Adolescent Therapy

I see adolescents 12 and up. While my approach to kids doesn't differ too much from my approach to adults, there are a few things to keep in mind that are different. In the state of Colorado, 12-year-olds can consent to their own mental health treatment, with or without parental consent. This means that children 12 and older have the same right to confidentiality as adults. While I encourage parents to bring up concerns to me and talk to their kids about what's going on, I will always respect the child's wish to share as much or as little as they want. The only exception to this is if a child (whether the one in treatment or another child) is a danger to themselves or others, or being hurt by someone else.

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I believe that what most teenagers need is someplace safe to talk about what's going on in their lives, without fear of judgement from parents or other adults they know. Teenagers often feel like their experiences are unusual, their feelings are wrong, or their thoughts are bad. I provide a place for them to talk through these things, while providing normalization and validation, and teaching them healthier ways of coping.