations in diverse communities, advocating tirelessly for equal access to mental health resources and support. Guided by an unwavering desire to empower individuals to cultivate emotional resilience amid life's challenges, I've dedicated myself to creating safe havens where people can authentically explore their experiences.
On the outside, you seem steady and capable. On the inside, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or quietly questioning yourself. Perhaps you’re moving through a life transition, career pressure, or changing relationship dynamics while trying to hold everything together. You want space to slow down, untangle your thoughts, and feel more grounded and confident. In our work together, we’ll focus on reducing anxiety, strengthening boundaries, and helping you navigate change with greater clarity and emotional steadiness.
On the outside, you seem steady and capable. On the inside, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or quietly questioning yourself. Perhaps you’re moving through a life transition, career pressure, or changing relationship dynamics while trying to hold everything together. You want space to slow down, untangle your thoughts, and feel more grounded and confident. In our work together, we’ll focus on reducing anxiety, strengthening boundaries, and helping you navigate change with greater clarity and emotional steadiness.
You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel sustainable. Perhaps you struggle to set boundaries, put others' needs before your own, or find yourself repeating patterns you don't fully understand. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of these experiences, and move toward a more authentic, grounded life.
Many of the people I work with struggle with people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, guilt around self-care, chronic anxiety, ADHD-related overwhelm, or ongoing internal conflict. Some have been in therapy before and return when stressors arise or relational patterns surface.
You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel sustainable. Perhaps you struggle to set boundaries, put others' needs before your own, or find yourself repeating patterns you don't fully understand. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of these experiences, and move toward a more authentic, grounded life.
Many of the people I work with struggle with people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, guilt around self-care, chronic anxiety, ADHD-related overwhelm, or ongoing internal conflict. Some have been in therapy before and return when stressors arise or relational patterns surface.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
I have seen firsthand how trauma, life stressors, and the environment can affect individuals and families—and how powerful it can be to receive the right support. I aim to create a warm, safe, and culturally responsive space where you feel heard, understood, and supported in your healing. You are not alone and I am here to support you.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
I have seen firsthand how trauma, life stressors, and the environment can affect individuals and families—and how powerful it can be to receive the right support. I aim to create a warm, safe, and culturally responsive space where you feel heard, understood, and supported in your healing. You are not alone and I am here to support you.
I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, working with all races, backgrounds, and ethnicities providing therapy and consultation for adolescents to older adults.
My name is Tamra Smith. My approach to therapy is personalized, holistic and flexible. I use evidence-based combination of methods to help meet each individual's needs, goals, and preferences.
I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, working with all races, backgrounds, and ethnicities providing therapy and consultation for adolescents to older adults.
My name is Tamra Smith. My approach to therapy is personalized, holistic and flexible. I use evidence-based combination of methods to help meet each individual's needs, goals, and preferences.
Dear friend, I believe that with the right tools, you have the ability and resilience to prosper in life. You may be seeking a way to turn daily struggles into new possibilities. Together, we will focus on you as a whole person—your strengths, your aspirations, and the solutions you need to move forward. My goal is to provide a space where your beliefs and values are the foundation of our work, ensuring you feel truly seen and respected as we open doors to your future.
Dear friend, I believe that with the right tools, you have the ability and resilience to prosper in life. You may be seeking a way to turn daily struggles into new possibilities. Together, we will focus on you as a whole person—your strengths, your aspirations, and the solutions you need to move forward. My goal is to provide a space where your beliefs and values are the foundation of our work, ensuring you feel truly seen and respected as we open doors to your future.
As a veteran who is married to a veteran, I understand the unique challenges service members can often face. Whether is it transitioning to civilian life, managing trauma, navigating identity shifts, and strengthening and rebuilding relationships. My ideal clients are veterans, military families, and many other client demographics seeking support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, moral injury, or stress associated with life in general. Everyone wants to feel supported. and understood in a safe and nonjudgemental space where they can regain purpose, stability, and the human connection.
As a veteran who is married to a veteran, I understand the unique challenges service members can often face. Whether is it transitioning to civilian life, managing trauma, navigating identity shifts, and strengthening and rebuilding relationships. My ideal clients are veterans, military families, and many other client demographics seeking support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, moral injury, or stress associated with life in general. Everyone wants to feel supported. and understood in a safe and nonjudgemental space where they can regain purpose, stability, and the human connection.
I specialize in working with young adults and I also work with teens and older adults.
Hello, I am looking forward to walking alongside you while you take the journey to improving your life in a positive way. I believe in the importance of creating a bond with each client and personalizing treatment to fit your individual needs. I work from a Christian foundation and use integrative techniques alongside evidence-based treatments. I look to instill a sense of hope into your life by addressing the current stressors you experience day to day. I hope you allow for me to go on this journey with you and help you build the skills to improve your everyday life.
I specialize in working with young adults and I also work with teens and older adults.
Hello, I am looking forward to walking alongside you while you take the journey to improving your life in a positive way. I believe in the importance of creating a bond with each client and personalizing treatment to fit your individual needs. I work from a Christian foundation and use integrative techniques alongside evidence-based treatments. I look to instill a sense of hope into your life by addressing the current stressors you experience day to day. I hope you allow for me to go on this journey with you and help you build the skills to improve your everyday life.
I have experience working with children and adolescents who struggle with anxiety and depression, PTSD, victims of abuse (e.g., child abuse, witnessed a crime or domestic violence), behavioral concerns associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, and Emotional Disturbance.
I believe every individual is unique, so I employ a number of approaches and interventions to customize treatment to each client that I work with.
I have experience working with children and adolescents who struggle with anxiety and depression, PTSD, victims of abuse (e.g., child abuse, witnessed a crime or domestic violence), behavioral concerns associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, and Emotional Disturbance.
I believe every individual is unique, so I employ a number of approaches and interventions to customize treatment to each client that I work with.
He also works with children, teens and their families with behavioral and relationship issues, and facilitates groups for Parents, Children & Adolescents.
Mr. Kazarian is the Clinical Director of Equine Assisted Therapy Programs at Oak Valley Therapeutic Services, in San Dimas, offering individual and group equine assisted therapy to treat anxiety, depression, aggression, PTSD, and attachment related issues.
He also works with children, teens and their families with behavioral and relationship issues, and facilitates groups for Parents, Children & Adolescents.
Mr. Kazarian is the Clinical Director of Equine Assisted Therapy Programs at Oak Valley Therapeutic Services, in San Dimas, offering individual and group equine assisted therapy to treat anxiety, depression, aggression, PTSD, and attachment related issues.
Relationships are complex-and so are we. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating relational distress or inner conflict. My approach is grounded in systems theory, helping us identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck, confused, or burdened, and finding new ways to create meaningful change. I have experience supporting clients who have experienced trauma or are living with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Together we’ll focus on building greater connections- with yourself and others- while fostering a sense of internal balance and understanding of Self.
Relationships are complex-and so are we. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating relational distress or inner conflict. My approach is grounded in systems theory, helping us identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck, confused, or burdened, and finding new ways to create meaningful change. I have experience supporting clients who have experienced trauma or are living with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Together we’ll focus on building greater connections- with yourself and others- while fostering a sense of internal balance and understanding of Self.
See more therapy options for La Costa
Nearby Teens Therapists Searches for La Costa
- Bloomington
- Colton
- Crestline
- Fontana
- Grand Terrace
- Highland
- Lake Arrowhead
- Loma Linda
- Mentone
- Redlands
- Rialto
- San Bernardino
FAQ - Teenage and Adolescent 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.