Individual Adolescent Therapy

Why it matters

Adolescence can be an exciting yet challenging stage of your life. During these years, you’re developing your identity, navigating social pressures, managing academic demands, and working toward greater independence. Sound familiar? At the same time, you may also face struggles with emotions, relationships, or self-esteem. Therapy offers a safe space for adolescents to process these experiences, learn healthy coping skills, and build confidence in who you are becoming.

Today’s adolescents are growing up in a world that moves faster and feels more complex than ever before. You may be experiencing the weight of academic pressure, social media influence, peer comparisons, and global uncertainty—all while navigating the normal developmental challenges of finding your identity and becoming more independent. These pressures can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, low self worth, and feelings of isolation.

Technology and social media, in particular, create unique challenges for today’s teens. While they can be valuable tools for connection and learning, they can also contribute to constant comparison, online bullying, disrupted sleep, and difficulty unplugging. In therapy, we help you explore healthy boundaries with technology, build resilience against negative online influences, and develop a stronger sense of self that isn’t dependent on likes or followers.

Unique pressures you face

Our approach with adolescents

At Oak Hills Counseling Center, we know that therapy with teens looks different than therapy with adults. We work to build trust and rapport first, creating an environment where you feel safe to share openly—without fear of judgment. We combine compassion with evidence-based approaches…always mindful of the complicated stage of life you’re navigating. You don’t need to worry about trying to fix everything. This is a space where you face LESS pressure…not more.

We also recognize that every teen is unique. Some may need practical tools for managing stress or anxiety, while others may benefit from processing difficult experiences or exploring identity and self-worth. Our therapists collaborate with each adolescent to set goals that feel relevant and meaningful to them.

What you can expect

A safe, supportive space to talk about what’s on your mind

Tools and strategies for managing emotions, stress, and relationships

Guidance in building resilience and self-awareness

Support with navigating peer, family, and online challenges

A therapist who listens with empathy and respects your individuality

Common concerns we address

Anxiety and stress management

Depression and mood difficulties

Peer and friendship challenges

Family conflict

Self-esteem and identity development

Coping with life transitions (moves, divorce, school changes)

Trauma and grief

Substance Use Concerns

Involving your family

While therapy centers on your needs, sometimes lasting change comes when the family system is supported as well. Parents and caregivers, with your consent, can be essential partners in the process. Depending on your unique situation, and your desire to have their involvement, you may find the following things helpful:

  • Check-ins and feedback sessions: We can schedule times to share progress, answer questions, and discuss how parents can reinforce healthy changes at home.

  • Parent guidance and support: We can help caregivers understand what you may be experiencing and provide strategies for responding with empathy and consistency.

  • Strengthening family relationships: When helpful, we incorporate family sessions to improve communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger bonds.

If you’re comfortable with this…then our goal will be to empower both the you and your family with the tools, insight, and support needed to create a healthier and more connected home environment.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • In general, what a teen discusses with their therapist is kept private. This allows you to feel safe being honest and open about your thoughts, feelings, and struggles. However, there are specific situations when we are required to involve parents or appropriate supports:

    • Safety concerns: If you share that you are at risk of harming yourself or others.

    • Abuse or neglect: If there is suspicion of abuse or neglect, therapists are legally mandated to report this.

    • Significant health or safety risks: If a serious situation arises that places you or someone else in danger.

    Outside of these situations, information shared in therapy stays between the therapist and you. When appropriate, therapists may encourage you to share important insights with your parents, or they may facilitate family sessions to help open communication.

  • That happens a lot. Your therapist won’t expect you to come in with all the answers. Even sitting quietly or saying “I don’t know” can be a starting point. Together, we’ll figure it out. Most often the first few sessions involve playing games or just generally getting to know each other. We won’t move faster than you feel comfortable.

  • That’s okay too. Not every therapist is the right fit for every person. If it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t mean therapy won’t work—it just means we need to find a therapist you connect with better. With your permission, we’ll go about finding some other folks that you can meet with.

  • No. You get to decide what you share. Sometimes it takes a while to feel comfortable, and that’s okay.

  • No. Therapy is about your goals, not theirs. Your parents might have concerns or want to support you, but your therapist works with you to figure out what matters most to you and what will help you feel better.

    Your parents might be involved in some ways, like helping support you at home, but what you talk about in sessions is private unless there’s a safety concern. You get to have a say in your own therapy.

  • That’s okay. Feeling unsure or nervous is normal. Therapy works best when you feel like you have a choice, and your therapist will go at your pace. You don’t have to have all the answers—you can start small and see how it feels.