Adolescent Therapy

Adolescence can be a challenging stage of life, marked by rapid changes in identity, emotions, and relationships that often bring feelings of anxiety, depression, academic stress, family conflict, or struggles with self-esteem. For some, these difficulties can feel overwhelming and impact daily functioning, friendships, and overall well-being. Adolescent therapy with Dr. Anna Cariello provides a supportive and safe space where teens can process their experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier coping mechanisms, while families gain tools to strengthen communication and connection.

Manage Anxiety Effectively

Develop Healthy Coping

Build Healthy Friendships

Table of Contents

Therapy Is Crucial for Many Adolescents

Therapy provides a space to address the pressures and challenges that can easily become overwhelming during adolescence. Teens today often face a mix of academic demands, social pressures, identity exploration, and emotional struggles that, if left unaddressed, may contribute to long-term difficulties.

Professional support helps adolescents recognize and express their feelings, navigate conflicts, and learn coping strategies that promote resilience. By intervening early, therapy can not only ease current struggles but also lay the foundation for healthier emotional and relational patterns that benefit them well into adulthood.

How to Prepare For Your Teen's First Visit

Mental Health Issues We Can Treat

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are some of the most common concerns for adolescents that interfere with daily functioning and emotional stability. Teens may struggle with overwhelming worry, sadness, or even panic attacks that disrupt school, friendships, and family life. Therapy provides a structured approach to understanding these feelings, identifying triggers, and learning healthier coping mechanisms that restore balance and foster hope.

Behavioral Issues

Behavioral issues can affect both the adolescent and their family, especially when challenges with emotional skills make it difficult to handle frustration or conflict. These struggles often impact daily life, preventing teens from developing the healthy habits needed to thrive. For individuals with complex needs, therapy offers personalized strategies that help improve behavior, enhance communication, and support long-term growth.

Academic Stress

Academic stress can weigh heavily on young people, as the pressures of school performance and expectations may trigger anxiety, self-doubt, or burnout. Therapy provides targeted support to help adolescents manage these challenges, build confidence, and strike a balance between achieving their goals and maintaining personal well-being. With the proper guidance, teens can navigate academic demands without sacrificing their mental health.

Family Conflicts

Family conflicts are common during adolescence as teenagers seek independence while navigating the changing roles within their homes. These family issues can create tension, miscommunication, and emotional distance, often leaving both parents and teens feeling unheard. Therapy creates a space for open dialogue, helping families strengthen their bonds, improve understanding, and rebuild trust.

Low Self-Esteem and Body Image

Low self-esteem and body image concerns often affect how teens see themselves, influencing their relationships and behaviors. In therapy, adolescents are offered a safe environment in which to explore their feelings, challenge harmful beliefs, and develop self-acceptance. With professional guidance, they can build confidence and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Grief

Experiencing grief or trauma during adolescence can deeply impact emotional development, often leaving lasting effects if not addressed. Experiencing grief during adolescence can deeply affect emotional growth, often creating long-term challenges if left unaddressed. Whether caused by the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or other hardships, grief can feel overwhelming. Compassionate counseling helps adolescents process their pain, develop healthy coping skills, and find a path toward healing and acceptance. Therapy provides support to restore balance and nurture resilience as they move forward.

Trauma

Trauma in adolescence – from childhood experiences, sudden events, or ongoing hardships – can disrupt emotional and psychological development if not addressed. The effects may surface as anxiety, instability, or difficulty trusting others. Through compassionate counseling, adolescents can learn coping strategies, process their experiences in a safe environment, and rebuild a sense of stability and strength. Therapy fosters healing and equips them with the tools to move forward with resilience and confidence.

Social Challenges and Peer Pressure

Social challenges and peer pressure can create confusion, stress, and self-doubt for teens who are still forming their identities. Without support, these experiences may lead to risky behaviors or isolation. Through therapy, adolescents develop effective coping strategies and receive guidance that empowers them to make informed decisions, build confidence, and foster meaningful friendships.

Self-Harm

Self-harm is a serious concern for adolescents, often used as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions they cannot yet express. Therapy provides a supportive space where teens can feel comfortable opening up about their struggles without fear of judgment. With professional help, they learn safer ways to manage distress and work toward long-term emotional healing.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders often appear in adolescence and can be linked to deeper struggles with self-worth, control, or other mental health conditions. Addressing these challenges in therapy involves understanding symptoms, building awareness, and fostering a path toward healing. Through compassionate care, adolescents can rebuild their relationship with food and body image while learning healthier coping mechanisms.

ADHD

Adolescents with ADHD often struggle with focus, impulsivity, and managing daily routines, which may affect school performance and relationships. Therapy helps teens develop strategies to build structure, improve attention, and enhance their self-confidence. With consistent support, they can learn practical tools that promote success both in and outside the classroom.

