Teen Therapy
Teen life is a rollercoaster for both parents and teens. There’s school, peer pressure, social media, waves of emotions, and wanting to be independent. It can easily become overwhelming.
At CMHS, our teen counseling provides teens a secure, no-judgment environment to talk and work through what they have on their mind, and learn healthy ways of coping with life’s tough challenges.
What is Teen Therapy?
Teen therapy helps adolescents to navigate the emotional, behavioral and social challenges that they face on a daily basis.
Our treatment is guided by licensed therapists who have experience supporting teenagers through these unpredictable and often stressful years. Our aim is to give teens a space to explore effective ways of coping, improve communication, and feel supported in a rapidly changing world.
Typically we use the following to support our teen clients:
- Individual therapy with an emphasis on understanding thought patterns and their relationship to feelings and behavior
- Family therapy to improve connection, communication, and collaboration
- Coping skill development that is applicable in real life scenarios to improve wellness even after therapy has come to an end
We give adolescents a voice, enable them to comprehend feelings that are misunderstood, and develop coping mechanisms that last long beyond the end of therapy.
Why Teen Therapy Matters
Adolescence is a critical stage of emotional, social, and brain development. Often these years are characterized by unique obstacles that the developing teen may struggle with.
Providing teens with a space where they can explore these thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental way can prove invaluable to the long term outcomes of an individual.
Our aim is to support teens in the following ways:
- Improve emotional regulation and coping skills
- Better understand how to effectively communicate with family, friends, and peers
- Navigate academic and social pressure
- Increase connection with positive natural supports like family, friends, and community members
We are passionate about helping teenagers through this delicate, challenging, and often confusing chapter of life.
Tailored Therapy for Every Teenager
Every teen is different. At CMHS, we individualize therapy based on age, personality, environment, and identity. Our therapists also understand that boys and girls experience and show emotional challenges differently and take that into account in individualizing our approach to those particular needs.
Therapy for Teen Boys
The teenage years can bring big changes—and big challenges—for boys. Between academic demands, social pressures, and expectations to “stay strong,” many young men struggle to express emotions or ask for help. At CMHS, we offer a supportive space where teenage boys can talk openly, build confidence, and learn healthy ways to manage stress and emotions.
Our therapists help teen boys:
- Build emotional awareness and coping skills
- Strengthen confidence and self-esteem
- Manage anger, anxiety, and pressure Improve communication and relationships
Each session is tailored to meet your teen where he is—focusing on trust, growth, and practical skills that last a lifetime. Whether he’s facing frustration, low motivation, or emotional struggles, we’re here to help him gain balance, resilience, and direction. At CMHS, we help teenage boys grow with confidence, clarity, and strength.
Therapy for Teen Girls
Adolescence can be an exciting yet challenging time for girls. Between school pressures, friendships, social media, and changing identities, many teenage girls feel overwhelmed or unsure of themselves. At CMHS, we provide a safe, compassionate space where girls can talk openly, gain confidence, and learn healthy ways to manage life’s challenges.
Our therapists help teen girls:
- Build self-esteem and a positive sense of identity
- Manage stress, anxiety, and emotional ups and downs
- Navigate friendships, relationships, and social pressures
- Strengthen communication and coping skills
Each session is personalized to meet your teen where she is—encouraging growth, self-understanding, and emotional resilience. Whether she’s struggling with anxiety, self-image, or life transitions, we’re here to help her feel seen, supported, and empowered. At CMHS, we help teenage girls discover their voice and their strength.
Our Teen Therapy Approach at CMHS
Teen Therapy knows that teen counseling must be tailored to the teen’s needs, personality, and comfort level. No generic approach. Trust, respect, and baby steps that lead to change that lasts.
Our therapists draw on evidence-based techniques, such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Assists teens in becoming more mindful of unhelpful thought patterns, coping with depression and anxiety, and improving problem-solving.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Educates extensively in mindfulness, managing emotions, and effective communication, particularly beneficial for teens who have difficulty with strong emotions or acting impulsively.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT for adolescents who have endured trauma or loss helps them process painful experiences in a safe environment and learn healthy coping skills.
Family Therapy
Fosters open, respectful communication so parents and adolescents can learn from one another.
We strike a balance between independence and support. Parents are left appropriately involved, but therapy is also a time when adolescents can open up and claim their own growth.
What to Expect in Teen Therapy
Collaborative and available to begin with teen therapy:
- Initial Consult: We meet with the both the teen and their parent or guardian to collect history, establish goals, and development an initial plan for treatment.
- Individual Sessions: Teenage clients work one-on-one with their therapist to establish trust, rapport, and accomplish their goals.
- Family Cooperation: When applicable we collaborate with parents or caregivers in an effort to improve communication and more effectively support our teen clients.
- Progress Check: We check in with clients on a regular basis to ensure that they feel most supported and that their care is effective.
Despite their status as minors, we are deeply committed to maintaining a therapeutic space for adolescent clients that is confidential. We firmly believe that without that trust with our teenage clients, the therapeutic process can be irreparably harmed.
What Therapy for Teenagers Can Help With
- Distress, panic, or panic attacks
- Depression or lack of motivation
- Low self-esteem or body image issues
- Academic stress or perfectionism
- Family conflict or divorce
- Depression, trauma, or a significant life change
- Anger, frustration, or acting out
- Social conflicts or bullying
Ultimately, our teen therapy aims to help adolescents feel safer, more supported, and validated.
Thinking About Seeking Help?
If you are a parents or guardian of a teen that you feel might benefit from our support, contact us and we can assist you in identifying the best form of care for your teenager.
FAQs About Teen Therapy
Will my teen's sessions be kept confidential?
Yes. Teens are more comfortable with self-disclosure if they can trust being treated with respect and confidentiality. Parents and guardians are notified in the event of a safety concern, but the content of sessions are not otherwise shared.
How long is therapy?
It depends on the individual. Some teenagers become much improved in a few months; others take a little longer to work with. We’ll collaborate with your family to devise a plan that suits everyone, but especially your teenager.
What if my teenager resists therapy?
Not a problem. We have a kind, compassionate style, which makes teenagers unwind and are at the helm of the process.
Are you okay with online sessions?
Yes. In-person sessions are ideal in most instances, but there is also online therapy that is great for adolescents who prefer to or are farther away.
