Teen Counseling in Salisbury and Bethesda, Maryland
Teen counseling gives a young person a regular, private time with a licensed therapist to talk through anxiety, school pressure, mood changes, friendship problems or conflict at home, and to learn ways of coping. Parents are kept involved in an agreed way. We see teens at our Salisbury and Bethesda offices and by telehealth.
Who it helps
Worry that gets in the way of school, sleep or seeing friends
A teen who has lost interest in things they used to enjoy
Grades that have dropped sharply, or dread about going to school
More and more time spent alone, away from friends and family
Anger or mood swings that seem out of proportion
Constant arguments at home that leave everyone worn out
Why the teen years can be hard
Adolescence is a major period of brain development, and it comes with real changes in how young people think, feel and relate to others. Teens tend to focus more on peer relationships, and because the brain is still developing, they may respond to stress differently than adults do.
The pressures are real too. Common sources of stress for teens include school demands, negative thoughts about themselves, changes in their bodies, problems with friends, parents separating, moving or changing schools, and taking on too many activities.
Mental health conditions may also begin to appear during these years. That is one reason a lasting change in a teenager deserves attention. The encouraging part is that the teen brain is ready to learn and adapt, and most teens go on to become healthy adults.
What teens talk about in counseling
Parents who want to understand the school side of this may find our parent guide to teen anxiety and school stress helpful.
Anxiety: constant worry, panic, fear of being judged, or avoiding things that used to be easy
School stress: tests, grades, college pressure, falling behind, or not wanting to go
Mood changes: feeling down, flat, irritable or low on energy for more than a short spell
Friendships: falling out with a group, feeling left out, pressure from peers, or problems online
Family conflict: rules, trust, independence, divorce or a new stepfamily
Loss and change: a death, a breakup, a move, or an injury that ends a sport
For teens: what to expect
If you are the teen reading this, here is the plain version. A therapist is not a teacher, a parent or a judge. You will not be graded, and you do not have to talk about anything before you are ready.
The first meeting. The therapist asks what has been going on and what you would like to be different. A parent may be there for part of it. You can say as much or as little as you want.
Ground rules about privacy. Early on, the therapist explains what stays between the two of you and what they would need to share with a parent. Ask questions until it is clear.
Picking what to work on. You help set the goals. It might be sleeping better, feeling less panicked before tests, or fighting less at home.
Learning and trying things. Sessions are mostly conversation. You may also learn practical skills, such as relaxation exercises, rehearsing a stressful situation ahead of time, or answering harsh self-talk with a more neutral thought. Sometimes there is something small to try before the next visit.
For parents: your role
You stay involved. How that looks is agreed at the beginning, and often includes a parent joining part of some sessions or checking in with the therapist about goals and progress.
A teen needs to feel comfortable, safe and understood for therapy to be useful, and some privacy is part of that. Ask the therapist how information from sessions will be shared with you. The limits are clear: if there is a risk of harm to your teen or someone else, or abuse is suspected, the therapist must act.
At home, it helps to listen carefully, watch for signs that your teen is overloaded, and model your own ways of handling stress. If conflict at home is a large part of the picture, family therapy can be added so that everyone works on it together.
Warning signs that should not wait
Some changes call for prompt attention: talk of suicide or self-harm, self-injury, repeated use of alcohol or drugs, extreme dieting or fear of weight gain, or threats to run away. Contact a mental health professional if you notice these.
If your teen is in crisis or you think they may be in danger, call or text 988 or call 911. Our office does not provide emergency services. More options are listed on our crisis resources page.
Everyday habits that support a teen's mental health
Enough sleep on a regular schedule. Many teens do not get enough, which makes it harder to pay attention and manage impulses.
Regular meals and physical activity.
Time with friends who help them cope in a positive way.
Breaks from stressful situations: music, drawing, writing or time with a pet.
Appointments, telehealth and cost
Teens are seen in person at our Salisbury and Bethesda offices and by telehealth. Many teens are at ease on video. Telehealth depends on where your teen is located during the session, so ask when you call. They will need a private space where they will not be overheard.
We accept a number of insurance plans. Coverage depends on the plan, so please verify benefits before the first visit. Self-pay fees and our Sliding Fee Program, which is based on household income and family size, are explained on the insurance and fees page.
When a specific concern stands out, your teen's therapist may draw on approaches described on our anxiety therapy and depression counseling pages. To ask a question or request a first appointment, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
My teen refuses to go to counseling. What can I do?
Start by asking what they are worried about. Common fears are being judged, being forced to talk, or having everything reported back to parents. Explain that the first visit is a chance to meet the therapist and decide how it feels. Giving your teen some say, such as office or video, can help. Avoid presenting counseling as a punishment.
Will the therapist tell me what my teenager says?
Not word for word, in most cases. Teens usually need some privacy to speak openly, and parents still need to know how things are going. The therapist will explain at the start how information is shared, and you should ask until you are comfortable. Safety concerns are different: a risk of harm or suspected abuse must be acted on.
How do I tell normal teenage moodiness from something more?
Look for a change that lasts and that affects daily life. Examples include a marked decline in school performance, big shifts in sleep or eating, pulling away from friends and family, losing interest in things they enjoyed, or strong worries that interfere with school or social life. These can be signs that an evaluation would be useful. They are not a diagnosis.
Does insurance cover teen counseling?
Often, but the details depend on your plan. Call the member number on your card and ask about outpatient mental health benefits for your teen, the copay and any deductible. If you are paying yourself, our self-pay rates are published, and a Sliding Fee Program based on household income and family size may reduce the cost.
Can my teen have sessions by video?
Yes, telehealth appointments are available through both offices, depending on where your teen is located during the session. Ask when you call. Video works when your teen has a private place, a steady connection and headphones if others are home. Some families use a mix of office and video visits around school and activities.
How often will my teen go, and for how long?
You, your teen and the therapist decide together. Weekly sessions are typically recommended at the beginning. How long counseling continues depends on what your teen is working on and how things go, so we cannot give a number in advance. Goals are reviewed along the way so everyone can see what is changing.
Is medication part of teen counseling?
Counseling itself is talk therapy and does not involve medication. Whether medication has any place in a young person's care is a decision for a prescriber and the family, not something this page can advise on. If you have questions about that, raise them with your teen's therapist or doctor.
Ready to talk with someone?
Call 443-978-8688 or request an appointment. We see clients in person in Salisbury and Bethesda and by telehealth across Maryland.
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health: The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Stress Management and Teens
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: When To Seek Help For Your Child
National Institute of Mental Health: Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
