Teen Therapy

• Anxiety
• Depressive disorders
• Trauma
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disabilities
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Mood disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Prader-Willi Syndrome

Adolescence is the transitory stage between childhood and adulthood, which occurs between 13 and 17 years old. This period can be challenging for both parents and teens, alike. It is a time of exploration and confusion, and can raise many questions regarding identity, values, and independence. Many serious mental health conditions can surface during adolescence, as teens step into freedom, acquire responsibilities, and establish a sense of self. Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions early can prevent later escalations in duration or severity. 

Each stage of adolescence presents a different set of challenges for teens as they physically and psychologically transform into a young adult. In turn, each stage warrants novel responses from parents. In providing a teen with the support, guidance, and resources they require to live a happy, fulfilling, and successful life, Dr. Victoria encourages clients to empower their minds and reach their full potential.

 At this stage of adolescence, the teen begins to release the bounds of their childhood experience to step into a new period of life. They might demonstrate a change from normal behavior. Disorganization, messiness, inattention, and forgetfulness begin. The teen begins to realize that the self-care structure they utilized throughout childhood is no longer appropriate for their responsibilities. A negative attitude may emerge, with restlessness, boredom, and dissatisfaction characterizing the adolescent’s affect. The teen may begin to experiment with new behaviors and activities (such as substance use, shoplifting, vandalizing, etc.), and display resistance to authority as well as lack of compliance to caregiver’s requests. 

Parents should notice new negative behaviors, emphasize responsible behavior, and maintain a positive connection with the teen as they traverse early adolescence. Dr. Victoria works closely alongside both parents and teens at this age, focusing on improving the quality of the parent-teen relationship. By strengthening this bond, parents can provide support and understanding to their child during this time of uncertainty and confusion.

This stage of adolescence is characterized by a struggle for social freedom. Parents may notice severe conflict over freedoms to be with friends, increased peer pressure to participate in risk-taking activities, and heightened dishonesty about behaviors in order to avoid consequences. During this period, teens seek social belonging and immediate gratification. Parents should remain firm about boundaries and consequences and enforce the teen’s best interests. 

At this age, the adolescent possesses increased responsibility. They may be employed, drive a car, recreationally utilize substances, or be in a relationship. Additionally, during this stage the teen may display increased apprehension regarding their future and/or increased grief attributed to separation from old friends. Parents should insist on consistent communication with their teen as they navigate freedoms that can be difficult to manage. In providing support and understanding, caregivers foster a safe and comfortable environment for teens to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.  

•  A Diagnostic Interview (DI) is completed with the teen’s parents to gather history, discuss concerns, symptoms, therapy goals, testing, the therapeutic process, and a treatment plan.  
• Review HIPAA forms and confidentiality, policies and procedures, consent for treatment, and fees.
•  A follow-up session is scheduled with the teen.