Helping preteens and teens build emotional strength, resilience, and self-confidence during life’s most pivotal years.
Teen therapy is specialized counseling designed to help teenagers navigate the emotional, social, and developmental challenges of adolescence.
Between the ages of 13 and 18, teens experience rapid changes in identity, relationships, responsibilities, and expectations. Therapy gives teens a private, supportive space to work through challenges and discover new strengths.
At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Assessment Associates (CBTAA), we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each teen, offering evidence-based strategies combined with empathy, respect, and empowerment.
At CBTAA, teen therapy is a collaborative and empowering process. We meet teens where they are, creating a space where they can speak openly, explore challenges, and build new skills without fear of judgment.
Here’s what the therapy process typically looks like:
Throughout the process, we prioritize building trust, fostering autonomy, and empowering teens to take ownership of their growth.
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Adolescence has always been a time of growth and change, but today’s teens are navigating an entirely new set of pressures.
Research shows that 31.9% of teens are estimated to have an anxiety disorder, and approximately 20% will experience a depressive episode by the age of 17. In fact, half of all mental illness starts by the age of 14, much of which goes untreated. The combination of academic demands, social challenges, online life, and global uncertainty has created an environment where mental health struggles are more common than ever.
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While social media offers teens ways to connect, express themselves, and stay informed, it also introduces risks that can significantly impact mental health.
Social media platforms are designed to be reinforcing — using them activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the same "feel-good" chemical linked to pleasurable activities like food, relationships, and even gambling. This reinforcement loop can make social media highly addictive, especially for developing adolescent brains that are more sensitive to rewards and peer approval.
According to the Pew Research Center, 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media, putting the majority at increased risk for anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and even physical symptoms, like headaches or nausea.
Several psychological factors contribute to these risks:
Over time, these stressors can create a cycle of emotional exhaustion, low self-worth, and digital burnout — even as teens feel compelled to stay connected.
Our goal is not to eliminate technology from teens’ lives — but to help them use it consciously, protect their mental health, and stay rooted in authentic, meaningful connection.
At CBTAA, we help teens work through a wide range of emotional, social, and developmental challenges, including:
Our approach is personalized to each teen’s experiences, helping them build emotional regulation skills, strengthen self-awareness, and find new confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
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Therapy sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes and are tailored to each teen’s individual needs, personality, and preferences. Sessions may include open conversation, skill-building exercises, mindfulness practices, or creative activities, all designed to help teens engage in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them.
Most sessions are one-on-one, creating a safe, confidential space where teens can speak freely. We also involve parents or caregivers, when helpful, through regular check-ins, coaching, or occasional family sessions to support communication and growth at home.
Beyond addressing mental health challenges, our approach is about helping teens develop the mindset, emotional skills, and personal values needed to grow into thoughtful, resilient adults. That includes learning how to manage emotions, build healthy relationships and habits, navigate moral questions, and treat others with respect and empathy.
Above all, therapy is a place where teens feel heard, empowered, and supported both in the moment and for life ahead.
Every teen is different, which means therapy should be too. At CBTAA, we tailor our approach based on your teen’s needs, drawing from proven methods that help build resilience, emotional strength, and confidence. Here are some of the techniques we may use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize unhelpful thought patterns, like catastrophizing or self-criticism, and replace them with healthier, more realistic ways of thinking. This approach is highly effective for treating most issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and perfectionism. One of the most impactful aspects of CBT is its emphasis on doing — not just understanding. While insight is important, real progress happens through action and practice. CBT is also heavily focused on skill-building, teaching teens practical tools to cope with emotions, solve problems, and improve social interactions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches critical skills for regulating intense emotions, improving communication, tolerating distress, increasing mindfulness, and building healthier relationships. This is particularly valuable for teens who feel overwhelmed by their feelings. DBT focuses on how to accept emotions while also building skills to manage them effectively.
Mindfulness-Based Practices: Helps teens slow down, stay present, reduce judgment, and respond to stress with greater calm and clarity. Mindfulness strengthens emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and promotes self-compassion.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Encourages teens to identify their strengths, envision meaningful goals, and take small, practical steps forward, helping them build momentum and confidence even when life feels overwhelming.
Family Systems Work (as needed): Sometimes, healing involves the whole family. We may offer sessions that strengthen family communication, improve understanding, and create a more supportive home environment for the teen’s growth.
Therapy at CBTAA isn’t one-size-fits-all. We meet each teen exactly where they are, helping them build the tools they need to move forward with confidence and self-esteem.
We also work extensively with preteens and younger adolescents, typically between ages 9 and 12. This age range can bring its own set of challenges, from early signs of anxiety or mood shifts to changes in friendships, self-image, and family dynamics. Therapy for preteens focuses on helping them build emotional awareness, confidence, effective communication, and coping skills in a way that feels safe and age-appropriate.
