Teen Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
A therapist your teenager will actually talk to. We help teens ages 13-17 work through anxiety, depression, trauma, and whatever else life throws at them.
Serving Douglas County families in-person & via telehealth across Colorado
Book a Free Consultation Or call us at (720) 663-8046If you're reading this, you're probably worried about your kid. Maybe they've been more withdrawn lately. Maybe there's more conflict at home than you know how to handle. Maybe you just have that gut feeling that something is wrong – even if they insist everything is "fine."
You're not imagining it. And you're not alone.
Teen counseling gives your teenager a safe, private space to work through whatever they're dealing with – whether thats anxiety that won't quit, depression thats sucking the life out of them, trauma from something in their past, or just the overwhelming pressure of being a teenager in 2025.
The therapist they'll work with isn't going to lecture them or tell them what to do. They'll actually listen. And they'll help your teen build real skills to handle whatever life throws at them.
You've Tried Everything
The conversations that turn into arguments. The doors slammed in your face. The one-word answers. You want to help your kid, but nothing you say seems to get through anymore. Teen counseling gives them someone else to talk to – someone who isn't their parent, teacher, or friend. Someone trained to help.
You're Not Crazy
Maybe you cant even explain what's wrong. You're just tired. Or angry. Or anxious all the time. Therapy isn't about someone telling you how to fix your life. Its about having one person in your corner who actually gets it – and who can help you figure things out without judging you.
Source: CDC Teen Mental Health Data 2025
What We Help Teens With
Teenagers face challenges that look different than adult problems – and require a different approach. Our teen therapist in Castle Rock specializes in the issues that matter most to adolescents:
Teen Anxiety
Constant worry, perfectionism, social anxiety, panic attacks, or that feeling that something bad is always about to happen.
Teen Depression
Feeling empty, hopeless, or numb. Loss of interest in things that used to matter. Struggling to get through the day.
Social Media Stress
Comparison, cyberbullying, FOMO, body image issues, and the pressure to present a perfect life online.
School Pressure
Academic stress, test anxiety, college worries, motivation problems, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Figuring out who you are, feeling "not good enough," body image struggles, or questions about identity.
Friendship Problems
Drama, bullying, toxic friendships, social exclusion, or struggling to connect and make real friends.
Family Conflict
Arguments at home, feeling misunderstood, divorce adjustment, blended family challenges, or family stress.
Trauma & PTSD
Past or recent experiences that still affect daily life – abuse, assault, accidents, loss, or overwhelming events.
We also provide affirming support for LGBTQ+ teens – a safe space to explore identity, process coming out, navigate family reactions, or just be yourself without judgment.
⚠️ If Your Teen Is In Crisis
If your teenager is in immediate danger or expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing support with self-harm or suicidal thoughts in a non-emergency situation, we can help – schedule a consultation.
When Should You Consider Teen Counseling?
Signs Your Teen May Need Support
It can be tough to know whats "normal teenager stuff" vs. something more serious. Trust your gut – if something feels off, its worth exploring. Look for these warning signs:
How Teen Counseling Works
What to Expect When You Get Started
Free 15-Minute Consultation
A quick phone call (usually with parents) to discuss what's going on and make sure we're a good fit. We'll answer your questions and explain exactly how the process works. No pressure, no commitment.
First Session Together
Parents typically join for part of the first session to share concerns and background information. Then your teen gets one-on-one time to start building a relationship with their therapist.
Ongoing Individual Sessions
Most sessions are one-on-one with your teen. This is their space to open up, process what's happening, and build real coping skills. We'll check in with parents periodically on progress and goals.
Family Involvement as Needed
Depending on your teen's situation, we may include family sessions or regular parent check-ins. Every family is different, and we'll find the balance that works best for yours.
A Note on Confidentiality
Why Privacy Matters for Teen Therapy
For therapy to actually work, your teenager needs to feel safe being completely honest – even about stuff they might not want you to know. That's why we keep what they share confidential, with a few important exceptions:
- ⚠️ If they're at risk of hurting themselves or someone else
- ⚠️ If there's abuse or neglect involved
- ⚠️ If required by court order
Outside of safety concerns, what your teen shares stays between them and their therapist. You'll still get general updates on progress and goals – you won't be completely in the dark. But the specifics? That's their space.
