Therapists for Teens in La Jolla, CA

Photo of Valerie Rock, PsyD, Psychologist
Valerie Rock
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and adolescent difficulties.
I believe in providing a collaborative and supportive environment to maximize the therapeutic experience. I help clients cope with negative thoughts and behaviors that may hinder relationships and overall quality of life. Therapy is focused on building and nurturing interpersonal relationships and decreasing daily stress, by assisting clients in capitalizing on strengths and defining goals.
I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and adolescent difficulties.
I believe in providing a collaborative and supportive environment to maximize the therapeutic experience. I help clients cope with negative thoughts and behaviors that may hinder relationships and overall quality of life. Therapy is focused on building and nurturing interpersonal relationships and decreasing daily stress, by assisting clients in capitalizing on strengths and defining goals.
(619) 405-9898 View (619) 405-9898
Photo of Erin Alcantara, LMFT, RPT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Alcantara
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I will work with your child or teen, and also with you to feel better.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
I will work with your child or teen, and also with you to feel better.
Are you tired of things being so tough with your kids? You can see that your child or teen is struggling, but you're not sure what to do to help. They may be having difficulties at school or with friends. Or it may be that things feel out of control at home. You try so hard to help things get better, but it feels like things are just stuck. Maybe you've noticed that your reactions are way bigger than you want them to be. Something happens to trigger you and you lose your temper, and then you feel so guilty. Or it seems overwhelming because you listen to so many parenting professionals, but still don't have a clear path forward.
(619) 292-0314 View (619) 292-0314
Photo of Wendy Mendoza, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Mendoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
During my time as a therapist, I have specialized in working with children, tweens, and teens who are lacking motivation, feeling stressed and anxious, and who don't know the skills to regulate their emotions.
As the parent of a struggling tween or teen with ADHD or anxiety, you may find yourself wondering how you can best help them feel better. Whether your teenager is struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, their grades, or social issues, it's not easy to know how to help them. When you're unsure of how you can help your child, reaching out to a therapist is an important step to getting you and your child the support they need.
During my time as a therapist, I have specialized in working with children, tweens, and teens who are lacking motivation, feeling stressed and anxious, and who don't know the skills to regulate their emotions.
As the parent of a struggling tween or teen with ADHD or anxiety, you may find yourself wondering how you can best help them feel better. Whether your teenager is struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, their grades, or social issues, it's not easy to know how to help them. When you're unsure of how you can help your child, reaching out to a therapist is an important step to getting you and your child the support they need.
(858) 533-2468 View (858) 533-2468
Photo of Deisy Cristina Boscán, PhD, Psychologist
Deisy Cristina Boscán
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have more than 15 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescent and adults.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
I have more than 15 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescent and adults.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
(619) 304-4638 View (619) 304-4638
Photo of Anna Jean Berman, LMFT, PsyD, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna Jean Berman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RPT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Not only do I support kids/ teens during this time, I help remind parents and adults that they're human too! Whether it be setting an example of self care to your friends and family, or setting your own boundaries at work and school, you and I will work through the distortions in your head telling you "you shouldn't" or "you don't deserve it.
Is your child struggling through a tough situation like divorce or school stress? Covid has impacted everyone so much and many times kids/ teens get overlooked. You are doing your best to support them and find balance in this chaotic time, yet sometimes you find yourself stuck: your child is behaving in uncharacteristic ways, and you're at a loss. I help by providing a unique space with creative tools for your child or teen to express themselves without worrying about being a burden. With my support, children, adolescents and teens learn how to regulate themselves, feel empowered, and discover their place in their world.
Not only do I support kids/ teens during this time, I help remind parents and adults that they're human too! Whether it be setting an example of self care to your friends and family, or setting your own boundaries at work and school, you and I will work through the distortions in your head telling you "you shouldn't" or "you don't deserve it.
Is your child struggling through a tough situation like divorce or school stress? Covid has impacted everyone so much and many times kids/ teens get overlooked. You are doing your best to support them and find balance in this chaotic time, yet sometimes you find yourself stuck: your child is behaving in uncharacteristic ways, and you're at a loss. I help by providing a unique space with creative tools for your child or teen to express themselves without worrying about being a burden. With my support, children, adolescents and teens learn how to regulate themselves, feel empowered, and discover their place in their world.
