In-Person Teen Therapy

Your Teen Doesn’t Have to Navigate Everything Alone

Being a teenager can feel like a lot.

School pressure, friendships, family expectations, identity, social media, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future can pile up quickly. Some teens become overwhelmed or anxious. Others withdraw, shut down, become irritable, or insist that everything is “fine.”

Therapy gives teens a place to sort through what they are experiencing without feeling judged, lectured, or pressured to have everything figured out.

I provide in-person therapy for middle and high school students at my Eagle Rock office. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and LGBTQ+ affirming—with room for humor, creativity, and showing up exactly as you are.

What Teen Therapy Can Help With

Teens may come to therapy for support with:

• Anxiety, overthinking, or chronic stress

• Depression, sadness, or emotional shutdown

• School pressure and academic stress

• Perfectionism and fear of disappointing others

• Family conflict or difficulty communicating

• Friendship changes, dating, or social anxiety

• Self-esteem and identity development

• Gender identity or sexual orientation

• First-generation and cultural expectations

• Trauma or difficult past experiences

• Trouble setting boundaries or expressing needs

• Major transitions, grief, or changes at home

• Feeling overwhelmed without knowing exactly why

A teen does not need to be in crisis—or know precisely what they want to discuss—to benefit from therapy.

Therapy That Doesn’t Feel Like Another Place to Perform

Many teens are used to adults asking questions, giving advice, monitoring their progress, or telling them what they should do.

My role is different.

I work to build a genuine relationship where teens can talk at their own pace. They do not have to arrive ready to share everything, make constant eye contact, or say the “right” thing. We might talk directly, use creative approaches, build coping skills, or explore patterns through EMDR and other trauma-informed methods when appropriate.

The goal is not to change who a teen is. It is to help them better understand themselves, feel less alone, and develop the confidence and skills to navigate what they are carrying.

Support for First-Generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ Teens

Culture, identity, family, and community all shape a young person’s mental health.

As a first-generation Chicana therapist, I understand that teens may be balancing different expectations at home, at school, and with friends. They may love their families while also feeling pressured, misunderstood, or responsible for keeping the peace.

I offer an affirming space for first-generation, BIPOC, Latine, LGBTQ+, gender-expansive, and creative teens to explore who they are without having to minimize important parts of themselves.

Why I Prefer In-Person Therapy for Teens

Trust and connection are especially important when working with young people. I have found that meeting in person often makes it easier to build rapport, notice what may be difficult to put into words, and create separation from the distractions of home and school.

For that reason, I primarily work with teens in person at my Eagle Rock office. Limited virtual exceptions may be available for established clients when clinically appropriate.

Parents, Privacy, and the Therapy Process

Parents and caregivers are important partners in supporting a teen’s well-being. At the same time, teens need meaningful privacy for therapy to feel trustworthy and useful.

At the beginning of treatment, we will discuss confidentiality, its legal and safety-related limits, and how communication with parents or caregivers will be handled. I may involve parents periodically when it supports the teen’s treatment while protecting the personal space the teen needs to speak honestly.

I do not provide family therapy, but parent consultation may be incorporated when appropriate.

A Comfortable Office in Eagle Rock

My office is located on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock and is convenient to Highland Park, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Atwater Village, and surrounding Northeast Los Angeles communities.

There is ample street parking along Colorado Boulevard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my teen doesn’t want to attend therapy?

It is common for teens to feel unsure, guarded, or resistant—especially if therapy was someone else’s idea. They do not need to arrive enthusiastic or ready to discuss everything. The first step is creating enough comfort and trust for us to determine whether working together feels like a good fit.

Will you tell me what my teen talks about?

Therapy works best when teens know they have privacy. I will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly to both you and your teen. I may share general treatment themes, recommendations, or safety concerns, but I do not routinely report the details of sessions to parents.

Do you offer online therapy for teens?

I primarily provide teen therapy in person because I find it easier to build trust and connection in the same room. Limited virtual sessions may be available for established clients when clinically appropriate.

Schedule a Consultation

Finding the right therapist matters—especially for a teen who may already be hesitant about opening up.

If you are looking for a warm, culturally responsive, and LGBTQ+ affirming teen therapist in Eagle Rock, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. We can discuss what your teen is experiencing and whether I may be a good fit.