Common Questions

Question 1

What age range do you see for teen therapy?

Accepted Answer

We work with teens from approximately age 13 through 18. College-age young adults (18–25) are often well served by our college student services, though we're flexible based on individual circumstances. Younger children have a somewhat different treatment approach and may be seen by therapists who specialize in child development.

Question 2

My teen refuses to come to therapy. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Start with a consultation for yourself. Understanding what's driving your teen's resistance — and how to present therapy in terms that make sense to them, not just to you — can significantly change whether they engage. We work with parents directly, even before their teen walks in the door.

Question 3

How involved will I be in my teen's treatment?

Accepted Answer

Very involved, especially at the start. We meet with parents separately to understand the history and family context, share our clinical thinking, and work on how you respond to the behaviors that concern you. As treatment progresses, the balance shifts — teens need to develop their own relationship with their therapist. But you remain part of the picture throughout.

Question 4

How do we know whether this is a phase or something that needs treatment?

Accepted Answer

Duration, severity, and functional impairment are the key indicators. If symptoms have persisted for more than a few weeks, are affecting school, relationships, or sleep, or have led to behaviors that worry you, a clinical assessment is warranted. You don't need certainty to make the call — that's what the assessment is for.

Question 5

What will my teen share with the therapist that I won't hear about?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality applies to most of what teens say in session — that's intentional, and it's what allows teens to be honest with their therapist. The exceptions are serious safety concerns: risk of harm to themselves or others, or abuse. If something rises to that level, we'll tell your teen before we tell you. Outside of that, what's said in session stays in session.

Question 6

Do you treat substance use in teens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Substance use in adolescence — including cannabis, alcohol, and other drugs — is within our scope. We use motivational interviewing, CBT, and contingency management approaches specifically designed to work with teens who may not see their use as a problem. Family involvement is usually a central part of teen substance use treatment.

Question 7

My teen uses cannabis but says it helps with anxiety. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

It can feel true in the short term — cannabis does reduce acute anxiety in some people. The problem is that regular use consistently worsens anxiety and depression over time and significantly increases risk of more serious mental health problems. We take this question seriously rather than dismissing it, and we help teens and families think through it honestly.

Question 8

My teen has been to therapy before and says it didn't help. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is only as good as the fit and the approach. We'll be direct with your teen — not just reflect feelings back at them. If the approach we're using isn't working, we'll say so and try something else. Prior therapy that wasn't a good fit doesn't predict what happens here.

Question 9

Should I take away my teen's phone?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, but it depends. A complete removal often creates more conflict than it resolves and can eliminate legitimate social connection. A better question is usually: what is the phone displacing, and what need does it meet? We help families think through screen limits that are strategic rather than reactive.

Question 10

Can my teen do therapy sessions online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telehealth is available throughout Missouri. Some teens prefer it for the privacy and convenience; others do better in person. We'll figure out what works. In-person appointments are at our Saint Louis office; telehealth sessions can be done from home anywhere in Missouri.

Question 11

Do you accept insurance for teen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Our counseling services are out-of-network with insurance — we submit claims on your behalf as a courtesy, and many families receive partial reimbursement through their out-of-network mental health benefits. FSA and HSA funds can also be used. Psychiatric services — medication management, ADHD evaluation — are in-network with UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna.

Counseling for Teens

What Brings Families to Us

Anxiety and Depression

Substance Use

Screens and Social Media

Emerging and Serious Conditions

How We Work with Teens

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Family Involvement

Building Motivation

Contingency Management