This isn't about keeping secrets from you. It's about giving your kid a place where they can finally say what's really going on.
EMDR Therapy for Teens
When Talking Isn't Enough
Sometimes teenagers have been through things that are hard to put into words – or they've tried talking about it and still feel stuck. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process difficult experiences without having to talk through every detail.
EMDR is especially effective for teens dealing with:
Carissa is EMDRIA-certified, which means she's completed advanced training in EMDR and has extensive experience using it with teenagers.
Learn more about EMDR therapy →Why Choose South Denver Therapy
Meet Carissa Keeter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) • EMDRIA CertifiedCarissa has a gift for connecting with teenagers. She's warm but real – and teens can tell the difference. She meets them exactly where they are without judgment or lectures, and she's skilled at building trust even with kids who are reluctant to be there. When deeper work is needed, she's trained in EMDR to help process trauma and stuck patterns that talk therapy alone can't reach.
Learn more about CarissaAward-Winning Care
Voted Best of the Best in Mental Health for Castle Rock in 2024 and 2025. We've earned our reputation.
Teens Actually Like Her
Carissa builds genuine connections with teenagers. No lectures, no judgment – just real support.
EMDR Certified
Advanced training in EMDRIA-certified EMDR for processing trauma, anxiety, and painful experiences.
In-Person & Telehealth
Meet at our Castle Rock office on Maleta Lane or via secure video – whatever works best for your family.
Related Counseling Services
Depending on what your teen is working through, these specialized services may also be helpful:
Teen Counseling Near Me in Castle Rock & Douglas County
Looking for a teen therapist near me or adolescent counseling near me? Our Castle Rock office is conveniently located at 753 Maleta Lane, just minutes from downtown Castle Rock, I-25, and Philip S. Miller Park.
We serve teenagers and families from across Douglas County and the South Denver metro area. Many of our clients come from:
We also work with students from Douglas County High School, Castle View High School, Rock Canyon High School, and other schools throughout the Douglas County School District. For families outside of Castle Rock, we offer online teen counseling throughout Colorado via secure telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Counseling
What ages do you work with for teen counseling?
We work with teenagers ages 13-17. Every teen is different, and we tailor our approach to meet them where they are – both developmentally and emotionally. For younger children, we can provide referrals to therapists who specialize in child therapy.
Will my teen actually talk to a therapist?
Most teens are hesitant at first – thats completely normal. But therapy isn't about forcing them to talk. We meet teens where they are, build trust gradually, and let them open up at their own pace. Many teens who start out reluctant end up actually looking forward to their sessions.
Will you tell me what my teen says in therapy?
Confidentiality is super important for teens to feel safe opening up. We won't share the specifics of what your teen says unless there's a safety concern (risk of harm to themselves or others). We do provide general updates on progress and can include parents in sessions when helpful.
How involved are parents in teen counseling?
It varies based on your teen's needs. Parents typically join for part of the first session to share concerns and history. After that, most sessions are individual with the teen, with periodic parent check-ins or family sessions as needed. We'll find the right balance together.
How do I know if my teen needs counseling?
Signs include: mood changes, withdrawing from friends or activities, declining grades, sleep changes, increased irritability, excessive worry, mentions of self-harm or hopelessness, eating habit changes, or just a sense that something is off. Trust your instincts – if you're worried, its worth exploring.
How much does teen counseling in Castle Rock cost?
Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. Many families get reimbursed through out-of-network insurance benefits – we partner with Mentaya to help you recover a significant portion of your costs. Visit our FAQs page to learn more about insurance reimbursement.
Do you offer online teen therapy?
Yes! We offer secure telehealth sessions for teens throughout Colorado. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person and gives your teenager the flexibility to connect from the comfort of home. Many teens actually prefer the virtual format.
What's the difference between teen counseling and adult therapy?
Teen counseling is specifically designed for the adolescent brain and experience. It addresses developmental challenges unique to this age – identity formation, peer relationships, academic pressure, family dynamics, and the intense emotions that come with puberty. The approach is more flexible and meets teens where they are.
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 teenager.
Book a Free ConsultationOr call us at (720) 663-8046
Helpful Resources for Parents & Teens
We've written extensively about teen mental health. These articles can help you understand what your teenager might be going through: