Adolescent Therapy in Los Angeles

Adolescence can be a confusing time, not only for teenagers, but for the people who love them. It's a period of enormous growth, increasing independence, changing friendships, academic pressure, identity development, and learning how to navigate emotions that can suddenly feel much bigger than they used to. While some amount of stress is a normal part of growing up, there are times when it becomes clear that a teenager could benefit from additional support.

Some of the adolescents I work with are struggling with anxiety or depression. Others are navigating ADHD, perfectionism, social anxiety, low self-esteem, family conflict, substance use, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or the effects of trauma. Sometimes parents reach out because they've noticed changes in their child's mood, motivation, or behavior. Other times, teenagers are the ones asking for someone to talk to because they feel like the people around them don't fully understand what they're experiencing.

What I've learned over the years is that every adolescent has a different story. While two teenagers may look similar on paper, the reasons they're struggling can be completely different. Because of that, I try not to make assumptions or rush toward solutions before taking the time to understand who they are.

My approach to working with teens

One of the things I enjoy most about working with teenagers is that they're often much more insightful than adults give them credit for. They usually know when someone is trying too hard, talking down to them, or following a script. My goal isn't to become another adult telling them what they should do. Instead, I want therapy to feel like a place where they can think out loud, ask difficult questions, and explore what's going on without worrying about being judged or immediately "fixed."

I also bring a personal understanding to this work. I grew up in Los Angeles, and I was a teenager in therapy myself. While every person's experience is different, I remember what it was like to sit on the other side of the room—to wonder whether I could trust the therapist, to feel unsure about how much to share, and to hope that the person across from me would genuinely try to understand me rather than make assumptions. Those experiences don't define the way I practice, but they have shaped the kind of therapist I strive to be. They remind me how important it is to create a relationship where adolescents feel respected, taken seriously, and accepted for who they are.

Building trust is an important part of the process. Some adolescents are excited to come to therapy, while others are understandably hesitant because they weren't the ones who scheduled the appointment. I don't expect trust to happen overnight. I see it as something we build together over time by creating a relationship that feels genuine, collaborative, and respectful.

As we get to know one another, I'm interested in understanding more than the symptoms that brought them into therapy. I want to learn about their relationships, family dynamics, strengths, interests, the pressures they're carrying, and how they make sense of themselves and the world around them. Those conversations often help us understand why certain patterns have developed and where we might begin creating change.

Supporting adolescents through today's challenges

Growing up today looks different than it did even ten years ago. Many teenagers are balancing academic expectations, extracurricular activities, social media, constant comparison, changing friendships, questions about identity, and uncertainty about the future, all while trying to figure out who they are becoming.

I've worked with adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, perfectionism, ADHD, trauma, substance use, grief, family conflict, and challenges related to sexuality or gender identity. I also work with teenagers who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly perform, achieve, or appear like they have everything together.

Rather than viewing these experiences in isolation, I find it helpful to understand the larger context of a teenager's life. Every adolescent develops within relationships, family systems, school environments, and communities, and all of those experiences shape how they learn to cope.

Working with parents

Parents are an important part of the therapeutic process, especially with younger adolescents. At the same time, one of the foundations of effective therapy is helping teenagers feel that they have a space where they can speak openly.

At the beginning of treatment, we'll talk about how confidentiality works, what information is shared with parents, and the situations in which I would need to involve a caregiver for safety reasons. My goal is to support open communication while also protecting the therapeutic relationship so your teenager feels comfortable engaging honestly in the process.

I also recognize that parenting an adolescent can be incredibly challenging. Many parents are doing the best they can while trying to navigate situations they never expected. When appropriate, I work collaboratively with parents to better understand what's happening at home, strengthen communication, and support the family as a whole.

What therapy with me is like

I'm an active therapist, and I tend to ask a lot of questions. Sometimes we'll spend time exploring emotions, relationships, or experiences that continue to affect how a teenager sees themselves. Other times we'll focus on practical strategies for managing anxiety, school stress, emotional regulation, or conflict at home. Depending on what feels most helpful, our work may incorporate psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive approaches, somatic interventions, or other evidence-based therapies.

Above all, I want adolescents to feel that they don't have to pretend with me. Therapy isn't about becoming a different person or trying to meet someone else's expectations. It's an opportunity to better understand themselves, develop healthier ways of coping, and build confidence in navigating the challenges they're facing.

Teen Therapy in Studio City, Santa Monica, and throughout California

I provide therapy for adolescents and teenagers in Studio City and Santa Monica, serving families throughout Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, Burbank, Encino, Brentwood, Mar Vista, Venice, Culver City, Marina del Rey, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. I also offer virtual therapy throughout California.

Whether your teenager is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, self-esteem, family conflict, identity development, or major life transitions, therapy can provide a place where they feel understood while developing the insight and skills to navigate adolescence with greater confidence.