Are you worried about your teen’s behavior? While it’s normal (and healthy) for teens to assert their independence, you may have noticed concerning red flags that they are struggling.
Red flags for teens:
- Isolation from peers or friends
- Academic underachievement
- Increased video gaming
- Poor stress management/perfectionism
- Difficulty with relationships (family, peers, and friends)
- Chronic anxiety, fear, and worry leading to panic attacks
Individual Counseling for Teens can Help
Our expert teen counselors can help your teen break free from self-destructive patterns. Counseling can help your teen:
- Create healthy balance with school, socializing, and leisure
- Discover inner strengths and resilience
- Strengthen their relationships with family, friends, and peers
- Develop effective studying habits
- Improve self-confidence
- Envision a future of success
What makes our Chicago teen counselors different?
Our teen counselors specialize in video game addiction counseling.
It can be hard to know when video gaming crosses the line from leisure to an addictive behavior. If you are worried about your teen’s ongoing gaming behavior. We’re here to help.
We support the family system.
If you are worried about your teen, we are here to provide support and guidance while you navigate the challenges of loving someone who is challenged with self-destructive behaviors. We are here to help you understand the "why" of your teen’s behavior while designing a path forward. We offer strategies that WORK for parents who are worried about their teenagers.
Frequently asked questions about Individual Teen Counseling:
Q. Can I attend the intake consultation?
We set aside 80 minutes for each new client intake - including for teen clients. Your teen’s counselor may have you join the first part of the consultation to provide consents (where required) as well as important background information. The counselor may then ask to meet with your teen one on one, which is important to build trust and rapport.
Q. I’m a teenager. Can I get counseling without involving my parent?
Clients who are between the ages of 12-16 may see a counselor for outpatient mental health counseling for up to 8 sessions without having parental consent. However, your counselor may require your parent’s consent if they believe that it is in your best interest to involve your parent. If you are at least 17 years old, you do not need consent from a parent to receive counseling unless you are considered the ward of a guardian. Please note that if you are using medical insurance under a parent, your parent will receive a document from your insurance company notifying them of your participation in treatment.
Q. I am a single parent who wants counseling for my teen. Do I need consent from my teen’s other parent?
Generally, we require written consent from both parents of a teenager in order to provide treatment. The exception is if you have a court document indicating that you are the sole decision maker for your teen’s medical care.
Q. What kind of communication can I expect from my teen’s counselor?
It’s important to us that we protect your teen’s privacy, while also involving parents and family members when this is in your teen’s best interest. Your teen’s counselor will review the scope of disclosure of information at intake.
Q. As a parent, how can I get guidance on the best way to help my teen?
We have counselors who specialize in counseling parents of teens. Our parent counselors may be able to work with your teen’s counselor to coordinate a schedule that allows you to see a parent counselor while your teen gets treatment.
Q. How do I get started?
You can schedule an appointment by calling (312) 715-8234. Our Intake Coordinator will answer your questions and match you with the best counselor to meet your needs.