By Tanisha L. Knighton, Ph.D. | COHR Psychologist & Associates

If you’re a parent or caregiver thinking about therapy for your teenager, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong.  Raising a teen in today’s world is no small task. They’re navigating peer pressure, identity, social media, relationships, and emotions that are often too big to manage alone. You’ve probably noticed shifts maybe in mood, motivation, or how they communicate (or don’t). And now you’re wondering: Would therapy help? 

Let me reassure you: even the healthiest families can benefit from therapy. And seeking support isn’t a failure, it’s a protective step.

Let’s Start Here: It’s Not Just You.

Adolescence is a unique, emotionally intense season of life. Teens are figuring out who they are, where they fit, and how to regulate emotions in a world that often doesn’t give them the tools and/or the grace to do that well.

The pressure to “just deal with it” hits harder when your teen is dealing with:

• Anxiety, school avoidance, or burnout
• Mood swings or increased withdrawal
• Risk-taking or impulsive behaviors
• Changes in friendships, identity, or academic performance
• Grief, trauma, or bullying
• Family conflict or transitions (i.e., divorce, moves, loss)

Even if your teen doesn’t disclose everything to you directly, you noticing something is enough. Learn more about warning signs of mental health concerns in teens.  You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get support.

What Therapy for Teens Looks Like

At COHR Psychologists & Associates, teen therapy is a space where adolescents can be seen, heard, and supported without pressure, judgment, or performance.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• A confidential space tailored to your teen’s developmental needs
• An opportunity to explore emotions, thoughts, and behavior in a safe environment
• A therapist who listens without lecturing
• Culturally responsive care that honors identity, lived experience, and language
• Collaboration with you as the parent (within age-appropriate and ethical limits)

We use evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practices, and solution-focused strategies but we also know that building trust comes before any technique.

What You Can Expect as a Parent

You are part of the process but not the whole process.
Here’s how we typically structure it:

• We begin with a joint teen and parent/caregiver session to understand what’s been going on from both of your perspectives.
• We hold individual sessions with your teen to build rapport and assess goals.
• With your teen’s permission (and within appropriate confidentiality guidelines), we’ll offer feedback, suggestions, and opportunities for family sessions.
• We’ll also coach you on how to support your teen without adding pressure or “fix-it” energy to the mix.

Therapy is not about placing blame, it’s about building better communication, strengthening emotional skills, and increasing safety and trust at home.

But What If My Teen Doesn’t Want to Go?

Totally valid concern and also very common. Therapy can feel weird or intimidating at first, especially if your teen associates it with being “in trouble” or “broken.”

Here’s what helps:

• Be honest: “I’ve noticed you’re going through a lot, and I think talking to someone outside the family could help.”
• Focus on support, not surveillance: “It’s your space, and you get to share what feels right to you.”
• Normalize it: “Just like you’d go to a doctor for your body, therapy is care for your mind and heart.”

Let them know they’ll be met with respect, not a lecture. And remind them: trying therapy isn’t a life sentence, it’s a tool.

Final Thoughts

Teen therapy isn’t about pathologizing your child. It’s about giving them the space to grow, ask hard questions, and feel supported while they do the work of becoming.  And for parents, it’s about letting go of the myth that you have to figure it all out alone.  We’re here to walk with both of you.

Ready to learn more or book a consult?
Call (330) 578-4855 or click the link in our bio to get started.
Let’s support your teen’s growth together.