Teen Counseling in Colorado
A different kind of therapy for teenagers. No lectures. No judgment. Just real support from a therapist teens actually want to talk to.
Being a Teenager Today Is Harder Than Ever
Today's teens are facing pressures that didn't exist a generation ago. Social media, academic stress, global uncertainty, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have created a mental health crisis among young people.
At South Denver Therapy, teen counseling is provided by Carissa Keeter, LCSW—a therapist with a genuine gift for connecting with teenagers. She's not the kind of therapist who talks at teens or treats them like problems to fix. She meets them where they are, with warmth and honesty.
We work with teens ages 13-17 on everything from anxiety and depression to identity questions and family conflict. In-person at our Castle Rock office or via secure video anywhere in Colorado.
Why Teens Actually Like Working With Us
Traditional therapy can feel awkward or forced for teenagers. Our approach is different—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. We show up real and let the relationship develop naturally.
Their Goals, Their Pace
Therapy isn't about what parents want or what we think is best. 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 with teens—including CBT, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR therapy for trauma and anxiety.
Practical Tools
We don't just talk. Teens leave with real skills they can use—for managing stress, handling emotions, communicating better, and building confidence.
Safe & Confidential
For therapy to work, teens need to feel safe being honest. What they share stays private (with safety exceptions), so they can truly open up.
Parent Partnership
You won't be left in the dark. We balance teen privacy with parent involvement—providing updates on progress while respecting your teen's space.
Common Challenges in Teen Counseling
Every teenager is different, but these are some of the issues we work with most often.
Anxiety & Worry
Constant worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, perfectionism, or that feeling that 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
The 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 or lectures, and she's skilled at building 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 and teen therapy
- EMDRIA-certified for trauma and anxiety treatment
- Builds real connections—even with reluctant teens
- Practical, skills-based approach teens can actually use
Getting Started With Teen Counseling
Not sure what to expect? Here's how the process typically works.
Free Consultation
A 15-minute call (usually with parents) to discuss what's going on and see if we're a good fit.
First Session
Parents join briefly to share concerns. Then your teen gets one-on-one time to start building trust.
Ongoing Sessions
Weekly sessions where your teen can open up, process, and build skills. We check in with parents periodically.
Real Progress
Your teen develops lasting skills for managing emotions, relationships, and whatever life throws at them.
Real Results for Real Teens
"My son was really struggling with anxiety and school pressure, and we were hitting a wall as parents. Carissa connected with him right away. He's not only doing better in school but seems more confident and grounded at home too."
"Carissa is really easy to talk to. I get super nervous at school, but she taught me 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, and I don't feel as stuck in my head anymore."
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 therapy or when more time is needed to work through 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