Therapy for Teens

A safe space for teens to navigate the chaos of growing up without having to perform for adults.

The Weight of Adolescence

Adolescence is a time of major change. Hormones bring new, overwhelming emotions. Academics become increasingly competitive. Social media can offer community to those feeling isolated, but it can also distort self-worth, body image, and values. On top of this, teenagers are in a developmental stage where they're struggling to figure out who they are, juggling individuation, defining what they care about, and trying to fit in.

Anger, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are common. These emotions can lead to perfectionism, self-harm, risky behaviors, substance use, or just going numb and "checking out."

Feeling like they are losing themselves is frightening not just for teens but for their parents watching it happen. It can be difficult to know how to help, especially when every attempt seems to push the teen further away.

How I Work With Teens

I offer teens a safe place to navigate their feelings, figure out who they are, and explore who they want to be. When appropriate, I also involve parents and other family members to help repair damaged communication and relationships. I can help your teen be happy, healthy, successful and safe.

Angry Young Men

Most people don't know what to do with them. Teachers write them off. Peers are freaked out. Parents lie awake running doom scenarios: Will he get expelled? Will he hurt someone? Will he become one of those stories on the news? The fear is intense - and isolating - for both the parents and their son.

Angry young men don't scare me. I was one. Angry at the world and myself, and acting out in dangerous ways.

Here's what I know from both lived and clinical experience: underneath that anger is always pain, fear, and a desperate need to be seen by someone who isn't going to flinch. These boys aren't broken. They just haven't been given the tools - or a safe space - to feel anything other than rage.

If your son is heading toward adulthood and you're worried about the man he's becoming, I can help. For more on how I approach the challenges men across all ages, visit the Men's Issues page.

What We Address

Anger. Underneath anger is usually pain. We'll gently explore the source of their hurt, give them a safe space to process it, then develop coping skills and a sense of self that allows them to move forward in healthier ways.

Depression. We'll explore feelings like hopelessness or worthlessness, uncover their origins, explore alternative and healthier perspectives, and develop effective ways of coping.

Anxiety. Worry, self-consciousness, or intense fears that negatively affect your teen's daily life. We'll develop tools to stop unwanted negative thought patterns and help your teen regain a sense of peace and well-being.

Stress. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and stress reduction techniques, we'll work toward a more balanced, calm mind for your teen.

Substance Abuse. Drug and alcohol use can become serious problems in the teenage years that follow into adulthood if not addressed. Whether your teen is ready to make a change or not there yet, I can help them sort out the underlying causes and determine a plan for a healthier, safer life.

Behavioral Problems. If your teen's feelings and emotions are causing them to act out or get suspended from school, I can help them uncover the core problems and create a plan for behavior change.

Low Self-Esteem. This can arise from specific experiences or come seemingly out of the blue. We'll address the intricacies of these issues and help your teen gain a stronger sense of self.

Trauma. Whether it's sexual or physical assault, a near-death experience, or witnessing violence, we'll process the emotional and psychological impact and work toward enhancing resilience and overall well-being.

Grief. The loss of a loved one, whether through death, moving away, or the ending of a relationship, can be particularly difficult during adolescence. I'll help your teen sort out their feelings and make sense of their loss.

I see teens in person at my Hermosa Beach office in the South Bay area of Los Angeles; at locations of your choice (such as home or park) in a concierge capacity; and via secure telehealth throughout California, including greater Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento.

If this sounds like what you're looking for, let's talk.

Your Therapist

Alex Douglas, LCSW 127148

15+ years in entertainment before becoming a therapist. EMDRIA-approved EMDR training. LGBTQIA+ affirmative.

About Alex Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

If your teen is withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, showing sudden changes in mood or behavior, struggling academically, or if you're finding it increasingly difficult to connect with them, these are all signs that therapy could help. You don't need to wait for a crisis.

Confidentiality is essential for building trust with teens. Alex Douglas, LCSW won't share the specifics of sessions unless there's a safety concern. He does involve parents when appropriate and keeps them informed about general progress and themes without breaking the teen's trust.

This is incredibly common. Many teens are resistant at first. Alex Douglas recommends framing it as something you're doing together to improve communication, rather than something 'wrong' with them. Most teens become more open after the first session or two when they realize it's a judgment-free space.

Alex Douglas's practice focuses on teenagers and adults. For younger children, he provides referrals to colleagues who specialize in child therapy.

Help Your Teen Find Their Way

Adolescence doesn't have to be a battlefield. Reach out to schedule a consultation.

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