We use creative, engaging approaches grounded in CBT and other evidence-based methods to meet preteens where they are developmentally, whether that means talk-based sessions, skill-building exercises, or structured games and activities that support emotional learning.
Parents are often more involved in preteen therapy, with regular check-ins, collaborative goal-setting, and guidance on how to support progress at home.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs teen therapy, preteen therapy, or a different service altogether, we’re happy to help you figure out the best fit.
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Adolescence can be a time of profound growth, but no teen should have to navigate it alone. We’re here to provide the support, tools, and compassionate care your teen needs to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or learn more about our teen therapy and adolescent therapy services across NYC, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
What if my teen doesn’t want to come to therapy?
It’s common for teens to feel hesitant at first. Our therapists are skilled at building trust and creating a space that feels welcoming, not intimidating. We work at a pace that respects the teen’s comfort level, using approaches that engage them without pressure.
One strategy we often suggest is encouraging your teen to view therapy as a trial period. After a few sessions, you and your teen can discuss together whether it feels like a good fit. This approach gives them a sense of control and allows them to experience therapy without feeling forced.
If possible, allowing your teen to be involved in the therapist selection process can be helpful. Your teen may feel more comfortable seeing a therapist of a specific age, gender, or specialization. Although not necessary, sometimes finding a therapist with similar hobbies or interest can create a common base for the therapeutic relationship to build off of for reluctant teens.
What ages do you work with for teen therapy?
We typically work with preteens between the ages of 9 and 12 and adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. For young adults (18–22) who are still navigating developmental milestones similar to adolescence, we also offer tailored support as needed.
Is therapy confidential for my teen?
Yes, within appropriate boundaries. While parents or guardians have legal access to a minor’s treatment information, we believe therapy is most effective when teens feel safe and able to speak freely. That’s why we take a balanced approach: we work to build trust with your teen while keeping you appropriately informed and involved.
We won’t share every detail of what your teen says in session, but we will communicate important themes, progress, and concerns. If there’s ever a safety issue (like risk of self-harm or harm to others) we’re obligated to share that information, and we’ll typically talk with your teen first about how to involve you in a supportive way.
Many teens also worry that schools or other outside parties will find out about their therapy. Please know that we never share information with third parties without signed consent. If a parent wants us to speak with someone outside the family, like a teacher or coach, but the teen is hesitant, we’ll help facilitate a conversation and set clear boundaries about what will and won’t be shared. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels respected and supported throughout the process.
How involved are parents or caregivers during therapy?
Parent involvement depends on the teen’s age, needs, and therapy goals. In some cases, parent consultations or joint sessions are part of the plan; in others, teens benefit more from individual work. We collaborate to find the right balance between teen autonomy and family support.
Can therapy help with school-related stress or academic performance?
Yes, academic pressure is one of the most common reasons teens seek therapy. We help teens build coping skills for stress management, time management, test anxiety, perfectionism, and navigating academic expectations.
Will you coordinate with their school?
Yes, when appropriate and with your permission, we can collaborate with school counselors, teachers, or learning specialists to support your teen’s progress. This might include sharing insights that help with academic accommodations, behavioral support, or social-emotional needs. Any communication with the school is handled thoughtfully, with clear consent and goals in mind.
How do you make therapy engaging for teens?
We adapt sessions to each teen’s personality and interests. Some teens prefer talk-based therapy; others respond well to creative methods, mindfulness practices, or skill-building exercises. Our goal is to meet each teen where they are, making therapy feel approachable, not forced. We also recognize that the relationship between the teen and therapist is crucial and put a premium on building strong therapeutic connections.
What should my teen expect at their first session?
The first session is all about getting comfortable. We’ll talk about why they’re coming to therapy, what they’d like to work on (if they know), and start building a trusting relationship. There’s no pressure to share everything right away, the pace is set collaboratively.
Parents or guardians are also typically part of the intake process. This may involve a separate conversation with the parent, a joint session with the teen, or both. We tailor the structure based on what will best support the teen and set the stage for effective care.
Can therapy help if my teen is questioning their identity or sexuality?
Absolutely, we provide a supportive, affirming space for teens exploring questions around identity, gender, and sexuality. Therapy can help teens build self-understanding, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience during this important process.
We combine deep clinical expertise with a commitment to delivering clear, actionable results quickly. Our team’s experience, empathy, and dedication to individualized care have made us a trusted partner for families, schools, and professionals across the NY Metro Area. We take on a limited number of clients at a time to ensure focus and speed of report delivery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Assessment Associates
