Teen Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Struggles in Houston

I provide therapy for teens in Houston who are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, school stress, relationship challenges, or major life changes. I also work closely with parents who are trying to understand whether what they’re seeing is part of normal adolescence or a sign that extra support may help.

If you’ve noticed changes in your teen’s mood, behavior, or engagement with life, you’re not alone. Many parents reach out asking the same question:

“Is this just teenage stuff, or is something more going on?”

When to Consider Therapy for Your Teen

Adolescence is emotionally and developmentally intense. Mood swings, frustration, and withdrawal can be part of growing up. But sometimes those changes signal deeper distress.

You may want to seek support if you’ve noticed one or more of the following:

• Significant changes in mood, appetite, or energy

• Withdrawing from friends or isolating beyond typical transitions

• Ongoing stress, worry, panic, or irritability

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches with no clear medical cause

• Grief or loss, such as death, divorce, or a major move

• Trouble at school, including falling grades or disciplinary issues

• Bullying, either as a target or as an aggressor

• Angry outbursts or destructive behavior

• Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed

• Major changes in sleep patterns

• Talking about self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you’re seeing several of these, therapy can provide support before things escalate further.

How Therapy Helps Teens

Teens carry a lot: academic pressure, social stress, identity questions, and intense emotions. Many simply haven’t been taught how to manage all of it.

I use an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), explained in plain language and adapted for adolescents. The goal is not to control emotions, but to help teens relate to them differently and take meaningful steps forward.

Here are six core skills teens build in therapy.

1. Making Space for Big Emotions

Teens learn to notice and name emotions instead of pushing them away or being overwhelmed by them.
“Feeling nervous doesn’t mean I can’t handle this.”

2. Not Believing Every Thought

Self-criticism and worst-case thinking are common during adolescence. Therapy helps teens step back from thoughts rather than treating them as facts.
“Just because I thought I failed doesn’t mean I did.”

3. Staying Present

Rather than spiraling into regrets or “what ifs,” teens learn grounding skills that help them stay focused on what’s happening right now.
“I can stay here instead of worrying about what people might think.”

4. Understanding They Are More Than Their Emotions

Teens learn that emotions come and go, but they are still whole and capable.
“I feel anxious today, but that’s not all of who I am.”

5. Clarifying What Matters

We explore values such as kindness, honesty, effort, or connection, and use those values to guide choices.
“Being a good friend matters to me, so I’ll reach out even if it’s uncomfortable.”

6. Taking Action, Even When It’s Hard

Instead of waiting to feel confident or ready, teens practice taking small, brave steps toward what matters to them.
“This scares me, but it matters, so I’m doing it anyway.”

Working With Parents and Teens

Therapy is not about fixing your teen. It is about helping them understand themselves, build resilience, and navigate difficult moments without shutting down or giving up.

A strong therapeutic relationship is essential. If a teen does not feel safe, understood, and respected, therapy will not be effective.

That’s why I offer a free 30-minute consultation. This gives you and your teen a chance to meet me, ask questions, and get a sense of how I work before committing to ongoing sessions.

There is no pressure, just a conversation to see if this feels like the right fit.

Getting Started

If you’re unsure what the next step should be, I’m happy to talk it through with you.

You can schedule a free 30-minute consultation or book a session directly through my secure client portal.