Therapy for Teens

Teen Therapy

Are you concerned for your teen’s mental health?

Have you begun to notice a change in your teen’s behaviors or have seen signs that they may be anxious or depressed?

Are you worried that your teen may be struggling with low self-esteem or a lack of confidence?

Maybe your teen has anger outbursts and you feel that you are walking on eggshells.

You want to know how you can help your teen, but perhaps feel at your wit’s end and need additional support.

Teen Mental Health

A teen frolics through a field with their back turned to the camera and the sun spilling in over the top of her head. A few young trees are near her and older trees in the distance

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20% of youth ages 13-18 have a mental health condition (2019). Many teens go without seeking or receiving therapy for mental health conditions, leading to challenges in young adulthood. Teens may specifically be struggling in this day and age due to pressures from social media, questioning their identity, or encountering big life changes. There are many external stressors that can cause teens to struggle with self-esteem or develop anxiety and depression.

It is common for teens to deal with the some of following issues:

  • Academic Challenges

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Body-Image Issues

  • Depression

  • Irritability

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • Panic Attacks

  • Perfectionism

  • Social Anxiety

  • Strained Relationships with Family and Friends

A sad teenager lays down visibly upset. With the context of the words, we wonder if she should see a therapist to help with her mental health.

Does My Teen Need Therapy?

Sometimes it can be hard to recognize mental health conditions in teens. Signs to look for may include:

  • Sleeping Problems (excessive sleeping/not being able to get out of bed)

  • Increased Mood Swings

  • Anger Outbursts

  • Difficulty with Friendships

  • Poor Grades

  • Teen Appears to “Shut Down” (may not talk as much when prompted)

  • Isolation, Pushing Friends and Family Away

  • Lack of Interest In Things They Used To Like

  • Lower Motivation

  • High-Risk Behaviors

  • Recent Life Change (personal breakup, parent’s divorce, moving)

Therapy for Teens

Therapy for teens can help to improve self-esteem, increase personal resilience, manage anxiety/depression, and repair strained relationships with family. At the beginning of therapy, the therapist will work to build trust with your teen by using rapport-building techniques of active listening, empathy, compassion, and validation. From there, the therapist will work with your teen to assess areas of distress, personal challenges, and any past or current traumatic experiences. Therapists at High Rockies Counseling use strengths-based counseling techniques to help your teen identify personal strengths, interests, things that motivate them, and coping skills. Throughout the therapy process, the therapist will be screening your teen for mental health symptoms using evidenced-based diagnostic tools and information. It is important to identify the root issue in order to form effective treatment methods for your teen.

In sessions, it is also common that the therapist may play games, draw/color, or listen to the teen’s favorite music. This can help your teen feel more comfortable talking about difficult subjects/emotions and can improve the therapeutic relationship. Some goals for your teen may include helping them learn and implement tools to increase their self-esteem and self-confidence, develop thriving relationships with peers and family, live with less anxiety/depression, and find clear direction in life.

Many painted rocks lay together, some over the tops of others and some under the pile with just slivers visible. A rock that has been painted blue with the word "hope" painted in black is the primary focal point.

The Parent’s Role In Teen Therapy

As a parent, it is natural to feel concerned for your teen if you are seeking therapy for them. We ask that parents respect their teen’s confidentiality with their therapist. This is important so that your teen feels safe and comfortable to open up with their therapist. If your teen believes that you will receive a detailed “report” from their therapist after each session about what is being discussed, your teen may not talk about necessary concerns or struggles. However, if your teen is disclosing information that causes the therapist concern for their safety, the therapist will discuss these concerns with you.

Getting Started With Therapy

Therapy for your teen can be a challenging step for each of you. It’s important to involve your teen in the search for a therapist, as finding a good fit of is crucial to a successful therapy experience. Please use the button below to contact us, or give us a call at 719-239-0747 to schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation call.


FAQ’s About Therapy for Teens

  • Therapy for your teen can help with:

    • Anxiety or panic attacks

    • Depression or low self-esteem

    • School stress or perfectionism

    • Friend or family conflict

    • Social struggles or bullying

    • Sexuality and development

    • Grief, trauma, or major life changes

    • Drug or Alcohol Use

    • Eating issues

    • Body image issues

    • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

  • Not always. Many teens go to therapy to build coping tools, learn emotional awareness, or have a safe space to talk things through.

  • Therapy gives teens a space to talk freely with a trusted adult. Sessions may include talk therapy, creative expression, skill-building, assertive communication techniques, or mindfulness—depending on the teen’s age, personality, and needs.

  • Potentially, yes. One or both parents are asked to accompany the teen for part of the first session. From there, if the teen is 12 or older, the therapist must have a signed Release of Information to speak openly with the parent about the teen’s treatment. Therapists may encourage open communication between the teen and parent, or help facilitate family sessions if needed and at the teen’s consent.

  • Sometimes teens may feel unsure about going to therapy, and it may take time for them to feel comfortable opening up to the therapist. However, we will not force a teen to engage in therapy if there is complete resistance. The client must be willing to engage in therapy for there to be benefits.

  • Sometimes talking about hard things can bring up big emotions. That’s normal. With support, it often leads to deeper healing and stronger communication.

  • It’s a vulnerable step to seek a professional therapist for your child. You want to make sure that the therapist is experienced with working with your child’s age and has knowledge about your child’s challenges. Reach out to other trusted parents, your child’s school, or doctor’s office. Also, ask the therapist for a complimentary consultation to ask them questions about their style, experience, and values. Some parents look specifically for therapists that have a certain religious background or experience with their culture. Take your time to research your options and reach out to several therapists.

  • Most insurances will cover therapy for teens if it is deemed “medically necessary”. This means that the teen must be diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD- or something else- to be able to use insurance for therapy. We currently accept Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CHP+, Colorado Medicaid, United, and UMR insurance.

It can feel difficult as a parent to reach out for help for your teen, but it doesn’t mean you have failed. Click the “Contact” button below to set up a free, 15-minute consultation call to talk more about therapy for your teen.