Therapy For Teens

with Beginner’s Mind Psychotherapy

in-person therapy in San Mateo and online across California

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With over 15 years of experience supporting teens and families, our first goal is always to build an alliance with your teen, because real progress starts with 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?

We know how painful it is when your child shuts you out. You’re doing your best, but nothing seems to work. The more you try to connect, the more distance you feel. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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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

Let's Talk

When your teen pulls away, we help you find the way back to them.

Our 3-Step Alliance 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.

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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 Therapy With Us Looks 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 within 90 days and deeper progress by six months.

We use evidence-based approaches that give both teens and parents practical skills:

  • Builds emotional regulation and communication skills; helps teens and parents tolerate distress without shutdowns or blow-ups.

  • Identifies and shifts unhelpful thought patterns; supports realistic self-talk and problem-solving.

  • Encourages intrinsic motivation; helps teens take ownership of change.

  • Teaches awareness and calm; reduces reactivity and improves focus.

  • Creates structure and accountability at home; helps parents reinforce positive behavior with clarity and confidence.

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"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
— E.E. Cummings

Results From Therapy With Us

In Working With Our Therapists, Teens Often Report:

  • Feeling less alone

  • More stable moods

  • Fewer impulsive or high-risk behaviors

  • Confidence in managing stress

Parents Notice:

  • 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 for one another.

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Our Teen Therapists

  • Erica Nelson, LCSW

    Erica Nelson, LCSW

    As a working mom in the Bay Area, I understand the stress teens and families face.

    More About Me
  • 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.

    More About Me
  • Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC

    Laura Yu, LMFT, LPCC

    My experience includes working in elementary and middle schools as a therapist.

    More About Me

  • Fill out our contact form. We’ll respond quickly and answer any questions you have.

  • Meet with us for three sessions to decide if this process feels right for your teen and family.

  • 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.

Contact Us