Services / Teen therapy
for preteens and teens
Teen therapy in Los Angeles
Parenting a struggling teen can feel like walking on eggshells. Our adolescent therapists help teens understand what’s happening in their minds and bodies, build real tools for big emotions, and feel like themselves again, while keeping you informed along the way.
is it time?
Signs your teen could use support.
Every teen has hard days. When these last for weeks, or get in the way of school, friendships or home, a therapist can help.
- Anxiety or stress that feels overwhelming
- Low mood, irritability or pulling away from family
- Low self-esteem or harsh self-talk
- Academic pressure or avoiding school
- Social media pressure and friendship struggles
- Body image worries or changes in eating
- Conflict at home and communication breakdowns
- A loss, a trauma or a big life change
- Anxiety-driven habits, including OCD
- Big transitions: middle school, high school, college
Not sure? Read How to tell if your teen needs therapy. If your teen is in crisis or talking about harming themselves, call or text 988 or call 911.
how it works
How teen therapy works here.
Free discovery call
A 15-minute call with our Care Coordinator, who listens to what’s going on and matches your teen with the right therapist.
Parent meeting
We start with you: your teen’s story, your concerns and what you’d like to see change.
Weekly sessions
Your teen meets their therapist each week, in person or online. Sessions typically last 50 minutes and give your teen a private space to talk openly.
Parent check-ins
Regular check-ins, one to three times a month, keep you informed and give you tools to support your teen at home.
our approach
Talk therapy, and more.
Teens don’t always want to sit and talk. Our therapists meet them where they are and draw on approaches like these.
Mind-body tools
Teens learn how stress shows up in their body and practice ways to calm their nervous system, from breathing to mindfulness.
Building self-esteem
We help teens notice harsh self-talk, name their strengths and build confidence that holds up under pressure.
Narrative therapy
Teens look at the stories they tell about themselves and rewrite the ones that hold them back.
Family support
When it helps, we bring parents in to repair communication and ease conflict at home.
Trauma-informed care
For teens who have been through something hard, we go at their pace so they feel safe before going deeper.
School support
Help with school stress, big transitions and IEP support, so your teen can get back to learning.
where we meet
In person on the Westside, or online.
Online across California
Secure video sessions for teens anywhere in California. Many teens find it easier to open up from home. Why telehealth works for teens.
Convenient for families in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Westwood, Culver City, Mar Vista, Venice and Beverly Hills.
meet your therapists
Therapists who work with teens.
Our Care Coordinator will match your teen with the therapist who fits best.
Stephanie Denzer
Associate Therapist · West LA
Children and teens, anxiety and life transitions
View bio
Taylor Cerny
Associate Therapist · West LA
DIR/Floortime, child-centered play and neurodiversity
View bio
Cassidy Manning
Santa Monica Site Director · Lead Therapist
Play therapy, Floortime and adolescence
View bio
Homa Alamdari
Associate Therapist · Santa Monica
Adolescence, sensory play; speaks Spanish and Farsi
View bioquestions parents ask
Teen therapy FAQ
What ages do you see for teen therapy?
We work with preteens and teens up to age 18, and with their parents. For younger children, see our play therapy.
Will you tell me what my teen says in therapy?
Your teen’s sessions are a private space, which is what lets them open up. You’re still part of the process: regular parent check-ins cover how things are going and how you can help at home, and if we’re ever worried about your teen’s safety, we’ll involve you.
My teen doesn’t want to go. What should I do?
That’s common. Frame therapy as support, not punishment, and give your teen a say, like choosing between in-person and online sessions. Early sessions focus on building trust, and many reluctant teens warm up once they feel heard. Our guide to finding the right therapist for your teen has more ideas.
Do you offer online therapy for teens?
Yes. Along with in-person sessions at our Santa Monica and West Los Angeles offices, we offer secure video sessions for teens anywhere in California.
How often are sessions, and how long?
Sessions are weekly and typically last 50 minutes. Meeting every week builds momentum and a strong relationship with the therapist, which leads to better results.
Do you take insurance?
We don’t bill insurance directly, but you may be able to use your out-of-network benefits. Each month you’ll receive a superbill to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How do we get started?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. Our Care Coordinator will listen to what’s going on, answer your questions and match your teen with a therapist.
parents, we’re on your team
Help your teen feel like themselves again.
Start with a free 15-minute call with our Care Coordinator.