(858) 956-8065 View (858) 956-8065
Photo of Bethany Theodore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bethany Theodore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
Is this your first time looking for a therapist? I imagine it may feel a little scary, which is normal. I strive to create a comfortable and safe space for my clients where they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. Whether you are a teen or young adult, navigating new territories and relationships can be scary at times. Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety and depression since being a young teen and you are finding it harder to cope, it could be a great time to starting dealing with it now and I can assist in learning these tools to help!
Is this your first time looking for a therapist? I imagine it may feel a little scary, which is normal. I strive to create a comfortable and safe space for my clients where they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. Whether you are a teen or young adult, navigating new territories and relationships can be scary at times. Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety and depression since being a young teen and you are finding it harder to cope, it could be a great time to starting dealing with it now and I can assist in learning these tools to help!
(858) 285-4938 View (858) 285-4938
Photo of Mendi Baron, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mendi Baron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
I work with teens and young adults directly as well as provide consultation and intensive coaching services for parents and family.
As a nationally recognized expert in Teen Mental Health and Teen/Family related issues, I have spent my career working, training, speaking, and providing consultation and therapy in a variety of settings. I also work with young adults transitioning to real-life and provide therapy and coaching to navigate the challenges in real time.
I work with teens and young adults directly as well as provide consultation and intensive coaching services for parents and family.
As a nationally recognized expert in Teen Mental Health and Teen/Family related issues, I have spent my career working, training, speaking, and providing consultation and therapy in a variety of settings. I also work with young adults transitioning to real-life and provide therapy and coaching to navigate the challenges in real time.
(562) 512-6336 View (562) 512-6336
Photo of Marni Goldberg - Mindful Matters Counseling, Marni Goldberg, EdS, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Counselor
Mindful Matters Counseling, Marni Goldberg
Counselor, EdS, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Are you ready to finally feel in control of your life? I know how hard it can be to take the first step in finding a therapist who is a good fit for you, but you deserve happiness! Anxiety and stress can get in the way of having a happy and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with thoughts, feelings, or relationships, we can work together to look at what has been bothering you and figure out how to make changes that can benefit all aspects of your life. Receiving nonjudgemental support and some new skills may be the answer! Special focus on Highly Sensitive People. Telehealth sessions only at this time.
Are you ready to finally feel in control of your life? I know how hard it can be to take the first step in finding a therapist who is a good fit for you, but you deserve happiness! Anxiety and stress can get in the way of having a happy and fulfilling life. If you or your teen/young adult are struggling with thoughts, feelings, or relationships, we can work together to look at what has been bothering you and figure out how to make changes that can benefit all aspects of your life. Receiving nonjudgemental support and some new skills may be the answer! Special focus on Highly Sensitive People. Telehealth sessions only at this time.
(858) 367-3967 View (858) 367-3967
Photo of Dr. Lara Zappaterra, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Lara Zappaterra
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Hello and Welcome. I have over a decade of practice in individual, adolescent, and couples therapy. I specialize in treating mood or anxiety difficulties, trauma, childhood trauma, relational difficulties, life stressors, or life and identity transitions. My passion is to help you live authentically- experiencing relief, resilience, self-compassion, and increased emotional freedom. We often learn strategies through life to keep us safe, but those strategies may hold us back in our present. It is in our relationships that we learned these strategies; it is through a therapeutic relationship that we re-learn, re-parent, and heal.
Hello and Welcome. I have over a decade of practice in individual, adolescent, and couples therapy. I specialize in treating mood or anxiety difficulties, trauma, childhood trauma, relational difficulties, life stressors, or life and identity transitions. My passion is to help you live authentically- experiencing relief, resilience, self-compassion, and increased emotional freedom. We often learn strategies through life to keep us safe, but those strategies may hold us back in our present. It is in our relationships that we learned these strategies; it is through a therapeutic relationship that we re-learn, re-parent, and heal.
(858) 956-7579 View (858) 956-7579
Photo of Bridgett Amezquita, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bridgett Amezquita
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
Additionally, is your child or adolescent experiencing behavioral challenges, emotional struggles, or difficulties navigating their relationships? Consider me, as I also specialize in working with children.
Hello, I am Bridgett! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is eager to assist and guide you on a path toward healing. Whether you are seeking support to navigate conflict or stressors that are impacting your well-being, wishing to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed, looking to foster healthy communication skills or wanting to learn about effective coping strategies to combat depressive symptoms or anxiety, I am here to help.
