Therapy for Teens

Fostering autonomy and connections

Therapy for Teens is for ages 12-18. Whether the teenager proceeds with therapy in the context of individual, couple or family therapy is determined collaboratively with the clients and therapist.

fees

$145-$175 + HST per 50 minutes. Fees range depending on experience of therapist and context in which they access therapy (i.e. individual, couple or family therapy). All therapists who offer therapy for teens are listed here. To filter through different details of our therapists you can also check out Our Team.

$90 + HST per 50 minutes. All therapists who are currently offering reduced rate services are listed on our Affordable Therapists page.

Session Length

The standard session is for 50 minutes. Sessions can also be accessed for 80 minutes. In some occasions, sessions can be pro-rated at other lengths of time. The length of session depends on client’s preferences, therapeutic benefit and goals.

Cancellation Policy

The centre requires 48 business hours notice (not including weekends or holidays) or the full fee per sessions may apply.

our approach to therapy for teens

We work systemically and relationally. This means that when any person accesses therapy, we recognize that they have connections to people and communities that exist beyond who might make it into the therapy session. This is especially true for teenagers as there are often people in their lives who hold a great deal of influence on them. There are times where it can be helpful to invite these people into the therapy process where teens may be best supported in family therapy, however, there are also times where privacy in individual therapy can be best when navigating therapy for teens.

Whether you are reading this because you are a teenager interested in therapy, or you have a teenager in your life who you hope to connect to therapy, you likely are aware that adolescence is a stage that can come with several changes and challenges. Therapy can be a great resource for teens to best tend to emotional and mental health and overall wellbeing.

Therapy for teens is a great way to help promote self-awareness, personal identity, and meaningful relationships with strong conflict resolution skills.

Common Teen Experiences including but not limited to....

Adolescents is typically a stage in life that entails significant shifts that can bring about an experience of unfamiliarity and uncertainty for the teen and those in the teen’s life.

Trying to establish a sense of identity and greater independence while also maintaining connections can be challenging. During this age and stage there can be several reasons it may be helpful to pursue therapy:

When the teen has interest in processing current or past experiences
When the teen has interest in deciding what their best next steps are for the future.
When the teen does not believe they need therapy but is hearing people in their lives feel they could benefit from therapy.
When there may be relational challenges experienced between the teen and people in their social groups, family etc.

Areas of Focus

Sibling relationships
Parent-Teen relationships
Dual homes/living spaces
School/post-secondary anxiety
Grief and loss
Social anxiety
Bullying and isolation
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts

Identity
Sexuality
Sudden behaviour and/or mood changes
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Autonomy and independence challenges
Relationship concerns (with family, friends and/or romantic partners)

FAQs

What if my teen doesn’t want to attend therapy but I as their parent/caregiver believe it is what they need?

It can be stressful if/when parents/caregivers and teens have different perspectives on and commitment to therapy. It can be scary, frustrating and perhaps angering for both teens and their parents/caregivers when there feels to be a standstill around the decision to engage in therapy or not.

It may be helpful to be curious with one another around what concerns and/or hopes may be existing that suggests to each of you that therapy might be helpful, or unhelpful. It is important to try to remain considerate that there can be “good reasons” for encouragers to engage in therapy, and to not engage in therapy. These conversations in and of itself can sometimes be challenging, and it may be helpful to seek support of a mental health profession to process the conflicting perspectives on engaging in therapy.

Ultimately, in Ontario all clients must have capacity to make informed decisions in the agreement/consent to therapy, unless they are children (11 years of age and younger). As a child, we are required to have the informed consent of their parents/caregivers/guardian/substitute decision makers. This means that while there are several exceptions, it may be that teens (12 years of age and older) must be consenting to therapy. To further discuss this, you can always reach out to our centre, and we are happy to support!

Lastly, it is really important to remember that change doesn’t require any which one particular person to attend therapy. If you are holding concern for a teen in your life, there may be meaningful change that can occur from accessing therapy yourself, and exploring your felt concerns and ideal hopes.

What if I do not have full custody of my teen?

Teens (12 years of age and up) who have capacity to provide consent can do so regardless of the arrangement (formal or informal) of their parent/caregiver/guardian’s custody.

I am a parent / caregiver / guardian of a teen attending therapy. How can I support?

Teens are no different than adults – all individuals have different needs and preferences in how they best feel supported. Some teens may desire closeness and connection following therapy sessions, while others may most desire space and time alone. It might be helpful to ask the teen in your life, how they see your role while they engage in therapy.

It is not unusual for the process of therapy to sometimes feel more challenging before it feels relieving. This is because therapy can, at times, bring about thoughts and feelings that may not have historically been identified or processed.

As parents, caregivers and/or guardians it can be challenging to know our teen is processing something, but perhaps not entirely know what this is, or how it is going. It is important to also take time to consider how you are dealing with this, and how it may influence your way of showing up as a support for the teen. If ever you are interested in processing this with a professional, we can always work with you and your teen to figure out whether accessing your own therapist might be helpful, or perhaps accessing some family therapy too!

therapists who provide therapy for Teens

Therapy for Teens

Fostering autonomy and connections