Becoming yourself can be complicated.

There doesn't have to be a crisis or diagnosis for therapy to be helpful. If you notice ongoing changes in your teen's mood, behavior, relationships, school performance, sleep, or ability to cope with everyday life, it may be worth reaching out. Sometimes the signs are subtle, or you simply sense that something has changed. You don't have to know exactly what's wrong before seeking support. Therapy can be a place to better understand what's happening and determine what your teen needs.

Teens don't always say, "I'm anxious" or "I'm depressed." You may notice increased irritability, withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, loss of interest in things they usually enjoy, difficulty concentrating, frequent physical complaints, excessive worry, or a drop in school performance. Some teens become more emotional or reactive, while others pull away and become harder to reach. What matters is noticing changes that persist or begin to interfere with their everyday life.

Therapy gives teens a space that is separate from school, family, and social pressures where they can talk openly and be taken seriously. Together, we can make sense of what they're experiencing, understand patterns that may be getting in the way, and explore different ways of coping. Therapy isn't about telling your teen who they should be or what they should do. It's about helping them develop greater self-understanding, confidence, and a stronger sense of choice.

There isn't one way therapy has to look. We might talk about school, friendships, family, identity, anxiety, relationships, or whatever feels most important to your teen that day. Sometimes we'll talk directly about something that's happening. Other times we'll slow down and become curious about emotions, patterns, or reactions that are harder to understand. My approach is collaborative and relational, and I meet each teen where they are.

This is very common. A teen may worry that therapy means something is wrong with them, feel like they don't need help, or simply not want another adult asking questions. I don't believe in forcing a teen to open up before they're ready. Building trust is part of the work. Sometimes starting with a simple conversation or consultation can help take some of the pressure off and give your teen a chance to decide whether therapy feels like a good fit. Please reach out and let's discuss further.

Telehealth is simply therapy from a different setting. We meet by secure video from a private, comfortable space where your teen can talk openly without having to travel to an office. For some teens, being in their own space can actually make it easier to relax and open up. Sessions still involve conversation, reflection, and the same kind of relationship-building that happens in person. We may talk about school, friendships, family, relationships, emotions, or whatever feels important that day. I also pay attention to whether telehealth feels like a good fit for your teen. If being on video makes it difficult for them to engage or feel comfortable, we can talk about what might work better. Telehealth is available to teens throughout California.

Your teen is the client, and therapy is their space to speak openly. Parents remain an important part of their care, but they are not automatically privy to everything their teen shares in therapy. What your teen shares in therapy is generally confidential. Confidentiality may need to be broken in specific circumstances, such as when there is a concern about abuse or a serious risk of harm to your teen or someone else, or when disclosure is otherwise required by law. California has specific laws governing consent and confidentiality for minors, so these details can vary depending on the circumstances.

Parents are an important part of supporting a teen, even when the therapy itself is individual. I'll want to understand what you're seeing and any concerns you have, while also protecting your teen's space to develop their own voice. We'll talk at the beginning about what communication and parent involvement will look like, so everyone understands their role and what to expect.