Additionally, is your child or adolescent experiencing behavioral challenges, emotional struggles, or difficulties navigating their relationships? Consider me, as I also specialize in working with children.
Hello, I am Bridgett! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is eager to assist and guide you on a path toward healing. Whether you are seeking support to navigate conflict or stressors that are impacting your well-being, wishing to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed, looking to foster healthy communication skills or wanting to learn about effective coping strategies to combat depressive symptoms or anxiety, I am here to help.
(858) 683-0939 View (858) 683-0939
Photo of Kim Brownell, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Brownell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I’ve worked in a variety of milieus including Behavioral Health, Urgent Care, School-Based, Child/ Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Clinics (Rady Children’s, Bellevue Hospital, Center for Eating Disorders), & Inpatient Adult & Adolescent Units (NY State Psychiatric Institute) in addition to 6 years in Private Practice.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist with 14 years of experience on both coasts working w/ Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families, IEP/504 educational advocacy/ADHD therapy/parent coaching & running annual Teen Therapy groups. I specialize in Neurodivergence, Mood, Anxiety, Body Image, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions, Family/Couples Therapy, Stress, School Advocacy, IEP/504 Expert Coaching. Earlier in my journey, I spent a decade as a professional Singer/Dancer/Actress performing in the Radio City Xmas Spectacular & Broadway National/International Tours. I integrate traditional approaches w/warm, creative, dynamic modalities.
I’ve worked in a variety of milieus including Behavioral Health, Urgent Care, School-Based, Child/ Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Clinics (Rady Children’s, Bellevue Hospital, Center for Eating Disorders), & Inpatient Adult & Adolescent Units (NY State Psychiatric Institute) in addition to 6 years in Private Practice.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist with 14 years of experience on both coasts working w/ Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families, IEP/504 educational advocacy/ADHD therapy/parent coaching & running annual Teen Therapy groups. I specialize in Neurodivergence, Mood, Anxiety, Body Image, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions, Family/Couples Therapy, Stress, School Advocacy, IEP/504 Expert Coaching. Earlier in my journey, I spent a decade as a professional Singer/Dancer/Actress performing in the Radio City Xmas Spectacular & Broadway National/International Tours. I integrate traditional approaches w/warm, creative, dynamic modalities.
(760) 840-2827 View (760) 840-2827
Photo of Georgina Anaya, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Georgina Anaya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I am 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!
I am 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 Gregory Ross, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gregory Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
My clinical practice includes helping teenagers, college students, young adults, and their family members decisively deal with the many challenges that people ages 14 to 30 frequently face.
Specialized therapy for teens and young adults: Are you the parent of a teenager who is having problems at school, with friends, and/or issues at home? Are you a college student or young adult dealing with issues relating to school, work, relationships, and/or family? I come to therapy with years of corporate business experience and my therapeutic background includes working as a mental health therapist at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, CA, teaching the Heart to Heart seminar at Stanford Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, and training at the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) in Mountain View, CA.
My clinical practice includes helping teenagers, college students, young adults, and their family members decisively deal with the many challenges that people ages 14 to 30 frequently face.
Specialized therapy for teens and young adults: Are you the parent of a teenager who is having problems at school, with friends, and/or issues at home? Are you a college student or young adult dealing with issues relating to school, work, relationships, and/or family? I come to therapy with years of corporate business experience and my therapeutic background includes working as a mental health therapist at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, CA, teaching the Heart to Heart seminar at Stanford Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, and training at the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) in Mountain View, CA.
(858) 333-4454 View (858) 333-4454
Photo of Dr. Erin Cisneros, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Erin Cisneros
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92038  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Dr. Erin Cisneros and I am a clinical psychologist with a mission of helping others create meaningful, fulfilling lives. I provide online counseling for teens and adults. I specialize in helping clients navigate the complicated life transitions associated with the teen years and the 20s and 30s. In counseling, I offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your challenges and concerns can be addressed. I look forward to working with you!
Hello! My name is Dr. Erin Cisneros and I am a clinical psychologist with a mission of helping others create meaningful, fulfilling lives. I provide online counseling for teens and adults. I specialize in helping clients navigate the complicated life transitions associated with the teen years and the 20s and 30s. In counseling, I offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your challenges and concerns can be addressed. I look forward to working with you!
