Are you the parent of an adolescent or teen who struggles with behavioral setbacks, emotional distress, or not feeling accepted by their peers? Have you noticed symptoms of depression—such as mood swings, lack of motivation, or isolation from others—impacting your teen’s ability to foster connections and find fulfillment in life? Or are you concerned that high-pressure academic or social environments cause your child to feel anxious and distressed?

Maybe your adolescent or teenage child has expressed not feeling heard or seen at home, school, or elsewhere in their daily lives. They may struggle to identify or communicate their emotions, or perhaps their default emotional response has become shutting down or lashing out.

Perhaps you’ve noticed symptoms of depression creeping into your teen’s life. They may sleep too much or complain of not being able to sleep at all. As a result, they are likely sluggish and unmotivated on a daily basis. They may become agitated and irritable when confronted, have difficulty focusing, or perhaps they’ve become increasingly isolated from others. It’s possible that they have developed body-image issues or disordered eating patterns. You may also wonder if your teen has low or diminished self-confidence, self-esteem, or self-worth.

On the other hand, your teen may be struggling with anxiety. You might notice that they feel uncomfortable when meeting new people or fear new experiences. It could be that your teen’s anxiety has become so acute that they experience symptoms of a panic attack when triggered, such as a racing heart, trouble breathing, and excessive sweating.

Life at this age can be difficult. The world places so much expectation and pressure on adolescents and teens while at the same time forcing them to navigate the many personal, social, and hormonal transformations taking place. It can often feel like there is no safe refuge from feelings of stress and rejection that often accompany the milestones of growing up.

But in counseling, your teen can learn to identify and verbalize their emotions so that they can face the path ahead with confidence and optimism.

Depression And Anxiety Have Become Increasingly Common Among Teens

Given the many hurdles that teens have to navigate, it’s no wonder that anxiety and depression are common obstacles to this population’s mental health. Navigating life’s ups and downs can be hard at any age, but as adolescents begin the process of developing into who they are, certain emotional and cognitive symptoms can become particularly challenging.

Not to mention, today’s youth face unique obstacles in the process of maturation. Aside from the increasing pressure to achieve and compete, cultural factors have complicated many teens’ ability to thrive.

For instance, even with its many benefits, technology has introduced the world of social media and cyberbullying—instilling in today’s youth a toxic comparison culture that compromises healthy self-esteem. Moreover, particularly for adolescents, teens, and even younger children, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the course of their education and future on a global scale.

Despite these setbacks, there remains an expectation for this population to be resilient, successful, and always making progress. As a result, many teens struggling with mental health don’t seek the help they need out of fear of stigmatization or a self-imposed obligation to overcome challenges on their own. They may feel unsafe opening up or asking for help from the adults around them. And without knowing it, well-meaning parents, teachers, and coaches can add to the mounting pressure that teens feel on a daily basis.

Yet, there is a refuge in counseling where your teen can come and feel heard and accepted no matter where they are in life—and it exists at SafeSpace.

Therapy Gives Teens A Chance To Build A Trusted Connection That Can Help Clarify Their Strengths And Values

Life as a teenager does not allow for many opportunities to feel free of pressure and expectation. However, therapy offers a rare chance to come exactly as is—without fear of judgment. Whereas your teen is likely surrounded by adults (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.) who have agendas for their success, our therapist at SafeSpace, Deborah, is an independent entity who affords your child a chance to remove themselves from everyday life to help them feel more secure and comfortable in themselves.

Beginning with an intake, your teen’s therapist will ask specific questions to help them understand presenting symptoms, family dynamics, and goals for counseling. Depending on your child’s needs and comfort level, we may include you (as a parent or caregiver) in the intake process to offer any meaningful insight that can help to inform the therapist’s approach to treatment.

From there, the goal of therapy will be to foster a trusted therapist-client relationship with your child so they can feel safe to explore emotions, relationships, and challenges. Together with their therapist, your teen will begin to develop skills to enhance their self-awareness and communication.

At SafeSpace, Deborah draws from a wide range of methods to help inform our approach to teen counseling. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) gives clients a chance to reframe beliefs and self-perceptions more positively, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. In addition, psychoeducation may be used to help your teen understand their development and how certain challenges are affecting them on a psychological level.

We may also incorporate mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques to help your child manage stressors. With all of these tools in mind, your teen will have a chance to cultivate healthy coping skills and increased confidence in their decisions.
At SafeSpace, Deborah has decades of combined experience guiding teens through the process of therapy. We understand your child’s unique place in their life, the tools they need to overcome adversity, and the skills required to be successful within their relationships both now and for the future ahead.

With therapy, your teen can begin their process of healing so they can clarify who they want to be and how to get there.

What Insurance and Payment Options are Accepted?

