Helping Teenagers Heal, Grow, and Thrive
Is Your Teen Struggling and You’re Not Sure How to Help?
Being a teen today is harder than ever—and as a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your struggling teen without knowing how to reach them.
At Solway Psychology, we support teens who are:
- Constantly worried or overwhelmed with anxiety
- Struggling with depression, sadness, or isolation
- Caught in emotional outbursts or mood swings
- Facing pressure and stress at school or in academics
- Battling low self-esteem or negative body image
- Navigating identity questions around gender or sexuality
- Experiencing family conflict or difficulty communicating at home
- Recovering from trauma or life transitions like divorce or relocation
- Engaging in risky behaviors such as substance use or self-harm
- Feeling lost, lonely, or misunderstood by those around them
A licensed clinical professional counselor can provide the specialized support your teen needs to navigate these challenges.
We understand how exhausting it can be to manage these challenges on your own. But you don’t have to. You and your teen deserve support—and things can get better.
Common Signs That Your Teen May Need Therapy
As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to determine if your teen needs therapy. However, there are some common signs that may indicate that your teen is struggling with mental health issues. These signs include:
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Increased anxiety or stress
- Low self-esteem or self-worth
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it may be beneficial to seek the help of a teen therapist.
Teen Therapy Can Help Your Teen Feel Like Themselves Again
Therapy offers a space where teens can feel heard, understood, and empowered—without fear of judgment, especially when dealing with emotional distress. Our work with adolescents focuses on helping them:
- Learn healthy ways to manage anxiety, stress, and anger
- Develop tools to cope with depression and negative thinking
- Build self-confidence and a stronger sense of identity
- Strengthen relationships with family and peers
- Navigate academic stress and set achievable goals
- Understand their emotions and learn to regulate them
- Heal from trauma and reclaim a sense of safety and control
Teen counseling is crucial in providing a safe space for adolescents to express their emotions and learn coping strategies.
We help teens rediscover hope, resilience, and the strengths they already carry inside. Therapy is not about “fixing” them—it’s about helping them feel seen and supported on their journey.
Common Reasons Teens Begin Therapy for Mental Health Concerns
Many parents search for guidance when they notice changes in their teen’s mood or behavior. Some of the most common signs that it’s time to reach out include:
- Difficulty concentrating or a drop in school performance
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Self-harming behaviors or talk of suicide
- Explosive anger or intense emotional reactions
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
- Trouble adjusting to a recent move, divorce, or major change
- Questions about gender, sexual identity, or sense of self
- Cyberbullying, peer conflict, or social anxiety
Chicago teen therapists offer specialized therapy options for teenagers, making it easier to find the right support for your child.
Every teen is different—and so are the reasons they come to therapy. Whatever your child is facing, they don’t have to face it alone. Counseling psychology plays a crucial role in developing tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of teens.
Family Therapy and Its Role in Teen Mental Health
Family therapy is an essential aspect of teen mental health. It provides a safe space for the entire family to communicate, work through issues, and develop healthy relationships. A family therapist can help the family understand the root of the teen’s mental health concerns and develop strategies to support their recovery. Family therapy can also help to improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase empathy and understanding.
Our Therapists Understand Teens—And How to Help Them Heal
At Solway Psychology, we’ve walked alongside countless teens and families who felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or scared. Our experienced teen therapists offer a safe and welcoming space where adolescents can open up, be themselves, and grow.
Our therapists are also highly skilled in treating children, providing comprehensive therapeutic services tailored to address a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges.
Dr. Hallie Vishny, PsyD (Berger), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Dr. Vishny blends warmth and empathy with creative, engaging therapeutic techniques like music and art therapy. Her relational and psychodynamic approach helps teens explore emotions, process experiences, and develop the insight they need to make lasting change. Teens feel truly seen in sessions with Dr. Vishny—and supported every step of the way.
Dr. Gabi Granoff, PsyD
Known for her collaborative and authentic style, Dr. Granoff builds strong therapeutic connections with teens while exploring how early experiences and relationships shape who they are today. She also incorporates body-oriented approaches to help clients process emotions holistically and reclaim calm from the inside out.
