Find a Teens Therapist

Understanding teen counselling and how it can help

Teen counselling refers to therapeutic support designed for young people in adolescence, typically from early teens through the late teens. This period involves rapid emotional, social and cognitive development, and many young people face challenges that can affect their mood, behaviour, relationships and school life. Counselling for teens focuses on helping you explore what is happening for you now, build coping skills, and develop practical strategies to manage stress, relationships and transitions.

Therapy does not aim to give a single answer but to offer a space where you can talk, be heard and try out new ways of handling difficult situations. Practitioners who specialise in working with teenagers adapt language, activities and goals to match your age and preferences, so sessions often feel different from adult therapy. You may work alongside parents or carers at times, or keep some sessions just for you depending on your needs and what feels most helpful.

How teenage difficulties commonly present

Young people experience distress in many ways. You might notice shifts in mood that last longer than usual, trouble sleeping or changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating at school, withdrawal from friends and family, or increased irritability. Some people experiment with risky behaviour, have overwhelming worry about exams or friendships, struggle with low self-esteem, or find it hard to manage anger. Traumatic experiences, bereavement, parental separation, identity exploration, and neurodevelopmental differences can all contribute to a young person seeking support.

When symptoms begin to interfere with everyday life - for example by affecting attendance at school, relationships or safety - it is a clear signal to look for help. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on 999 or use local urgent mental health services. For non-urgent guidance you can contact NHS 111 or ask your GP about local child and adolescent mental health services often known as CAMHS.

Signs that someone might benefit from teen therapy

You might consider talking to a counsellor if difficulties are ongoing or getting worse despite attempts to cope on your own. Signs include persistent low mood, intense anxiety or panic that affects daily life, regular self-harm or thoughts of harming yourself, sudden changes in sleep or eating patterns, or a noticeable drop in performance or motivation at school. Relationship problems with family or peers, confusion about identity, and problems adjusting after a traumatic event are also common reasons young people seek help.

Therapy can also be appropriate for parents who are worried about their teenager and want support in how to respond constructively. Practitioners will discuss what is shared with parents and what remains between you and the counsellor, and they will explain any legal or safeguarding responsibilities such as when they must act to protect safety.

What to expect in teen therapy sessions

Your first session usually involves an assessment where the counsellor asks about what brings you now, your history, your strengths and what you would like to change. This helps them set collaborative goals with you. Early sessions concentrate on building rapport so you feel comfortable and understood. Counsellors use a mixture of talking, activities and sometimes creative or behavioural tasks that suit your age and interests.

Sessions are typically weekly and last between 40 and 60 minutes, though this can vary. Progress is reviewed regularly and goals are adjusted as you go. Counsellors will explain how they record basic session notes and how they manage information, including when they might need to involve parents or other professionals for safety or wellbeing reasons. If you are under 16, the counsellor will assess your capacity to make decisions and discuss how parents are involved, following UK guidance such as Gillick competence principles.

Common therapeutic approaches used with teens

Therapists work from a range of approaches, often combining methods to fit what you need. Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT helps you notice patterns of thinking and behaviour and practice different responses. Counselling that is person-centred focuses on listening and supporting your own problem-solving. Family therapy involves parents and siblings to improve communication and relationships, while systemic work looks at how wider relationships affect you.

Dialectical behaviour therapy informed approaches can be useful for managing intense emotions and improving coping skills. Trauma-focused therapies, including evidence-based interventions for traumatic memories, are used when past events continue to affect daily life. Art, music or play-based therapies may be offered for younger teens who find non-verbal expression easier. The key is that the approach is adapted to your developmental stage and personal preferences.

How online therapy works for teenagers

Online therapy offers a flexible way to access support without travelling to a clinic. Sessions usually take place over video calls or messaging, and some therapists offer blended care with face-to-face and online meetings. To make online work well, choose a quiet, comfortable environment where you will not be interrupted and check that your device and internet connection are reliable. Therapists typically explain how recordings, notes and data are handled and use protected, encrypted platforms to protect your conversations.

For under-18s, online therapy follows the same safeguarding and consent rules as in-person work. Therapists will confirm location and emergency contact details at the start of each session, so they know how to respond if you are in crisis. If you prefer messaging or shorter check-ins between sessions, many practitioners can arrange that as part of a plan that suits your needs.

Tips for choosing the right teen therapist

When choosing a counsellor, look for someone who has experience working with teenagers and training in relevant areas such as adolescent mental health, safeguarding and trauma. Check professional registration or accreditation with bodies such as BACP, HCPC or similar UK organisations, and ask about their supervision arrangements and ongoing professional development. Consider practical matters such as whether they offer online or face-to-face appointments, session length, fees and cancellation policies.

It is also important to find someone who understands identities and backgrounds similar to yours - for example cultural, religious or LGBTQ+ experiences - and who will respect your perspective. Many therapists offer a short initial conversation so you can ask about their approach and feel whether you would get on with them. Trust your instincts - if a therapist does not feel like the right fit, it is okay to try another one until you find someone who makes you feel heard and supported.

Preparing for your first session and next steps

Before your first appointment, think about what you would like to achieve from therapy and any immediate concerns you want to raise. You can jot down examples of situations that are troubling you and note questions about how the therapist works with parents or school. If cost is a concern, ask about sliding-scale fees, low-cost services or NHS options. After a few sessions you should have a clearer sense of whether the approach is helping and what the next steps might be.

Therapy is an active process that takes time, but finding the right practitioner can make a real difference in how you manage challenges and move forward. If you need urgent help at any time, contact emergency services on 999 or use NHS 111 for immediate advice. For non-urgent support you can speak to your GP about referrals to local child and adolescent services or explore counsellors listed below to arrange an initial conversation.