Sleep Problems

Sleep problems can significantly affect an adolescent’s ability to learn, manage emotions, and maintain focus throughout the day. Therapy helps uncover the root causes of disrupted sleep—whether linked to anxiety, stress, or habits—and equips teens with practical strategies to restore balance. With improved sleep, they can achieve better mental, emotional, and physical health.

Identity Issues

Identity issues often emerge during adolescence as teens explore who they are and how they fit into the world. Without support, these struggles may impact confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment where adolescents can cultivate a stronger sense of self, foster self-acceptance, and feel empowered in their personal growth.

Substance Use

Substance abuse among adolescents can arise from curiosity, peer influence, or as a way to escape emotional pain. Therapy helps teens recognize the risks, uncover the root causes of substance use, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. With structured support, adolescents can regain control, rebuild trust with their families, and create a healthier path forward.

Building Healthy Relationships

Learning to form and maintain positive connections is crucial during adolescence, yet many individuals struggle with establishing and maintaining boundaries, trust, and effective communication. With professional help, teens can explore what makes relationships supportive and fulfilling. Therapy ensures that they feel safe while developing these skills, laying the foundation for stronger friendships, family bonds, and future partnerships.

Life Transitions

The transition from child to young adult brings new responsibilities and pressures that can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. Whether adjusting to changes at home, school, or in social settings, therapy provides a supportive environment for navigating these shifts. Adolescents learn how to manage stress, adapt to change, and approach the future with resilience and confidence.

Preparation For Divorced Parents

How Are Therapy Sessions Organized?

Adolescent therapy sessions with Dr. Cariello are available in person at her private office or online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, allowing younger teens to process emotions in ways that feel natural and supportive. Building a trusting relationship is always the foundation, as this creates the comfort necessary for adolescents to share their concerns openly.

While therapy for adolescents remains confidential, parents are involved in the overall treatment process. Part of the work with teens includes supporting healthier communication and understanding within the family, helping parents and adolescents navigate challenges together. This collaborative approach fosters stronger connections, encourages positive changes at home, and reinforces the strategies learned during individual sessions.

Depending on what each patient is facing, sessions may incorporate a combination of the following methods:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Narrative Therapy (NT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Psychodynamic Therapy

This personalized and integrative approach helps teens develop effective coping strategies, enhance their self-understanding, and progress toward long-term emotional growth.

Benefits of Teen Therapy

Therapy provides adolescents with the guidance and support they need to navigate life’s challenges while building emotional resilience. Whether they are struggling with school pressures, family dynamics, or mood disorders, therapy creates a safe space for teens to explore their feelings and develop healthier coping skills. Benefits include:

Improved ability to manage anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
Stronger communication and conflict-resolution skills
Better self-esteem and body image
Healthier coping strategies for stress, grief, and trauma

Enhanced focus and motivation for school and daily responsibilities
A stronger sense of identity and self-acceptance
Improved relationships with family and peers

Cost of Teen Therapy

The cost of adolescent therapy ranges from $100 to $300 per session, depending on the provider’s experience and specialization. In areas such as Salt Lake City, rates may vary slightly, but families can expect transparent pricing and flexible options. Working with licensed therapists ensures that adolescents receive evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs, making therapy a meaningful investment in long-term mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Cariello is an
Experienced Specialist
in Teen Issues

Finding the right therapist can make all the difference for teenagers navigating complex emotional and developmental challenges, and Dr. Cariello offers the expertise and compassion to guide them through this critical stage of life. With over 15 years of experience, she is extensively trained in evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, while also embracing a holistic approach that considers mental, emotional, and physical health concerns. Her work emphasizes resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships, providing adolescents with the tools they need to thrive in the face of stress, uncertainty, and personal growth.

FAQs

Do you prescribe medication?

No, I do not prescribe medication. As a clinical health psychologist, my focus is on providing therapy that addresses mental and emotional health through evidence-based approaches. However, if your care would benefit from medical input, I collaborate closely with trusted providers who can support medication management when needed.

Do you treat patients throughout the United States?

Yes, I am authorized to provide therapy in most states across the country through PSYPACT, a system that ensures psychologists meet the highest standards of care for interstate practice. This allows me to work with adolescents and families almost anywhere in the U.S. Please note, however, that I am not currently able to practice in Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Massachusetts, or New York (until its legislation becomes effective).

Do you treat adolescents who have undergone residential treatment and need ongoing care?

Yes, I provide ongoing support for adolescents transitioning out of residential treatment programs. My approach involves tailoring evidence-based therapies to each individual’s needs and adapting them to the patient’s developmental stage. This helps teens continue their progress in a structured, supportive environment while learning to integrate new skills into everyday life.