Find an Adolescent Therapist
Support for Teens Navigating Anxiety, Identity, School Stress & More
Adolescence can be an emotionally intense and confusing time — for both teens and their families. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, school pressures, or big life changes, working with an adolescent therapist can provide the understanding, tools, and emotional support they need.
At The Healing Directory, we connect families with licensed adolescent therapists who specialize in working with preteens, teens, and young adults. Our providers are trained to support adolescents in ways that are compassionate, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed.
What Is an Adolescent Therapist?
An adolescent therapist is a licensed mental health professional (such as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or psychologist) with specialized training in child and teen development. These therapists understand the unique emotional, social, and psychological challenges that teens face, and tailor their approach to meet them where they are.
Adolescent therapists often incorporate:
- Age-appropriate language and tools
- Creative interventions like art, play, journaling, or movement
- Emotion regulation techniques
- Parent and family communication support
- Boundaries, identity, and peer-related processing
Common Reasons Teens Start Therapy
Many families seek adolescent therapy for teens experiencing:
What Happens in Adolescent Therapy?
For Teens:
→ A safe, confidential space to express feelings
→ Validation of their experiences without judgment
→ Learning how to name emotions, manage stress, and regulate reactions
→ Exploring identity, friendships, boundaries, and personal goals
→ Building resilience, self-awareness, and communication skills
For Parents:
→ Greater understanding of what your teen is experiencing
→ Guidance around boundaries, conflict, and emotional support
→ Family sessions (if appropriate) to improve connection
→ Updates and collaboration when clinically relevant (while respecting teen confidentiality)
Adolescent Therapy vs. Adult Therapy – What’s the Difference?
Therapy is effective across all ages, but the approach can differ significantly depending on whether the client is a teen or an adult.
Adolescent Therapy
| Language & Tools: Developmentally appropriate |
| Family Involvement: Often included |
| Modalities: Play therapy, CBT, DBT, art, etc. |
| Goals: Emotional regulation, peer issues, identity, school stress |
Adolescent Therapy
| Language & Tools: Adult-focused methods |
| Family Involvement: Rarely involved |
| Modalities: Talk therapy, EMDR, IFS, etc. |
| Goals: Broader life transitions, trauma healing, relationships |
How to Know If Your Teen Needs Therapy
Here are some signs that your teen may benefit from professional support:
Find an Adolescent Therapist Through The Healing Directory
We connect families to adolescent therapists who are:
→ Licensed, experienced, and trauma-informed
→ Skilled in working with diverse cultural, racial, and gender identities
→ LGBTQIA+ affirming and emotionally safe
→ Creative, compassionate, and relationship-based in their approach
→ Offering virtual and/or in-person sessions
Search our filter-based directory — or let us help you match with a therapist who aligns with your family’s needs.