BlueCross and BlueShield PPO Aetna (POS / PPO-type plans) Cigna United Healthcare Some EAPs (Employee Assistance Plans) Out of Network** (when available) Sliding scale options may be available for those who qualify Private Pay
What Are Your Rates?

Avg Cost (per session): $175-200 Limited sliding scale sessions available Out of pocket payment available if insurance is not used
What Forms of Payment are Accepted?

Cash Check Secure Credit Card Processing directly through your Therapy Portal at no additional cost to you
What Will Happen in my First Therapy Session?

Taking the first step on a new path to improved mental health can make some clients nervous. For some, establishing a therapeutic relationship may be one of the most difficult aspects of treatment. SafeSpace has created this Q & A to break it down one step at a time and make this transition easy for you. Setting up your appointment is very similar to what you would expect from any healthcare provider. Before your first session, you will be sent paperwork to enter into our system. Forms will include information regarding practice procedures and consent for treatment. Filling out the forms is simple, straightforward, and can be completed online. You will receive an email with detailed instructions for these forms. When it is time to come to the office or for your first session, you will find a comfortable waiting room that is open for you 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Please feel free to help yourself to snacks or water while you wait for Deborah to introduce herself. There is no need to check in. When you initially meet Deborah, you will be able to get to know her and get a feel for the interpersonal connection. You do not have to open up with your deepest secrets in the beginning of therapy. Feel free to take your time to get comfortable by talking about your favorite restaurants, activities, or television shows. The first session or two are likely more structured than usual as Deborah will be gathering general background information in order to get a better understanding of who you are and how you have gotten to where you are in your life. She will want to understand why you are seeking treatment and any other important information you feel comfortable sharing. Then, when you feel ready, you and Deborah will discuss what you’re looking to get out of therapy and set goals of treatment. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, Deborah is committed to facilitating a seamless transition into therapy, so you can focus on your path to mental wellness.
What Will Happen After my First Session?

Once a treatment plan has been established, you will begin working on your goals with Deborah. Most clients attend treatment once a week, although this varies depending on need and availability.
How Long Does a Therapy Session Last?

Most sessions last about 55-60 minutes.
How Long Will I Have to Attend Therapy?

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. For some, therapy is a short term journey, while others might have a longer path. That being said, you and Deborah will usually know when you are approaching the completion of your current therapy journey. There is no right or wrong time, as wounds heal in their own time. Remember, though, that Deborah is here for you throughout this process, whatever it may look like.
How Does Confidentiality Work Within Therapy Practices?

Confidentiality is a requirement of mental health professionals on both a state and national level. Therapists are bound by law to keep information discussed within sessions, as well as the fact that the client is attending sessions, private. A Release of Information form can be requested by a client at any time should the client choose to have Deborah discuss their treatment plan with other health care professionals. This Release may also be rescinded at any time with a signature from the client. There are rare cases when Deborah may be required to break confidentiality. The most common cause for breaking confidentiality occurs when she believes the client’s safety is at stake. If a client intends to act on life-threatening plans, Deborah will typically seek a higher level of care for her client in order to advocate for their needs and ensure their safety. Other situations that would require Deborah to break confidentiality include the intent to harm others, or abuse of children or elder populations.
What's the Difference Between: A Psychiatrist; Social Worker; Counselor; Psychologist?

In many states, Social Workers and Counselors often work side by side. Both can work with a wide variety of clients to help reach therapeutic goals. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in prescription medication for psychological health. A psychologist in a group practice usually has a doctorate and specializes in assessments and psychological testing. Together, although all professionals may specialize in slightly different things, we aim to work together to provide the best possible, most well-rounded care for clients.
Do You Offer Telehealth?

Both in person and virtual appointments are available to clients. If a client prefers to meet with Deborah online, SafeSpace recommends checking with your insurance provider to be sure of coverage prior to the beginning of treatment. Deborah will send you an invitation to the telehealth platform via secure text or email to ensure encrypted private sessions online.
How is SafeSpace Different Than Other Psychotherapy Practices?

At SafeSpace our motto is Deborah is a licensed professional psychotherapist with decades of experience in the field. She is expertly trained to accompany you on your journey toward mental wellbeing and maintenance of that wellbeing. Deborah's company is thoughtfully called SafeSpace; a pledge to her clients that the space is an intimate sanctuary, free of judgment at all times. Deborah will meet you right where you are, and to support you on your wellness path to wherever it is you choose to go.

Peace And Healing Are Possible For Your Teen

If your teen struggles with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or emotional stressors, therapy at SafeSpace can foster new awareness and increased self-esteem. To schedule an intake or to learn more about how we can help, please fill out a contact form or call (630) 551-8602.

Teen Counseling

Is Your Teen Battling With Despair, Feelings Of Overwhelm, Or Self-Doubt?