How to Know If Your Teen Needs Therapy (And What to Expect)
Teens often turn to their phones when feeling overwhelmed—therapy can offer another way to connect and cope.
It’s not always easy to know when a teen is just going through a rough patch—or when they might need additional support. Changes in mood, sleep, motivation, or behavior can be a normal part of adolescence, but they may also signal deeper mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm. If your teen seems withdrawn, irritable, distant, or just not like themselves, teen therapy can help them reconnect, develop healthy coping skills, and feel less alone. In this post, we’ll walk through signs your teen may benefit from therapy and what to expect when starting adolescent counseling in Redondo Beach or the South Bay.
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Signs Your Teen May Need Therapy
Adolescence naturally comes with mood swings and growing pains, but when changes in behavior start to affect daily life, it might be time to seek help. Signs your teen may benefit from therapy include …
persistent sadness
anxiety, irritability
withdrawal from friends or activities
changes in sleep or appetite
academic decline
difficulty managing emotions
If your teen seems stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally disconnected, counseling can offer support beyond what home or school alone can provide.
Common Reasons Teens Start Counseling
Many teens begin therapy when emotions start to feel overwhelming or daily life becomes harder to manage. Some may struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or persistent worry—especially around school, friends, or social situations. Others may feel stuck in sadness, withdraw from people they care about, or lose motivation in things they once enjoyed.
Teen therapy offers a supportive space to work through emotions that feel too big to handle alone.
Adolescent counseling can also help with issues like perfectionism, identity exploration, family tension, emotional outbursts, or difficulty adjusting to change. Whether the concern is specific or hard to define, therapy gives teens a place to feel understood and begin building the tools they need to cope. At Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, therapy for teens in Redondo Beach and the South Bay is tailored to meet each young person where they are—with care, compassion, and clinical support.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Therapy
Bringing up therapy with a teen can feel delicate—especially if they’re overwhelmed, withdrawn, or unsure how to talk about what they’re feeling. Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing or being met with resistance, and that’s completely understandable. But creating space for an open, honest conversation can plant the seed for something meaningful.
It’s important to remember that therapy can’t be forced. While it’s natural to want to step in and fix what’s going wrong, pushing a teen into counseling before they’re ready can backfire. Therapy works best when it feels like a choice—not a punishment, reaction, or demand.
Start with a gentle observation. Let them know you’ve noticed something feels off and that you're open to hearing how they’ve been feeling—without jumping to conclusions or solutions.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been having a hard time lately, and I wonder if talking to someone could help.”
This simple, open-ended invitation lets them know that therapy isn’t about being judged or corrected. It’s about support.
Many teens worry they’ll be forced to open up right away or talk about things they’re not ready to share. Reassure them that therapy moves at their pace and that they’ll have control over what they talk about. It can help to clarify that therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about having someone neutral to help sort through what feels messy or heavy.
If they’re not ready, that’s okay. Keeping the door open matters more than getting an immediate yes. Even just introducing the idea gives them a choice—one they may come back to when the timing feels right.
And when they are ready, involving them in the process—like choosing a therapist together—can make all the difference.
What to Expect from Adolescent Therapy Sessions
Starting therapy can feel uncertain for teens—and for their parents, too. That’s why the first few sessions are focused on building trust and connection. Before any “work” begins, a skilled teen therapist will take time to get to know your adolescent’s world: what they’ve been feeling, what they’re struggling with, and what they hope might feel different.
Most teen therapy sessions are held one-on-one, in a calm and supportive environment where teens can express themselves freely. It’s a space where there’s no pressure to talk about everything at once—just room to show up as they are. Caregivers may be included for brief check-ins, updates, or joint sessions when collaboration is helpful. The level of parental involvement is always guided by the teen’s needs, age, and goals for therapy.
Every teen is different, and therapy should reflect that. One of our experienced adolescent therapists will tailor their approach to fit your teen’s personality, developmental stage, and comfort level. Some teens prefer a more structured style, while others benefit from creativity, movement, or sensory tools. Depending on the goals, sessions may include evidence-based modalities such as EMDR (for trauma or anxiety), CBT (for thought and behavior patterns), or somatic therapy (for stress held in the body).
Many parents understandably want to know how long therapy will take. The honest answer is: it depends. Some teens may begin to experience relief and make progress after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a longer-term space to build trust and explore more complex emotions. Progress isn’t always linear—but with consistency and the right fit, therapy can support lasting growth, self-understanding, and resilience.
As the therapeutic relationship grows, your teen may begin to explore deeper thoughts and feelings, develop new coping skills, and gain a stronger sense of self. Progress looks different for everyone—but the consistent presence of a supportive therapist can make a meaningful difference in how teens move through life’s challenges.
Benefits of Therapy for Teens and Families
Therapy can help teens improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms, build self-confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. As teens begin to feel more grounded, communication often improves at home too. Some of the most common benefits teens and families notice include:
Improved emotional regulation
Reduced anxiety and depression
Greater self-confidence
Better communication at home
Healthier coping skills
Parents frequently notice their teen becomes more open, less reactive, and better able to manage stress, school, and relationships. While the focus of therapy is on the teen, caregivers often play an important role in the process. Therapists may provide general updates, offer insights, or include parents in sessions when it benefits the teen. Confidentiality is respected, but collaboration is encouraged—especially when it supports safety, understanding, or shared goals. Many parents find that therapy gives them language and tools to better support their child at home.
How to Find a Teen Therapist in Redondo Beach or the South Bay
When looking for a teen therapist in Redondo Beach or the South Bay, try to involve your teen in the search whenever possible. Teens are more likely to engage in therapy when they feel a sense of choice and ownership. Explore therapist websites together, talk through what matters to them in a counselor, and listen to their reactions. Even small things—like a therapist’s tone, photo, or approach—can shape your teen’s comfort level and willingness to begin.
It’s also helpful to ask friends, family, or trusted colleagues for referrals. A personal recommendation can point you toward experienced providers who are not only clinically skilled, but also attuned to the needs of adolescents. Look for therapists who specialize in working with teens, offer developmentally appropriate approaches, and understand the unique stressors adolescents face today.
Choosing therapy for your teen is a meaningful step toward healing and growth. While the process may feel uncertain at first, many families find it becomes a source of clarity, connection, and confidence. Whether your teen is just starting to open up or already asking for help, the right support can make a lasting difference—for them and for you.
Until next time, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– – Catherine Alvarado, LMFT
About the Author
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in Redondo Beach, CA. Beyond the pages of self-help blogs, Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates offers in-person and virtual therapy services for adolescents and teens of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the rest of the South Bay area.
If you are experiencing distress, reach out today to schedule a free phone consultation.
