Teen Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
A safe space for your teenager to work through whatever they're facing – with a therapist they'll actually want to talk to.
Book a Free ConsultationBeing a teenager is hard. It's always been hard – but today's teens are dealing with pressures that didn't exist a generation ago. Social media, academic stress, world events, and the aftermath of pandemic years have created a mental health crisis among young people.
If your teen is struggling – whether it's anxiety, depression, anger, withdrawal, or something you can't quite put your finger on – you're not alone. And neither are they.
Teen counseling gives your teenager a private space to process what they're going through with someone who isn't their parent, teacher, or friend. Someone trained to help them understand themselves, build coping skills, and work through whatever is making life feel so hard right now.
You're Worried About Your Kid
You've noticed changes. Maybe they're more irritable, withdrawn, or anxious. Maybe their grades are slipping or they've stopped doing things they used to love. You want to help, but they won't talk to you – or when they do, it ends in an argument. We can help.
Things Feel Harder Than They Should
Maybe you're not even sure what's wrong – just that something is. Or maybe you know exactly what's wrong but have no idea how to fix it. Therapy isn't about someone telling you what to do. It's about having a space where you can figure things out without judgement.
What We Help Teens With
Teenagers face unique challenges, and we're experienced in working with all of them:
Anxiety
Constant worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, perfectionism, or the feeling that something bad is always about to happen.
Depression
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless. Loss of interest in things that used to matter. Trouble getting out of bed or through the day.
Social Media & Comparison
The pressure to look perfect, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and the way screens can make everything feel worse.
School Stress
Academic pressure, test anxiety, college worries, motivation struggles, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Figuring out who you are, feeling "not good enough," body image struggles, or questions about identity and belonging.
Friendships & Peer Issues
Drama, exclusion, bullying, toxic friendships, or struggling to connect and make friends in the first place.
Family Conflict
Constant arguments at home, feeling misunderstood by parents, adjusting to divorce, blended families, or family stress.
Trauma
Past or recent experiences that still affect you – abuse, assault, loss, accidents, or things that feel too big to process alone.
LGBTQ+ Support
A safe, affirming space to explore identity, navigate coming out, deal with family reactions, or just be yourself without judgment.
⚠️ If Your Teen Is In Crisis
If your teen 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 – reach out to schedule.
Signs Your Teen May Need Support
When to Consider Counseling
It can be hard to know what's "normal teen stuff" versus something more. Trust your gut – if something feels off, it's worth exploring. Here are some signs:
How Teen Counseling Works
What to Expect
Free Consultation
A 15-minute call (usually with parents) to discuss what's going on and see if we're a good fit. We'll answer your questions and explain how the process works.
First Session
Parents typically join for part of the first session to share concerns and history. Then your teen gets one-on-one time to start building a relationship with their therapist.
Ongoing Sessions
Most sessions are individual with your teen. This is their space to open up, process, and build skills. We'll check in with parents periodically on progress.
Parent Involvement as Needed
Depending on your teen's needs, we may include family sessions or parent check-ins. We'll find the balance that works best for your family.
A Note on Confidentiality
Why Privacy Matters for Teens
For therapy to work, your teen needs to feel safe being honest – even about things they might not want to tell you. That's why we keep what they share confidential, with a few 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 private. We will give you general updates on progress and goals – you won't be left completely in the dark. But the specifics of what they talk about? That's between them and their therapist. This isn't about keeping secrets from you. It's about giving your teen a space where they can truly open up.
EMDR Therapy for Teens
When Talking Isn't Enough
Sometimes teens have been through things that are hard to put into words – or they've tried talking about it but 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 particularly effective for teens dealing with:
Carissa is EMDRIA-certified, meaning she's completed advanced training in EMDR and is experienced using it with teenagers.
Learn more about EMDR therapy →Related Services
Depending on what your teen is working through, these specialized approaches may also be helpful:
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 – teens can tell when someone is being fake, and she's not. She meets them where they are without judgment or lectures, and she's skilled at building trust even with teens who are reluctant to be there. When deeper work is needed, she's trained in EMDR to help process trauma and stuck patterns effectively.
Learn more about CarissaAward-Winning Care
Voted Best of the Best in Mental Health for Castle Rock in 2024 and 2025.
Teens Actually Like Her
Carissa builds genuine connections with teenagers – no lectures, no judgment.
EMDR Certified
Advanced training for processing trauma, anxiety, and painful experiences.
In-Person & Telehealth
Meet at our Castle Rock office or via secure video – whatever works best.
Common Questions About Teen Counseling
What ages do you work with?
We work with teenagers ages 13-17. Each teen is different, and we tailor our approach to meet them where they are developmentally and emotionally.
Will my teen actually talk to a therapist?
Most teens are hesitant at first – that's completely normal. But therapy isn't about being forced 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 looking forward to their sessions.
Will you tell me what my teen says?
Confidentiality matters for teens to feel safe opening up. We won't share 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. Typically, parents are involved in the initial 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: changes in mood, sleep, or appetite; withdrawing from friends or activities; declining grades; increased irritability or anger; mentions of self-harm or hopelessness; excessive worry; or just a sense that something is off. Trust your instincts – if you're worried, it's worth exploring.
How much does teen counseling cost?
Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. Many families get reimbursed through their out-of-network insurance benefits. Visit our FAQs page to learn how Mentaya can help you recover a significant portion of your costs.
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 a Free ConsultationOr call us at (720) 663-8046