This might be for you if you notice
- Your teen has lost interest in things they used to enjoy
- They spend more and more time alone and avoid friends or family
- Sleep has changed: far too much, far too little, or tired all day
- School stress, grades or friendships feel overwhelming
- Worry, anger or sadness seems bigger than the situation
- They have asked to talk to someone, or you sense they need to
When therapy can help a teenager
Being a teenager is hard. There is pressure to fit in, do well in school and get along with family, and some worry about all of that is normal. Because the teen brain is still developing, teens may also respond to stress differently than adults do.
It may be time for extra support when changes last for weeks and get in the way of daily life. Signs can include losing interest in favorite activities, low energy, pulling away from friends and family, sleeping much more or less than usual, self-harm, or using alcohol or drugs.
There is good reason for hope. The teen brain is resilient, and most teens go on to become healthy adults. Mental health conditions can be treated, and the earlier support starts, the more effective it can be.
How therapy for teens works
The relationship comes first. A teen needs to feel comfortable, safe and understood before real work can happen, so early sessions are about getting to know your teen as a person, not a list of problems.
From there, therapists on our team use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills and mindfulness-based approaches. Not every therapist uses every approach. In plain terms, your teen might work on:
- Noticing unhelpful thoughts and testing them against the facts
- Skills for riding out strong feelings without making things worse
- Handling school pressure, friendships and social media stress
- Talking with parents in a way that gets heard
Parents, privacy and consent
Parents matter in a teen's therapy. Even when a therapist works with a teen directly, it is important for parents or caregivers to be involved, and what that looks like depends on your teen's age and needs. It may mean a check-in at the start, an occasional joint session, or family therapy alongside.
Teens also need some privacy to speak freely. At the beginning, your therapist explains to you and your teen together what stays between them and what gets shared with parents. Safety is never kept secret: a risk of serious harm, or suspected abuse or neglect, are legal exceptions to confidentiality.
Rules about consent and privacy for minors differ by state. We explain how they apply to your family at the consultation, so everyone knows where they stand before the first session.
What online sessions look like for teens
All sessions are secure video sessions. Connecting with a therapist online may feel less intimidating than walking into an office, and your teen can join from their own room. There is no travel, which helps with school and activities.
Helping your teen get set up
- A private spot with a door, where siblings cannot overhear
- Headphones, a charged device and a steady internet connection
- A parent at home and reachable, but not listening in
- Being physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during the session
Getting started
- Book a free consultationA parent or guardian can choose a time at book online or call 267-573-9817. The free 15-minute consultation covers your concerns, consent and your questions.
- Get matchedWe match your teen with a therapist who works with adolescents and is licensed in your state. Read about our clinicians on the team page.
- Check your coverageCoverage depends on your plan and state. See insurance and fees or ask us to verify benefits. Self-pay is available.
- Start sessionsEvening and weekend appointments are available with some therapists, which can make it easier to plan around school.
If your teen is in crisis
If your teen talks about suicide, is harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or call 911 right away. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services. Our crisis resources page lists more options.
For concerns that are not emergencies, a conversation is a good place to begin. We also offer support for anxiety and ADHD. Asking for help shows your teen that looking after mental health is a normal, strong thing to do.
Therapists for teen therapy
These therapists describe related experience in their own profiles. We will help you find the best fit and confirm who is licensed in your state.
Questions people ask
How does online therapy for teens work?
Your teen meets one-on-one with a licensed therapist by secure video from a private spot at home, using a phone, tablet or computer. Sessions combine talking with practical skills to try during the week. Parents are involved in ways the therapist explains at the start. Your teen must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during sessions.
Does insurance cover therapy for teenagers?
Often, but it depends on your plan and your state. We are in-network with several major insurers, and self-pay is available. We do not accept Medicaid. Ask us to verify your benefits before the first session, or see our insurance and fees page, so you have an estimate of your cost up front.
Will I know what my teen says in therapy?
You will be kept informed about how things are going in general, and you will always be told about safety concerns. The details of what your teen shares are usually kept private so they can speak freely. Your therapist sets out these ground rules with you and your teen together at the beginning.
Can my teen start therapy without a parent's permission?
Consent rules for minors differ by state, so there is no single answer. We explain the rules that apply where you live during the free consultation. If you are a teen reading this, talking with a parent, school counselor or health care provider is a good first step.
What if my teen does not want to go to therapy?
That is common, and it is worth listening to why. It can help to let your teen have a say in the choice of therapist, to frame the first session as a trial, and to be clear that therapy is not a punishment. Feeling comfortable, safe and understood with the therapist matters a great deal, so a good match is worth the effort.
How do I know if it is normal teen moodiness or something more?
Mood swings are part of adolescence. Signs that suggest something more include changes that last for weeks, loss of interest in things your teen used to enjoy, pulling away from friends and family, big changes in sleep, self-harm or substance use. If you are unsure, your teen's doctor or a therapist can help you sort it out.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health: Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
- MedlinePlus: Teen Mental Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treating Children's Mental Health with Therapy
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Definition
- National Institute of Mental Health: Getting Mental Health Support Virtually
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.




