Teen Therapy by Telehealth (Ages 13+)

If you’re reading this, you’re probably worried about someone you love. Maybe your teen has gone quiet, snaps at everything, avoids school or friends, or seems to carry more than they say. You don’t need to have it figured out to reach out.

How I work with teens
I don’t lecture or interrogate. Sessions start where your teen is, which often means going slowly and following what they care about. We look at the patterns beneath what they’re feeling and use ACT to help them make room for hard emotions and move toward the person they want to be. I’ve worked with adolescents in institutional and community settings.

Your role as a parent or caregiver
Parents are part of the picture. Depending on what’s going on, I may meet with you separately, or we may include family sessions. I explain how privacy works between your teen, you, and me at the first session. Generally, parents or legal guardians consent to treatment, and the adolescent provides assent. If your child does not assent to treatment, I will not see them.

Who I work with
Teens ages 13 to 18, of any gender, background, or family structure. LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent teens are welcome.

What to expect
Sessions are by telehealth, from your home. Evening and weekend times are available. CenCal in-network, or $150 self-pay.

Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation with you (parent). We’ll talk about what’s going on and plan how to bring your teen in.

Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation with you (teen). We’ll talk about what’s going on and plan how to bring your parent/caregiver in.

FAQ

• What if my teen doesn’t want to come?

  • That’s common. Many teens are unsure at first. We’ll plan the first step together. If after the first two sessions your child does not assent to treatment, I will provide referrals to other clinicians who I feel may be a better fit.

• Will I know what my teen says in sessions?

  • When I see adolescents one-on-one, I ask that you allow me to keep our private conversations private, so your children don't have to worry that I'll share what we talk about with you. This helps me build trust with your child, so they are willing and able to talk with me about what is really important in their lives.

  • This means there will be some matters—perhaps involving sexual behavior or substance use—that I do not tell you about. I generally will not tell you about anything that, in my judgment, falls in the realm of developmentally normal exploration. It is normal for teens to try new things, including things their parents don’t approve of. However, your child’s best interests are my first priority, and I cannot have a good working therapy relationship with your child if your child will not talk to me.

  • I will always reveal serious risks or threats to your child’s life or safety. I will also provide you with general information about how your child is doing in therapy, as well as any issues that come up that we think you should know about. I will also let you know if your child misses sessions.

• Do you see kids under 13?

  • Generally not. This depends on the child, on a case-by-case basis.