Teen Therapy
Adolescence is a season of profound change—a time when the shift from childhood to young adulthood can feel overwhelming for both teens and their families. If you’ve noticed your teenager withdrawing, struggling with academic pressure, or navigating intense emotional highs and lows, you don’t have to manage it alone. At Placer Therapy, we provide a modern, relatable, and evidence-based approach to Teen Therapy. Our goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where your teen can build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and rediscover their confidence.
Helping your teenager navigate the challenges of adolescence
Watching your teenager struggle can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. You might be seeing sudden “moodiness” that feels deeper than typical teen angst, a drop in grades that doesn’t match their potential, or a growing silence at the dinner table that leaves you wondering where your child went. These aren’t just phases to “get through”; they are signals that your teen is overwhelmed by the unique pressures of modern adolescence.
The Reality of the "Tumultuous" Teens
Adolescence is a naturally tumultuous time. It’s a period of rapid physical and emotional shifts where the old ways of communicating often stop working. You aren’t looking for a lecture on brain development; you’re looking for a way to help your child get back on track.
Social Withdrawal
Spending more time alone or retreating behind a closed bedroom door.
Academic Struggles
A sudden drop in grades or a complete loss of motivation for school.
Emotional Volatility
Frequent outbursts, irritability, or intense "highs and lows."
Anxiety & Stress:
Feeling overwhelmed by social media, peer pressure, or future planning.
Relationship Tension
Increased conflict at home or difficulty maintaining healthy friendships.
Hormonal Intensity
Biological shifts during puberty act like a "volume knob" for emotions
Meet Your Therapist: Bethany Hays
Bethany Hays, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
# 154801
Supervised by Megan Paterson LMFT #53371
Bethany is passionate about supporting teens and their families through the most challenging and transformative moments of adolescence. With extensive experience working with students from middle school through high school, she understands the unique pressures of these developmental years—from navigating shifting identities to managing complex new relationships.
Appointment Availability
- Mondays, Thursdays afternoons and evenings
- Saturday mornings
Teen Focus
- Specializes: Teens (middle school, high school, college)
- Anxiety, Attachment issues, school-related issues, peer pressure, child-parenting relationship and grief/loss, end of life transitions
What to Expect in Therapy
Moving forward together through teen therapy is a collaborative process that shifts the focus from “fixing” a problem to building lifelong emotional resilience. Success depends on creating a partnership between the teen, their parents, and a therapist who understands the unique developmental stage of adolescence.
Engaging a therapist for your teenager can yield profound benefits for you as a parent as well. Rather than just treating the adolescent, professionals often serve as collaborative coaches for the family, equipping caregivers with effective methods to navigate challenging behaviors, co-regulate intense emotions, and establish healthy boundaries.
- Reduced Stress and Conflict: Successful therapy often leads to fewer power struggles and more productive conversations, creating a more functioning and peaceful home environment.
- Relief from Self-Blame: Many parents struggle with guilt or a sense of failure. Therapy can help them realize that many mental health challenges are not a result of their parenting, allowing them to focus on support rather than self-criticism.
Therapy provides a confidential environment where teens can express thoughts they might not feel comfortable sharing with parents or peers. This “judgment-free” adult relationship allows them to be completely honest about their struggles without fear of “lectures” or punishment.
- Healthy Coping Strategies: Instead of turning to risky behaviors—such as substance use, self-harm, or social withdrawal—teens learn constructive ways to handle stress and anxiety.
- Building Identity and Self-Esteem: Therapy encourages self-exploration, helping teens discover their unique strengths and values apart from external validation like social media “likes” or grades. This fosters a more balanced self-image and greater confidence.
Therapists are legally required to share information to keep people safe. This includes: 1. If a client is at risk of seriously harming themselves, 2. If there is a risk of harm to someone else, 3. If there is suspected child abuse or neglect. These are called “limits of confidentiality” and are discussed at the start of therapy.”
It depends on your custody agreement and the type of consent needed. Set up a consultation with your therapist to discuss your specific situation. Joint legal custody-we do require contact information from both parents. Sole legal custody-We do require the court order, and the parent with the legal custody can usually consent on their own. Therapists will also consider what is in the best interest of the teen, including safety, family dynamics, and legal guidelines.
Helpful information
Here are a few great links to help you get started.