ways to get support
Teen therapy focuses on giving adolescents a place to talk openly with someone outside their family, while also helping them develop skills to manage emotions, relationships, and stress.
Sessions are grounded in what’s actually happening in a teen’s life right now: school, friendships, family dynamics, identity questions, substance use, or mental health concerns. The work is paced carefully, especially when trust is hard or when a teen is feeling guarded.
Teen therapy may be helpful when:
Your teen seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or constantly on edge
Emotions escalate quickly and are difficult to calm
You’re seeing changes in mood, behavior, or motivation
Your teen is struggling socially or at school
There are concerns about substance use, self-harm, or safety
Your teen could just benefit from someone to talk to that’s not mom or dad
The goal is not to “fix” a teen, but to help them understand what’s driving their reactions, build coping tools, and feel more capable navigating daily life. Parent involvement is discussed intentionally and adjusted based on what best supports the teen and the family.
teen therapy
(Ages 12-19)
Family therapy focuses on what’s happening between people, not just within one person. It’s often used when conflict feels stuck, communication keeps breaking down, or everyone feels like they’re reacting rather than choosing how to respond.
Sessions typically involve parents and teens together, with space to slow things down, clarify what’s actually being said, and address patterns that keep leading to the same arguments or shutdowns.
Family therapy may be helpful when:
Conflicts escalate quickly and repeat without resolution
Parents and teens feel like they’re on opposing sides
Rules, boundaries, or expectations are constantly challenged
A major change has affected the family (divorce, school issues, hospitalization)
Everyone feels worn down by tension at home
The work focuses on reducing blame, increasing understanding, and helping families make changes that lower conflict and improve day-to-day functioning. Sessions are structured enough to keep things productive, while still allowing space for genuine conversations.
Family therapy
Parent support is for parents who want guidance navigating challenges with their teen, whether or not the teen is currently in therapy.
Sessions give parents space to talk through what’s been happening, ask questions, and plan how to approach difficult situations at home. This may include setting limits, responding to intense emotions, addressing substance use concerns, or deciding when to step in and when to step back.
Parent support may be helpful when:
You feel unsure how to respond without escalating things
You and your partner are handling situations differently
Your teen refuses therapy, but you still need guidance
You want to vent, think, and plan with someone experienced
You’re dealing with school pressure, behavior issues, or safety concerns
Sessions may be in person, online, or by phone, depending on what is most practical. The focus is on helping parents decide what to do, what not to do, and how to respond in ways that are more sustainable.
parent support
how to choose where to start
You don’t need to pick the “right” support before reaching out. Many families start with one option and shift as things become clearer. This can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Therapy is about taking the time to pause and connect with yourself in order to better understand what is going on. In our busy lives, we don’t often stop and analyze where we are and where we want to go. We will stop, figure out where you are, where you want to be, and the best way to get there.
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Parents often reach out when things feel stuck, escalating, or hard to manage at home or school. You don’t need to be sure therapy is “the answer” before reaching out. The initial consultation is a place to talk through what’s been happening and decide whether therapy would be useful right now.
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Yes. Many parents start by meeting on their own. Parent support can help you think through what’s going on, how to approach your teen, and what changes may help at home, whether or not your teen is ready to participate yet.
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I have experience working with teens and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including adolescent treatment programs. Therapy is often used alongside other supports to help families stabilize things at home, coordinate care, and think carefully about next steps after discharge or transition.
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That depends on the situation and what’s most helpful for your teen. Some work happens one-on-one with teens, some with parents, and some together as a family. We’ll talk through what level of involvement makes sense and adjust as things change.
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There’s no set script. I’ll ask about what’s been happening with your teen, what feels most concerning right now, and what you’ve already tried. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels helpful. The goal is to understand the situation, not to evaluate or diagnose.
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Some families come in for focused support around a specific issue or transition. Others continue longer-term. There’s no required commitment at the start. We’ll revisit what makes sense as the work unfolds.
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When helpful and with consent, I collaborate with other professionals involved in a teen’s care for continuity of care.
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I offer in-person and secure online sessions. For parent support, phone sessions are also available and can be helpful for busy schedules or when meeting in person isn’t practical. We can talk through what format makes the most sense for your situation.
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Session fees vary depending on the type of service. Current rates can be discussed during the initial consultation so you have clear information before deciding how to move forward.
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Yes, I am contracted with:
Anthem Blue Cross California
Blue Shield of California
Aetna
Cigna
Optum
United Health Care
Quest Behavioral
Carelon Behavioral Health
If your insurance provider it not listed, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Coverage and reimbursement rates vary widely. For specific details, it’s best to contact the mental health or behavioral health department of your insurance provider and ask about out-of-network benefits for mental health services.