Emotions & Behavior
Anger & Impulse Control
Depression & Anxiety
Academic Stressors
Relationships
Bullying & Peer Relationships
Parent & Family Conflict
Sex & Dating Relationships
Growing Up
Self-esteem & Self-worth
Who am I?
Identity Development
Leaving the Nest:
Preparing for Adulthood
Hover to see the 1 in 5 teens who have seriously considered attempting suicide in past year.
- 40% of teens reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.
- 20% of teens reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year.
- 16% of teens reported making a suicide plan in the past year.
- 9% of teens reported attempting suicide in the past year.
Can you spot the suicidal teen?
The most dangerous thing you can say is: “Not my kid.”
Clients Say
I never thought I’d actually like therapy. I thought I’d just sit there and cry or get lectured the whole time, but it was nothing like that. Angela is super chill. We laughed a lot. But when things got heavy, I felt like I could say whatever and not be judged or criticized.
E.C.
Client, 17
Teen Counseling FAQ
You can find more general FAQ answers here, but here are a few FAQs specific to teens.
Will you tell my parents what we talk about?
This is probably the most commonly asked question.
The HIPAA confidentiality laws for teens are the same as they are for adults. Information shared in sessions is confidential, and may not be shared with anyone, including parents. Exceptions include risk of serious harm to themself or others, mandatory reporting of abuse, court subpoenas, etc.
As things come up, we may talk about ways you can communicate your feelings or needs to your parents – whether it be at home, or inviting them to have a family session so you can have some support present. But the decision to share is completely up to you.
Can I go to counseling without my parents knowing?
You may be surprised at how many teens want counseling, but are afraid to ask for it, or don’t think their parents would be supportive.
While it’s ideal for parents know their child needs support, federal and state laws allow minors to access mental health services without knowledge or consent from parents or legal guardians.Â
That said, there are ways a parent may find out anyway. If a parent’s credit card is being used for payment, they will likely see it on their statement. Or, if you decide to submit your invoices to your health insurance company, they usually send an “Explanation of Benefits” document to the policy holder. While privacy laws prevent me from sharing information (or whether you are even a client at all), I cannot prevent third party information from being accessed by your parents.
Can my parents force me to go to counseling?
Yes, and no. They can make an appointment for you, and they can bring you to the office. But whether or not you participate is up to you. Obviously, it would be best if we could make good use of our time together, but no, I can’t make you talk.
Many teens are hesitant about counseling at first. I usually encourage them to at least give it a try. Rumor has it that I’m a pretty fun counselor, so give it a few sessions, and if it’s not for you, then it doesn’t make sense for you to keep coming.
Can my boyfriend/girlfriend and I do couples counseling?
Yes! Whether you are having issues between you, or just want to get off to a healthy start, couples are always welcome, regardless of age!
Because those first relationships can have a huge impact on a person’s lifelong mental health, I really wish couples counseling for teens was a common occurrence. So when a teen couple wants couples counseling, I am all in! So much so that I offer couples counseling to teens at individual counseling rates!
How old do I have to be to get counseling?
Some therapists see clients as young as 2 years old. But the minimum age that I treat is 15 years old.
I think I have ADHD. Can you prescribe medication?
No. Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors are not permitted to prescribe medications of any type. We can talk about medication though, and whether your symptoms may warrant medication. If it seems you may benefit from medication, I can refer you to a psychiatrist, who is licensed and specializes in psychiatric medications.Â
Parent FAQ
You can find more general FAQ answers here, but here are a few FAQs specific to teens.
What are confidentiality limitations for teens?
The HIPAA confidentiality laws for teen clients are exactly as they are for adults. Information shared in sessions is confidential, and may not be shared with anyone, including parents. Exceptions include risk of serious harm to themself or others, mandatory reporting of abuse, court subpoenas, etc.
While parents are welcome to share information or concerns, such as behaviors they are seeing at home, I am not legally allowed to share information with you without their consent.
Can a I make an appointment on my teen's behalf?
Because the teen is not yet a client prior to the first session, an initial intake appointment may be scheduled by a parent. After the first session, all scheduling falls under HIPAA protections, and must be handled by the teen themselves. If you would like to be able to make or cancel appointments on your teen’s behalf, let me know and I can ask them to sign a release allowing you to do so.
What if my teen refuses to participate?
While you can make an appointment for them, and you can bring them into the office, no one can force them to talk. Most teens do settle in after a few sessions, and usually realize it’s benefits fairly quickly. But it’s ultimately up to them. If, after a handful of sessions, it seems clear they are just not going to participate, I cannot ethically continue to see them.
Who is responsible for scheduling and payment?
Due to HIPAA laws, since the teen is the client, all scheduling needs are their responsibility.
If a teen is using a parent’s credit card to pay for sessions, it is assumed the teen has the appropriate permissions to do so, and I Can THRIVE Counseling bears no responsibility if this permission has not been granted to the teen. If you determine your teen has been using your card without permission, please let me know so I can stop accepting it as payment for future sessions.
Can you help with getting school accommodations?
Yes. However, all accommodations recommendations must be within my scope of practice. I do not do assessments for learning disabilities, IQ testing, etc. My scope of practice is limited to mental health conditions such as PTSD, mood and personality disorders, ADHD, and other conditions that I routinely treat.
Do you offer family counseling?
Absolutely! The teen years are often full of changes, some of which can lead to conflicts in relationships. It can often be helpful if family members (parents, step-parents, siblings, etc.) are willing to engage in the healing process.Â
Note: Because the counselor-client relationship is so important, if the teen is an already established client, it will be at their discretion if they are comfortable “sharing” their therapist with the family.
Can parents see you for individual counseling as well?
The simple answer here is, “it depends.” Every situation is unique, and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. One rule applies in every single case though: All parties must individually consent to it. If the existing client, or any one family member seeking individual counseling is not okay with it, then I will happily provide referrals to the other family member(s).
Keep in mind, when multiple family members are clients, each client is protected by HIPAA privacy laws, and information will not be cross-shared with other clients, or in family sessions.