Therapy For Teens
in-person in San Mateo, online across California
With 15+ years of experience supporting teens and families, our first step is always an alliance because progress requires trust.
Do you feel like you’ve lost control of your relationship with your teen?
Does every conversation end in conflict or silence?
Do you sense something is wrong, but no one’s talking about it?
You’re doing your best, but nothing seems to work. The more you try to connect, the more distance you feel.
We know it’s painful when your child shuts you out.
Parents Come To Us When Teens Are
Struggling with anxiety or depression
Caught in perfectionism or self-criticism
Overusing screens
Feeling isolated
Coping with neurodivergence
Pushing away from family
Dealing with suicidal feelings or self- harm
When your teen pulls away, we help you find the way back to them.
Our 3-Step Process
Step 1: Build an Alliance with the Teen
We meet your teen where they are, create safety, and build genuine rapport. Our role is to believe and advocate for your teen, helping them feel seen and understood.
Step 2: Strengthen the Parent Connection
Parents are offered their own therapist to help process emotions and rebuild communication skills. You’ll learn new ways to engage without escalating conflict.
Step 3: Work as a Unified Team
Teen and parent therapists work together in-house so the family receives consistent care and support.
At Beginner’s Mind Psychotherapy, we take a unique, coordinated approach to teen therapy, one that includes both the teen and the parents while respecting privacy and trust.
Therapy is a place for your teen to feel heard by a trusted professional. Together, we’ll identify their discomfort, normalize it, and give you both the tools to move forward.
What Teen Focused Therapy With Us Is Like
Our sessions are goal-oriented and relational. We help teens express what’s really going on beneath the behavior while equipping parents with tools to respond effectively. Most families notice meaningful changes by 90 days and deeper progress in six months.
We use evidence-based approaches that give both teens and parents practical skills:
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Builds emotional regulation and communication skills; helps teens and parents tolerate distress without shutdowns or blow-ups.
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Identifies and shifts unhelpful thought patterns; supports realistic self-talk and problem-solving.
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Encourages intrinsic motivation; helps teens take ownership of change.
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Teaches awareness and calm; reduces reactivity and improves focus.
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Creates structure and accountability at home; helps parents reinforce positive behavior with clarity and confidence.
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
— E.E. Cummings
Therapy With Results
After Working With Us Teens Report:
Feeling less alone
More stable moods
Fewer impulsive or high-risk behaviors
Confidence in managing stress
Parents Report:
Fewer highs and lows
Clearer communication
A calmer home
Renewed confidence in handling challenges
Families describe reconnecting, not as the same people they were before, but with new understanding and respect.
Our Teen Therapist Team
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![Erica Nelson, LCSW]()
Erica Nelson, LCSW
As a working mom in the Bay Area, I understand the stress teens and families face.
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![Kira Goldenberg, ASW]()
Kira Goldenberg, ASW
I specialize in working with teenagers who stand out rather than fit in and young adults trying to find their footing.
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Lauren Schlezinger, ASW
I help children, teens, and adults navigate life’s challenges with clarity.
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![Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC]()
Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC
My experience includes working in elementary and middle schools as a therapist.
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Fill out our contact form. We’ll respond quickly and answer any questions you have.
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Meet with us for three sessions to decide if this process feels right for your teen and family.
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We’ll start by building trust with your teen and supporting parents in parallel, so everyone feels supported from day one.
3 Steps To
Get Started
If you’re ready to repair communication and restore peace at home, we’re here to help.