Supporting Teen Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know

Adolescence is a time of massive growth, self-discovery, and emotional change. But for many teens, it's also a time of heightened anxiety, identity exploration, and social pressure. At The Feeling Space, we provide compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy for teens across California—offering both telehealth and in-person support in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West LA, and Pasadena.

Why Teen Mental Health Matters

Mental health challenges in teens are more common than many parents realize. According to the CDC, one in five teens struggles with a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Left unaddressed, these issues can impact academic performance, self-esteem, relationships, and long-term emotional well-being.
Teens today are navigating a complex world—balancing academic demands, social media pressures, identity development, and sometimes trauma or family stress. It’s no surprise that so many teens feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to turn.

Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between typical teenage behavior and a mental health concern. Here are a few signs that your teen might benefit from therapy:

• Withdrawing from friends or family
• ​Persistent irritability, sadness, or mood swings
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Drop in academic performance
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling overwhelmed
• Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth
• Risky behaviors or substance use

Early support can help your teen build resilience, process their emotions, and develop healthy coping tools.

What Is Teen Therapy Like?

At The Feeling Space, we provide a warm, affirming environment where teens feel safe to show up as themselves—without judgment or pressure. Our therapists are trained in a range of trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, including:

• EMDR and Brainspotting for trauma and anxiety
• ​DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotion regulation
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore inner conflict
• ​Mindfulness and somatic therapy to strengthen mind-body awareness
• Creative and expressive arts for teens who connect better nonverbally

We also work closely with parents and caregivers (with your teen’s consent) to create supportive strategies at home.

Supporting Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ Teens

We’re proud to offer neurodivergent-affirming care—meaning we don’t pathologize difference. Instead, we honor each teen’s unique brain, learning style, and sensory experience. Whether your teen has ADHD, is on the autism spectrum, or is exploring their identity, we create a space of validation and understanding.
Many of our clients also identify as LGBTQIA+, and we know how important it is for queer and questioning teens to work with therapists who affirm their identity and experience.

Therapy Can Help Teens:

• Develop emotional regulation and coping tools
• ​Build self-esteem and confidence
• Heal from trauma or bullying
• ​Navigate social and academic stress
• Explore identity in a safe, affirming environment
• ​Improve communication and relationships

We’re Here to Help

If your teen is struggling, they don’t have to go through it alone—and neither do you. At The Feeling Space, we’re here to support you both. We offer therapy for teens online across California and in-person in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West LA, and Pasadena.
Whether your teen is facing anxiety, trauma, school stress, or just needs a space to process, we’d be honored to help.

​Interested in teen therapy in California?

Reach out to us at www.thefeelingspace.me or call 424-274-0518 to learn more or schedule a free consultation.

BOOK A FREE 15 Minute consultation