(808) 269-4054 View (808) 269-4054
Photo of Brianna Cassel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brianna Cassel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
I have spent the first 15 years of my career working with the adolescent population and their families.
Hi, I'm Brianna! I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California and Colorado and love being able to make a positive impact in the world through therapy. My professional journey more recently has included counseling adults through anxiety and depression, relationships, and life's obstacles as well as young professionals experiencing distress.
I have spent the first 15 years of my career working with the adolescent population and their families.
Hi, I'm Brianna! I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California and Colorado and love being able to make a positive impact in the world through therapy. My professional journey more recently has included counseling adults through anxiety and depression, relationships, and life's obstacles as well as young professionals experiencing distress.
(562) 669-4033 View (562) 669-4033
Photo of Shamin Patel, PsyD, Psychologist
Shamin Patel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Patel has experience working in child and adolescent inpatient, outpatient and research settings in the San Diego area.
Dr. Patel is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychological assessment. She uses gold standard measures and customizes psychological evaluations to each individual child. Her evaluations provide tailored and detailed recommendations to best assist children and their families to thrive.
Patel has experience working in child and adolescent inpatient, outpatient and research settings in the San Diego area.
Dr. Patel is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychological assessment. She uses gold standard measures and customizes psychological evaluations to each individual child. Her evaluations provide tailored and detailed recommendations to best assist children and their families to thrive.
(858) 434-8780 View (858) 434-8780
Photo of Elizabeth Strout, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Strout
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have been a LCSW for 10+ years, starting my career working with children, youth and families in the dependency system. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist who is also EMDR trained. I work with clients 5 and up with an emphasis on the adolescent population.
I have been a LCSW for 10+ years, starting my career working with children, youth and families in the dependency system. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist who is also EMDR trained. I work with clients 5 and up with an emphasis on the adolescent population.
(858) 544-2401 View (858) 544-2401
Photo of Xennia Dorr, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Xennia Dorr
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I enjoy working with clients who are ready to work on their relationships with partners, family, and themselves. As a bicultural and bilingual therapist, I am aware of the stigma surrounding therapy, generational trauma, immigrant experience, and racial topics. My specialty stems from a person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and humanistic approach. I am here to empower you to figure out what healing looks like for you.
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I enjoy working with clients who are ready to work on their relationships with partners, family, and themselves. As a bicultural and bilingual therapist, I am aware of the stigma surrounding therapy, generational trauma, immigrant experience, and racial topics. My specialty stems from a person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and humanistic approach. I am here to empower you to figure out what healing looks like for you.
(619) 658-4814 View (619) 658-4814
Photo of Vincent Oviedo, LCSW, DSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vincent Oviedo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I am an empathetic, client-centered, nonjudgmental listener with a passion for health, fitness, and personal transformation. I encourage mindfulness to calm the mind and meditation to relax the soul for growth, success, and positive change. I love to combine therapy with coaching to help people reach their full potential while enjoying life with zest, peace.
I am an empathetic, client-centered, nonjudgmental listener with a passion for health, fitness, and personal transformation. I encourage mindfulness to calm the mind and meditation to relax the soul for growth, success, and positive change. I love to combine therapy with coaching to help people reach their full potential while enjoying life with zest, peace.
(831) 264-0361 View (831) 264-0361
Photo of Misha Marjani, PhD, Psychologist
Misha Marjani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Dr. Misha Marjani is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialization in depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. Dr. Marjani uses a collaborative, integrative, and culturally sensitive approach in order to help individuals identify the goals that are most important to them and to help them move toward achieving their vision. In addition to her clinical work, she works as the clinical supervisor at an addiction treatment center in San Diego. Dr. Marjani works with adult individuals and groups in the San Diego area, as well as via telemedicine across the State of California.
Dr. Misha Marjani is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialization in depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. Dr. Marjani uses a collaborative, integrative, and culturally sensitive approach in order to help individuals identify the goals that are most important to them and to help them move toward achieving their vision. In addition to her clinical work, she works as the clinical supervisor at an addiction treatment center in San Diego. Dr. Marjani works with adult individuals and groups in the San Diego area, as well as via telemedicine across the State of California.
(858) 358-5069 View (858) 358-5069
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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.