“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mental Health Therapy For Teens

Being a teen can feel overwhelming—balancing school, friendships, family, and figuring out who you are. The teen years are a time of rapid physical, emotional, social, and identity development. It can often be a challenging time marked by intense emotions, increased stress, and a heightened sensitivity to peer influence. 

At Iris Mental Health & Counseling, I provide a safe, supportive space where teens can talk about what’s on their mind, explore their feelings, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or challenges at home and school. Therapy helps teens build confidence, resilience, and skills to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

I work with many presenting concerns such as:

  • Anxiety (social, school, fears)

  • Depression

  • Body Image

  • Self Esteem

  • Peer & Romantic Relationships & Breakups

  • LGBTQIA+ Identity

  • Trauma

  • Grief/Loss

  • Anger

With every client I:

  • Work to create a safe, trusting, and comforting space free of judgement

  • Use developmentally appropriate approaches

  • Use games, art, music, and/or activities to make therapy engaging and allow for emotional expression and insight

  • Include problem solving, emotional regulation, and coping skills

  • Focus on strengths

A young woman with long, multicolored rainbow hair standing outdoors in sunlight.
Young man sitting on a concrete ledge in front of a circular opening in a beige wall with a cityscape and blue sky in the background.

What to Expect

  1. Getting Started

    Before our first session, you’ll fill out some paperwork about what’s bringing you and your teen to therapy. This gives me a helpful overview before we meet.

  2. Intake assessment (50 mins)

    I let the teen decide whether they would like parents to join in the first session. We will talk more in depth about what your child is struggling with, go over the paperwork together, and discuss goals for therapy. I focus heavily on getting to know the client.

  3. Ongoing Sessions (50 mins)

    I meet with the teen alone for 50 mins while a parent or guarding stays in the waiting area.

  4. Frequency

    I recommend weekly sessions. The trust and safety your child feels in session are vital to their growth and healing. As your teen grows and gains skills, we may shift to biweekly sessions and adjust as needed. My goal is to help your child thrive—and eventually not need me!

  5. Parent Involvement

    Supporting your child in therapy is important, and your encouragement can make a big difference in their growth. At the same time, teens 12 and older have certain confidentiality rights, which means they may choose not to share everything from their sessions. Respecting these boundaries helps build trust and empowers your child to open up and work through their challenges in a safe, supportive space. I cannot share with parents without your teens consent.

  6. Rates & Insurance

    All 50-minute play therapy sessions are $125. I’m not in-network with insurance, but I’m happy to provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Unfortunately, I am unable to see Medicaid clients.

A cozy room with a sofa, yellow armchair, and a small dark wood coffee table on a leafy-patterned rug. There's a window with blinds, a tall floor lamp, a small desk with a black chair, and decorative wall art of mountain scenery with a sun. A plant with pink flowers is by the window.

The main therapy room

Living room with green couch, wooden coffee table with magazines, patterned rug, black cabinet with decorative items, wall clock, framed wall art, table lamp, microwave on refrigerator, doorway leading to another room, and a sign on the wall that reads "iris Mental Health Counseling".

Waiting room with coffee, water, and snacks

Ready to get started?

If you think this might be a good fit for you or your child, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just have a few questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help.