Plus more therapists in our practice.
The Solway Psychology Approach to Teen Therapy
We know that no two teens—or families—are alike. That’s why we tailor therapy to fit your child’s unique needs, personality, and goals, recognizing the complexities faced by young people.
Our therapists draw from evidence-based and creative methods including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to challenge negative thinking patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – to build emotional regulation and interpersonal skills
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to help teens accept difficult feelings and commit to values-based actions
- Play Therapy and Art Therapy – especially useful for younger teens or those who struggle to express emotions verbally
- Music Therapy – to tap into emotional expression through sound and creativity
- Psychodynamic Therapy – to explore deeper emotional patterns and gain insight into behavior
We also provide support to young adults navigating the transition into adulthood, addressing their unique challenges such as emotional distress, identity exploration, and relationship dynamics.
We also involve parents when appropriate, offering guidance and strategies to support your teen’s growth outside the therapy room.
What to Expect from the First Appointment
The first appointment with a teen therapist can be intimidating, but it’s essential to remember that it’s a safe and non-judgmental space. During the first appointment, the therapist will typically:
- Introduce themselves and explain the therapy process
- Ask questions about the teen’s mental health concerns and goals for therapy
- Assess the teen’s mental health and develop a treatment plan
- Discuss the importance of confidentiality and boundaries
It’s essential to remember that the first appointment is an opportunity for the teen to get to know the therapist and feel comfortable opening up.
Specialized Therapies for Teens
There are several specialized therapies that can be beneficial for teens, including:
- Psychodynamic Therapy: helps teens build self-esteem through identifying thought patterns and behaviors
- Commitment Therapy: helps teens develop a sense of purpose and direction
- Play Therapy: helps teens express and process their emotions through play
- Family Counseling: helps the entire family communicate and work through issues
- Eating Disorder Treatment: helps teens struggling with eating disorders develop healthy relationships with food and their body
A teen therapist can help determine which specialized therapy is best for your teen’s specific needs.
Ready to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health?
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Early support can make a lasting difference in your teen’s confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Reach out today to help your teen thrive.
We’re here to answer your questions, match your teen with the right therapist, and support your family every step of the way.
Schedule a free phone consultation and book an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Therapy
How do I know if my teen really needs therapy?
It’s normal for teens to experience emotional ups and downs, but when challenges start interfering with their daily life—like school performance, sleep, relationships, or self-esteem—it’s time to consider support. If your teen is withdrawing, frequently overwhelmed, or showing signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral struggles, therapy can make a meaningful difference.
What age range do you work with?
Our therapists work with adolescents typically between the ages of 12 and 18. For younger children, we offer developmentally appropriate therapies like play or art therapy. If you’re unsure whether your child is the right age for therapy, feel free to contact us and we can help guide you.
Will I be involved in my teen’s therapy?
Yes. While we create a safe, confidential space for teens to express themselves, we also believe in collaborating with parents when it’s clinically appropriate. Your involvement might include check-ins, family sessions, or guidance on how to support your teen at home—while still respecting their autonomy.
What approaches do you use in teen therapy?
Our therapists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based and creative approaches, including:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- Play, Art, and Music Therapies
- Psychodynamic Therapy
We tailor treatment to your teen’s unique personality, needs, and goals.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your teen’s needs and goals. Some teens make progress in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll regularly check in with you and your teen to review progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Do you offer virtual therapy for teens?
Yes, we offer secure teletherapy sessions for teens who prefer to meet from home. This can be especially helpful for busy families, teens with social anxiety, or during times when in-person visits aren’t possible.
What if my teen doesn’t want to go to therapy?
It’s common for teens to feel unsure or resistant at first. Our therapists are skilled at meeting adolescents where they are—gently building trust and helping them feel comfortable. Often, just one or two sessions is enough to break the ice and shift their mindset about therapy.
How do I get started?
It’s easy to take the first step.
Schedule a free phone consultation to talk with our team, get your questions answered, and find the best-fit therapist for your teen. We’re here to help you feel confident about the path forward.