Navigating Adolescence: A Guide to Finding the Right Therapist for Your Teen

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Feb 20

The teenage years can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—full of self-discovery, pressure, and uncertainty. Between academic stress, social challenges, and figuring out who they are, many teens feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world. For LGBTQ+ teens and those struggling with anxiety, depression, or perfectionism, this time can feel especially overwhelming.

The good news? Therapy can be a game-changer. With the right support, teens can build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and gain the confidence to navigate life’s challenges. If you’re considering therapy for your teen, here’s how to find the right therapist and what to expect from the process.

Why Therapy Can Help Teens Thrive

Being a teenager in today’s world is tough! The pressures of school, social media, friendships, and identity exploration can take a toll on their mental health. LGBTQ+ teens may face additional challenges, from discrimination to internal struggles with self-acceptance. Perfectionistic teens often set impossibly high standards for themselves, leading to burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.

Therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space for teens to process their emotions, gain self-awareness, and develop practical strategies to handle stress. It helps them feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.

How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Teen

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it much easier. Here’s how to start:

Step 1: Identify What Your Teen Needs

Before reaching out to a therapist, take some time to understand why your teen might need support. Are they struggling with anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism? Exploring their identity? The best way to know is to ask them. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Let your teen know you’re there to support them in finding a therapist who is the right fit.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

Not all therapists are the same, and it’s important to find one who understands your teen’s unique needs. Most therapists offer a consultation call where you can ask questions before scheduling an initial session. Some helpful questions to ask include:

What experience do you have working with teens like mine?
How do you help teens feel comfortable opening up in therapy?
What does success in therapy look like?
How do you involve parents in the process?

A great therapist will not only have expertise in adolescent mental health but will also help your teen feel seen, valued, and supported.

Step 3: Understand the Therapy Process

Therapy typically begins with an intake session where the therapist gets to know your teen and their unique challenges. As a parent, you’ll likely be included for the first few minutes to discuss goals, logistics, and any questions you may have. From there, sessions with your teen will focus on emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and developing healthy coping skills.

Each teen’s therapy journey is different—some may only need a few months of support, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. What’s most important is that they have a space where they feel safe and heard.

Ready to Find the Right Support?

If your teen could use extra support, I’d love to help! As a therapist who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ teens, high-achievers, and those struggling with anxiety or perfectionism, I create a compassionate space where they can grow and thrive.

Learn more about my therapy services and schedule a free 15-minute consultation at The And Way Therapy.

Written by Ruth Assi, LMSW

Connect with me and book a free consultation at **theandwaytherapy.com/kate-balke**

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Kate Balke, LMSW

I believe that everyone deserves to be heard.

I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as they are.

I specialize in therapy for LGBTQIA+/queer young adults and teens 16+, who are navigating the challenges of anxiety, perfectionism, and high expectations. My approach is warm, empathetic, and affirming, offering you a safe space to explore your identity, manage stress, and align with your true self. With experience as a school social worker, I bring a unique understanding of the pressures faced by high-achieving students and young professionals.

I tailor our work to your unique needs using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, EMDR Therapy and mindfulness techniques. My goal is to help you uncover your inner strength, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create the life you’ve envisioned.

Starting online therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. Together, we’ll build a partnership based on trust and respect to help you thrive on your own terms.

https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/kate-balke