Psychotherapy for Adolescents (Ages 12-17)

Young man sitting on the ground with his back against a brick wall, holding his head in his hands, appearing distressed, in an abandoned setting.

Perhaps one of the hardest experiences a parent can endure is the feeling of helplessness as their adolescent child struggles to manage their emotions—despite all the ways they try to support them.

Working with a therapist who specializes in treating adolescents with difficult to manage behaviors who also resist engaging in treatment gives your child the greatest chance to effectively regulate their emotions as they develop into adults.

Examples of behaviors and conditions that I treat:

  • Disruptive or violent outbursts

  • Inability to control anger or rage

  • Inability to calm down when their anxiety escalates

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

  • Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

  • Attachment issues related to family dynamics or adoption

  • Substance use

Getting on track to success takes collaboration.

Multiple railway tracks crossing each other on a gravelly ground in a desert-like area.

For adolescents in the process of behavior change—especially behaviors that test the resolve of the adults around them—collaboration with parents, schools and other providers gives your child the best chance for a positive treatment outcome.

Consistency matters

Consistent messaging of support, consistent expectations, and consistent redirection of behaviors is not only more effective, but provides a sense of safety and stability.

Collaboration is part of therapy.

Effective therapy for adolescents with challenging behaviors does not end when the session is over. I gather information from multiple sources at the start of the process, and periodically communicate with any adults with whom it would benefit your child’s ongoing care.

Enhanced integration for adolescents attending treatment programs.

Integration of outpatient therapy with a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can enhance the effectiveness of both. By knowing what skills are being taught week to week, I’m able to integrate the program’s curriculum into therapy sessions by guiding clients to consider how they could use the coping strategies to address the challenges they bring to our sessions.

Young Adults

Parents are welcome to reach out and inquire about psychotherapy for their adult child; however, I will need to communicate with their child directly to set up a consultation.