Serving California Residents with HIPAA-secure Video Therapy
Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD (CA Lic.# PSY19046)
Mailing address: 3123 W. Ave. L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-233-6771
Therapy for Teens
How Can Teen Therapy Help Your Adolescent?
Is your teen or preteen struggling with trauma or loss?
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Are they having trouble concentrating in school, leading to lower grades?
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Do they seem distant or distracted, as if they’re not fully present?
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Have they withdrawn from family and friends, losing interest in things they once enjoyed?
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Do you get short, one-word answers or shrugs when you try to talk to them?
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Are they frequently on edge, nervous, or struggling to sleep?
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Do they seem sad, irritable, or emotionally unpredictable?
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Do you and other family members walk on eggshells around them to avoid upsetting them?
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Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to support them?
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If your child is between 12 and 19 and struggling emotionally, socially, or academically, it can take a toll on the whole family. Maybe they’re moody, withdrawn, or emotionally volatile. They might be dealing with intense feelings they don’t know how to express. Perhaps you’ve noticed a change but aren’t sure what’s wrong because they won’t talk about it. You want to help but feel stuck. They need support, but from someone they feel comfortable opening up to.
Learn more about teen therapy
The Challenges Teens Face Today
Today’s teens face more stressors than ever. Even before the pandemic, young people in Southern California were struggling with anxiety and depression.[i] Then, the pandemic disrupted their education, social lives, and routines, leading to an even greater surge in anxiety and depression. Adjusting to in-person school again has been difficult for many.
According to a UCLA policy brief [ii]about teen mental health, about 45% of kids 12-17 years old had significant stress in 2021. Children and teens are also sensitive to the political climate, even though they can’t legally vote yet.
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Here are some of the other challenges that take their toll on kids’ mental health:
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family conflict,
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being adopted,
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experiencing bullying,
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navigating LGBTQ+ identity,
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coping with physical differences,
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poverty,
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immigration status,
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racial identity, etc.​
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Loss, whether through death, a move, or a breakup, can also be deeply impactful. While teens may not have the words to describe their struggles and the emotional toll of these different factors, they can express it in other ways. Sometimes, for example, I use art therapy with teens to help them work through the thorny issues they face. It can be very empowering to use their imagination and creativity to tackle difficult emotional issues.
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Teens are also under immense pressure to plan for their future, get into college or trade school, and deal with larger societal concerns like climate change and political uncertainty. Even though they crave independence, they still need guidance and support. Therapy can provide a way back to your teen, to work collaboratively on improving their lives and the emotional wellbeing of the whole family. You’re still important to them, whether they verbalize this or not.
How Therapy for Teens Can Help
It may feel impossible now, but you can have a healthier, more easygoing relationship with your kid again. You can notice them feeling more at ease, and more outgoing with others. The same loveable teen is inside there, wanting someone to care and give them space to heal and grieve. It’s hard to remember that when they’re especially ornery or difficult, but it’s true. I can help them express their pain in healthy ways that don’t upend their relationships with others.
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Teen therapy provides a safe space for adolescents to process their emotions, heal from trauma or grief, and build resilience.
Therapy can help them:
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Express their thoughts and emotions about difficult experiences.
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Understand how past events have shaped their behaviors and feelings.
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Learn coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
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Discuss concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents.
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I tailor each session to their unique needs, emphasizing their strengths and resilience. I often hear from adult clients who have struggled with depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress that they wish their parents had gotten them professional help when they were teens. That way they would have avoided suffering for so long. Trauma and grief don’t have to define their future—they can heal and grow beyond their pain.
Do You Have Questions About Teen Therapy?
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What are therapy sessions like for teens and preteens?
Therapy for adolescents is similar to adult therapy but with more focus on family and school dynamics. Depending on their comfort level, I may meet with them individually, with you as their caregiver, or together. Because sessions are online, we have flexibility to schedule around school and work. My goal is to create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and developing coping skills for challenges like loss, trauma, rejection, and relationship issues.
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Will I know what my child discusses in therapy?
Your child needs a safe, private space to open up, but I also recognize your need to stay informed. While most conversations remain confidential, I will share any concerns related to safety, self-harm, or risky behaviors. I also encourage teens to communicate with their caregivers and can facilitate family discussions when needed.
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How do I know therapy will work for my child?
While I can’t guarantee results, I have over 20 years of experience helping young people navigate trauma and grief. My clinical training, combined with my understanding of adolescent struggles, allows me to guide them in transforming pain into meaning and purpose.
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Will therapy blame me as a parent?
Parenting is one of the hardest and most important jobs. Therapy isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about helping your teen express their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. If family communication needs improvement, I can facilitate discussions to strengthen your relationship. My role is to support your child while respecting your role as their caregiver.
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Ready to Support Your Teen with Therapy?
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If you believe your teen or preteen could benefit from therapy, I invite you to call me at 661-233-6771 to discuss their needs and determine if I’m the right fit. From there, we can schedule an intake session to begin the healing process.
Where to Find Me
Where to Find Me
Providing online/virtual psychotherapy only in the state of California