Child & Teen Therapy in California
A place to feel understood while growing into who they are.
Therapy for children and teens navigating anxiety, big emotions, relationships, school stress, family changes, and the complicated work of growing up.
WHEN YOUR CHILD IS STRUGGLING
How Do I Know If My Child or Teen Needs Therapy?
Sometimes you can tell that something is wrong.
Your child is suddenly more anxious. Your teenager has withdrawn. School has become harder. Their emotions seem bigger, their confidence has changed, or they simply don’t seem like themselves.
Other times, it’s less obvious.
You notice little shifts and wonder whether they’re part of growing up or signs that your child could use more support.
And when you ask what’s wrong?
“I don’t know.”
Children and teenagers don’t always have the words to explain what they’re experiencing. Sometimes their emotions show up through behavior, relationships, sleep, school, irritability, avoidance or changes in the way they interact with the family.
Therapy gives young people a place to understand what they’re experiencing- and develop ways of navigating it that make sense for their age, personality and life.
ANXIETY IN CHILDREN & TEENS
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children and Teenagers?
Anxiety in young people doesn’t always look like saying, “I feel anxious.”
It may look like:
Avoiding school or activities
Needing frequent reassurance
Difficulty sleeping
Perfectionism
Stomachaches or other physical complaints
Irritability
Becoming upset by mistakes
Worrying about what others think
Difficulty separating from parents
Avoiding unfamiliar situations
Overthinking social interactions
Fear about school performance
Becoming overwhelmed by decisions
Sometimes an anxious child looks worried.
Sometimes they look angry, stubborn, avoidant or exhausted.
Understanding what may be happening underneath the behavior can help both the child and the adults around them respond differently.
OUR APPROACH
Therapy That Meets Kids & Teens Where They Actually Are
Children and teenagers are not miniature adults.
Therapy should reflect that.
At Alison Hunter Therapy, we approach young people with curiosity, respect and an understanding that trust cannot be demanded simply because an adult scheduled the appointment.
Depending on the child or teenager, therapy may involve conversation, reflection, experiential work, time outside, creative approaches or other developmentally appropriate ways of exploring what they’re experiencing.
For some young people, sitting face-to-face in an office and being asked to talk about their feelings isn’t the easiest way to connect.
When appropriate and available, nature-based and equine-assisted approaches may offer another way for young people to engage with therapy through movement, observation, relationship and the natural environment.
THERAPY ACROSS CALIFORNIA
Online & In-Person Therapy Across California
Our therapists provide online therapy throughout California, making it possible to access relational, individualized support from wherever you call home.
In-person, nature-based and experiential therapy services are also available in select Northern and Central California communities.
Therapy in Salinas
Explore therapy for adults, couples, children, teens and families in Salinas, California, including in-person services.
Connections Boarding Stables 22400 Indian Springs Rd
Salinas, CA 93908
Therapy in Auburn
Explore therapy services for individuals, couples and families in Auburn and the surrounding Northern California communities.
Therapy in Truckee
Find therapy in Truckee for relationships, anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions and other challenges, with virtual and select experiential options.
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You may consider therapy if your child is experiencing persistent anxiety, emotional or behavioral changes, difficulty at school, friendship problems, family conflict, withdrawal, low self-esteem or difficulty adjusting to a major change. You can also reach out simply because something feels different and you’re unsure what kind of support your child needs.
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There isn’t one universal age for beginning therapy. Whether therapy is appropriate- and what that therapy looks like- depends on the child’s development, concerns and needs. Younger children may engage differently than adolescents, and parent involvement may also be greater. A consultation can help determine whether individual therapy, parenting support or family therapy is the best starting point.
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It’s not unusual for teenagers to feel hesitant about therapy, particularly if the idea came from a parent. Building trust and giving teens an appropriate amount of voice in the process can be important. Your therapist can help you think through how to introduce therapy and whether parent support or another approach may make sense if your teenager is resistant.
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Children and teenagers need appropriate privacy for therapy to feel safe, while parents also need important information about their child’s wellbeing. Confidentiality and its limits can vary based on age, circumstances and legal or safety considerations. Your therapist should explain how communication with parents will work so both you and your child understand what to expect.
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Alison Hunter Therapy offers services for children and teenagers in California. Whether online therapy is appropriate depends on factors including your child’s age, needs, ability to engage virtually and the concerns being addressed. In-person and experiential options may also be available in select California locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen Therapy
RELATED THERAPY SERVICES
More Support for Children, Teens & Families
Parenting Support →
Understand your child while feeling more grounded in how you respond
Family Therapy →
Improve communication and address patterns affecting the whole family
Anxiety Therapy →
Support for worry, overthinking, avoidance & feeling overwhelmed
Life Transitions Therapy →
Support through moves, family changes, school transitions & new chapters
CHILD & TEEN THERAPY IN CALIFORNIA
Growing Up Is Complicated Enough.
They don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Therapy can give your child or teenager a relationship where they can feel understood, make sense of what they’re experiencing and develop greater confidence navigating the world around them.