Teen Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
A different kind of therapy for teenagers. No lectures. No judgment. Just real support from a therapist teens actually want to talk to. Ages 13-17.
Being a Teenager Today Is Harder Than Ever
Social media pressure, academic stress, global uncertainty, and the lasting effects of the pandemic have created a mental health crisis among young people. Your teen isn't weak—they're navigating challenges no previous generation has faced.
At South Denver Therapy, teen counseling is provided by Carissa Keeter, LCSW—a therapist with a genuine gift for connecting with teenagers. She meets them where they are, without judgment or lectures. We work with teens ages 13-17 on everything from anxiety and depression to identity questions and family conflict.
Why Teens Actually Like Working With Us
Traditional therapy can feel awkward or forced. Our approach is built around what actually works for young people.
Connection First
Before anything else, we build trust. Teens can tell when someone is being fake—we're not. The relationship develops naturally.
Their Goals, Their Pace
Therapy isn't about what parents want. It's about what your teen needs. We follow their lead and move at their speed.
Evidence-Based Methods
We use approaches proven to work—including CBT, mindfulness, and EMDR therapy for trauma and anxiety.
Practical Tools
We don't just talk. Teens leave with real skills for managing stress, handling emotions, and building confidence.
Safe & Confidential
For therapy to work, teens need to feel safe being honest. What they share stays private (with safety exceptions).
Parent Partnership
You won't be left in the dark. We balance teen privacy with parent involvement—updates on progress while respecting their space.
Common Challenges We Address
Every teenager is different. Here are the issues we work with most often.
Anxiety & Worry
Constant worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, perfectionism, or feeling like something bad is always about to happen.
Learn more →Depression & Low Mood
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless. Loss of interest in things that used to matter. Trouble getting through the day.
Learn more →Social Media & Comparison
Pressure to look perfect online, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and how screens can make everything feel worse.
School Stress & Pressure
Academic overwhelm, test anxiety, college worries, motivation struggles, or feeling crushed by expectations.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Figuring out who you are, feeling "not good enough," body image struggles, or questions about identity and belonging.
Trauma & Difficult Experiences
Past or recent experiences that still affect you—abuse, loss, accidents, or things that feel too big to process alone.
Learn about EMDR →Family Conflict
Constant arguments at home, feeling misunderstood by parents, adjusting to divorce, or dealing with family stress.
LGBTQ+ Support
A safe, affirming space to explore identity, navigate coming out, deal with family reactions, or just be yourself.
Learn more →
Carissa Keeter, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A Therapist Teens Actually Want to Talk To
Carissa has a genuine gift for connecting with teenagers. She's warm but direct—teens can spot fake a mile away, and she's not it. She meets them where they are without judgment, and builds trust even with teens who really don't want to be there.
When deeper work is needed, she's EMDR certified—trained to help teens process trauma, anxiety, and painful experiences without having to talk through every detail.
- Specialized training in adolescent development
- EMDRIA-certified for trauma and anxiety
- Builds connections with even reluctant teens
- Practical, skills-based approach
Getting Started Is Easy
Not sure what to expect? Here's how the process works.
Free Consultation
A 15-minute call to discuss what's going on and see if we're a good fit.
First Session
Parents join briefly. Then your teen gets one-on-one time to start building trust.
Ongoing Sessions
Weekly sessions where your teen opens up, processes, and builds skills.
Real Progress
Lasting skills for managing emotions and whatever life throws at them.
Real Results for Real Teens
"My son was struggling with anxiety and school pressure. Carissa connected with him right away. He's doing better in school and seems more confident at home too."
"Carissa is really easy to talk to. I learned how to breathe and calm down when my brain starts spinning. I feel way better and not so scared all the time."
"At first I didn't want to do therapy, but now I actually kind of like it. Carissa helps me figure out what to say when I'm mad or stressed."
Teen Counseling Rates
We don't take insurance directly, but many families get reimbursed through out-of-network benefits. HSA/FSA accepted.
60-Minute Session
Standard session length for ongoing teen therapy. Enough time to build connection and make real progress.
90-Minute Session
Extended sessions for EMDR or when more time is needed for complex issues.
Check our FAQs page to learn how Mentaya can help you get reimbursed for up to 70% of session costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Teens Throughout Colorado
Visit us in-person in Castle Rock or connect via secure video from anywhere in the state.
Your Teen Doesn't Have to Struggle Alone
Getting help now can make a real difference—for their present and their future. Let's talk about how we can support your teen.
Book Your Free Consultation