ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY
THERAPY FOR TEENS IN NYC
Being a teenager is hard. For them, and for you as parents.
You may notice your teen pulling away, shutting down, becoming more reactive, or seeming overwhelmed in ways that are hard to reach. Conversations might feel shorter. Emotions might feel bigger. And it can be difficult to know what’s normal, what needs support, and how to help without making things worse.
At the same time, your teen is trying to figure out who they are while managing pressure from school, friends, social media, and family expectations.
Adolescent therapy gives your teen a place to say what they may not want to say to a parent, teacher, or friend, without having to figure out the right words first. Therapy gives them a chance to understand what’s making things feel overwhelming and begin figuring out what they need.
At the same time, you are included in the process in a way that helps you better understand what’s going on and how to support them at home.
The goal is not to change who your teen is. It’s to help them feel more grounded in who they are and who they can be.
How Therapy Can Help Your Teen
Teen ADHD & Attention Challenges
Support with focus, impulsivity, organization, emotional regulation, and strengthening family communication.
Teen Substance Use & Alcohol Concerns
Support in understanding the impact of substance use on your teen, what may be contributing to it, and what may be getting in the way of making a change.
High School, College & Life Transitions
Guidance through academic pressure, identity shifts, independence, and major developmental transitions.
Teen Anxiety & Depression
Support for overwhelming emotions, stress, and mood changes, while helping teens understand what’s going on and figure out what helps.
Identity Development & Self-Discovery
A space for teens to explore who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to move through the world.
Parent–Teen Relationship Challenges
Support for improving communication, reducing conflict, and strengthening family relationships.
Peer Relationships, Social Media & Belonging
Help navigating friendships, boundaries, comparison, and healthy social connection.
Self-Esteem, Confidence & Self-Worth
Support in building self-trust, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
Screen Time, Technology & Digital Balance
Helping teens develop healthier relationships with technology and daily routines.
For parents and teens, separately or together.
QUESTIONS PARENTS AND TEENS OFTEN ASK
01. How do I know if my teen could benefit from therapy?
When you notice your teen pulling away, becoming more overwhelmed, shutting down, reacting more strongly than usual, or seeming unlike themselves, therapy can help them make sense of what’s going on and find healthier ways to cope.
02. Will parents be involved in therapy?
Parent involvement depends on your teen’s age, goals, and needs. Teens need space that feels private, while parents remain appropriately involved and informed. We will discuss expectations for communication and collaboration together.
03. What happens during an adolescent therapy session?
Sessions are shaped around your teen and may include conversation, reflection, skill-building, creative exercises, and exploration of identity, relationships and emotions. The goal is to give your teen room to talk honestly without feeling like they have to have the right words or answers.
04. Is what my teen says confidential?
Yes, confidentiality helps build trust and is an important part of therapy. At the same time, parents play an important role in treatment. We will review how confidentiality works and discuss the situations in which information may need to be shared for safety or clinical reasons.
05. How long does adolescent therapy take?
Every teen is different. Some benefit from short-term support around a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term work depending on their needs and goals.
06. What if my teen does not want therapy?
That is very common. Early sessions focus on getting to know your teen, understanding what’s going on, and giving them room to talk without feeling pressured.