Counseling For Teens and Tweens

Is your teen falling behind with their studies, sports, extracurricular activities or after school job? Maybe you know your child is capable and potentially high-achieving, but worry that something is holding them back. Do you worry if your child’s emotional reactions are normal?

Is your child showing signs of being overwhelmed? They may seem more on edge, withdrawn, emotional, anxious. Maybe your teen has had full-blown panic attacks, leaving you feeling helpless and afraid for their wellbeing.

It may be that your teen is having trouble sleeping, skipping meals or eating too much. Perhaps the transition to high school has been more difficult than anticipated. Or has there has been a big change in your family, such as a move, divorce or loss of a loved one. Does your child seem to be having a really hard time adjusting? Whatever may be happening, you may find, more and more, your interactions with them are emotional and frustrating.  Watching your teen suffer can be deeply distressing, especially if they seem unfocused, drained or persistently self-critical.

You Want To Help Your Child, But Don’t Know How

As a parent, you may feel powerless to help your teen. When you offer advice or encouragement, your discussions trail into silence or escalate into disagreements You might sit awake at night worrying about your teen’s excessive dieting or exercise, wonder whether he or she is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, or have concerns about your teen’s friendships and/or romantic relationships. Once home from school, your teen might avoid discussing the day, perhaps going to his or her room and locking the door—effectively shutting you out. Perhaps you feel like you’ve somehow failed as a parent and that you’ve lost your child. You may desperately wish you could reach out to your teen, but feel you lack the tools to do so.

Interested in therapy for Child and Teen? Send us a message!

You're Not Alone—And Neither Is Your Teen

First, let us reassure you: what you're seeing is more common than you might think. The teenage years have always been complex, but today's teens are navigating unprecedented pressures—from academic competition and social media comparison to a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming.

The struggles you're witnessing aren't a reflection of your parenting or your teen's character. They're signs that your child is dealing with more than they have the tools to manage right now. Anxiety, panic attacks, emotional overwhelm, changes in sleep and appetite—these are your teen's nervous system saying "I need help." And recognizing that need? That's actually the first step toward real change.

Many of the teens we work with are bright, capable young people who've simply hit a wall. They want to do well, to feel better, to connect with friends and family—but something is getting in the way. The good news is that with the right support, teens have a remarkable capacity for growth and resilience. This season doesn't have to define their future.

How Therapy Helps Teens Build the Tools They Need

Therapy gives teenagers something they often don't get anywhere else: a safe, judgment-free space to make sense of what they're experiencing. Our therapists specialize in evidence-based approaches that have been proven effective for adolescents, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

We Speak Teen

What makes us really good at therapy with teens? We’re terrific at connecting with teenagers. How do we do this? We aren’t old and stuffy. For lack of a better word, we can relate to teenagers. We talk back. We engage. We’re willing to be unorthodox. Sometimes we’ll listen to music or go for a walk. We never just hang out with teens, but we recognize that it sometimes takes different methods to connect with different kids. We’re also never ever fake. We don’t pretend to be cool, know more about music or what’s happening in a teen’s life. We’re willing to laugh at ourselves and invite teens to do this as well.

Another strength we have in connecting with teens is that we work with a lot of teenagers and have for many years. Teens talk to us a lot in therapy about what they’re dealing with, including depression, anxiety, school, fighting with family, bullying, trauma, preparing for college, grades, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, dating, and more. We are fluent in and familiar with some of what’s really going on with teens. We have a sort of inside track. Teens talk to us and because of that, we’re more experienced at talking to teens.

A Comprehensive Approach: When Therapy and Medication Work Together

Sometimes therapy alone isn't enough, and that's okay. For some teens, anxiety or depression has a significant biological component that can benefit from medication alongside therapeutic support. The combination of therapy and medication can be powerful—medication can help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms enough for therapy to be more effective, while therapy provides the skills and strategies that create lasting change.

What sets our practice apart is that we offer both under one roof. Our prescriber works collaboratively with our therapists to provide integrated care. This means your teen isn't bouncing between providers who don't communicate; instead, they're getting coordinated treatment from a team that's on the same page.

If medication might be helpful, our prescriber takes time to educate both you and your teen about options, potential benefits, and any concerns you might have. We start conservatively, monitor closely, and adjust as needed. And because our prescriber and therapists collaborate regularly, we can see the whole picture of how your teen is doing and make informed decisions together.

Not every teen needs medication, but for those who do, having access to psychiatric care alongside therapy can accelerate healing and help your teen get back to being themselves—the version of themselves they want to be.

With the Help of a Teen Therapist in Cincinnati, Your Child Can Begin to Prosper in all Areas of Life

High school doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your teen’s self-esteem. We will help your teen gain the skills to feel more secure, improve academic achievement and find fulfillment in relationships. Building on strengths and engaging in enjoyed activities—like art, music, or other extracurricular pursuits—helps build confidence, which can ultimately help your teen find happiness in other areas of life. If your teen struggles academically, with your teen’s consent we can speak with teachers, help develop organizational skills, and even discuss homework.​

Research consistently shows that teens who receive appropriate mental health treatment see significant improvements. They develop better coping skills, experience reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve their relationships, and feel more equipped to handle life's challenges. Perhaps most importantly, they learn that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness—a lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.

You've already taken the hardest step by recognizing your teen needs support. We're here to provide it.

You may be ready to take the next step toward teen counseling, but still may have some questions or concerns…

Q: I think my teen needs help but he or she refuses to come.

Many teenagers aren’t excited about the idea of going to therapy. They might feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger, they might not want to admit there is anything wrong, or they might want to spend the time doing something more fun. As a parent, gently explain your concerns to your teen, while letting them know therapy is non-negotiable. Also let them know you would like to give them the opportunity to choose their therapist. Many teens are more open to therapy after the first session with the right therapist. They begin to see the therapist as an ally rather than a threat.

Q: Isn’t this just a phase? Maybe they will grow out of it.

While it’s true that nearly every teenager experiences some social anxiety and estrangement, are you really willing to risk the possibility your teen’s problems may be more serious than just growing pains? The experiences we have as teenagers leave lasting impressions on our self-confidence as adults. In fact, many adults find themselves still dealing with issues like friendship, love and social status that started out in high school. Don’t let your teen’s unresolved issues travel with him or her to college and beyond. It’s best to tackle your teen’s emotional issues now so that they can be healthy and self-sufficient in the future. Lessons learned during adolescent therapy will set them up for success later in life, allowing them to manage their emotions, preserve relationships, and function more effectively for years to come.

Q: Going to a therapist feels like admitting defeat.

Sending your teen to counseling doesn’t mean you have failed as a parent! It just means you are using all available resources to give your child every chance of leading a healthy adult life. If your teen or preteen has been pushing away from you, you are probably feeling hurt and defeated. Believe it or not, their desire to individuate is a sign that their development is progressing naturally. Your willingness to provide extra assistance during this dramatic transformation is a sign of great parenting.

Q: Can I attend the intake consultation?

Your teen’s counselor will have you join the first part of the consultation to provide consents (where required) as well as important background information. The counselor may then ask to meet with your teen one on one, which is important to build trust and rapport. As therapy continues, your child’s therapist will keep you updated as needed on progress in therapy, while also respecting your child’s right to privacy.

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