Teen services.


Individual Therapy

 

Being in middle or high school can be tough. Maybe you’re experiencing stress at school, problems with friends or family, or just starting to view the world through a different lens. Our teen therapists are dynamic and passionate about helping you navigate through this period of life. We specialize in working with teen stress, including gender and sexual identity exploration, issues surrounding racial identity, acculturation, general frustration, self-harm, angst, academic anxiety, and most things in-between.


Group Therapy

 

Teen groups have three formats: skills training, process focused, or a hybrid of both. Skills training groups are more like being in a class where the focus is to learn new coping skills. Process or hybrid groups may have some skills training, but are more designed for creating a safe and inclusive community to speak more deeply about shared struggles. Your therapist will review the expectations for each group type if it is recommended to help support your treatment goals.


Parent/Guardian Involvement

 

We ask that a parent or guardian participate in the initial intake appointment to help with understanding the teen and their environment. After that, your clinician may or may not reach out to you for more information or periodic updates depending on your teens needs. We will ask that teens allow us to contact you for billing and scheduling.


WA Laws

 

The age of consent for psychotherapy is 13. This means that teens are considered to be “in charge” of their treatment. They determine how much information, if any, and how involved that parents can be in their treatment. Teens sessions are fully covered under confidentiality laws and we don’t provide regular updates on their progress unless the teen wants us to. Please note that risky behaviors are covered under confidentiality and may not be disclosed unless there is concern of imminent risk, or danger to self or others.

TL;DR (we know it’s a lot of information)

  • Per state law, ages 13 + must agree to enrolling in therapy and will be asked to complete intake paperwork.

  • Teens are fully “in charge” of their treatment and how much we are able to communicate with parents.

  • We will ask that you sign a Release of Information allowing us to speak to your parent/guardian about billing and scheduling.

“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.”

—Audre Lorde