When You’re Tired of Pretending You’re Okay
Therapy for Teens
Helping teens find their voice, face challenges, and grow with confidence
Supporting teens through stress, growth, and self-discovery
The teen years are full of transition—emotionally, socially, and developmentally. It’s a time of rapid growth, identity exploration, and increasing independence. But it can also be a time of emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, and pressure—from school, friends, family, and within.
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your teen’s emotional health, or a teen looking for a space to talk things through, we’re here to help.
MCCULLOUGH FAMILY THERAPY
Our Approach
We understand that trust is everything—especially for teens. Our therapists meet teens where they are with warmth, authenticity, and respect. We don’t lecture or push—we listen, ask, explore, and reflect. Our goal is to create a relationship where teens feel genuinely safe to talk, feel, and grow.
We tailor our work to each teen’s needs and communication style, using a mix of evidence-based modalities, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness and self-regulation tools
- Emotion-focused and trauma-informed care
- Narrative therapy and expressive approaches
- Identity-affirming and LGBTQ+ supportive practices
For teens, therapy often becomes a space to unpack what’s hard, name what matters, and begin to build a deeper sense of self.
authenticity
Involvement of Parents and Caregivers
Parents play an important role, especially at the start. We include caregivers early in the process to understand what’s been happening, share goals, and set up a structure that works for everyone. Depending on the situation and your teen’s preferences, we may include periodic parent check-ins, family sessions to strengthen communication and support progress at home, or simply for safety issues if they arise.
We always balance transparency with privacy. For teens to grow, they need space to talk freely—so we create clear agreements with both teens and caregivers around what’s shared, what’s confidential, and how to keep safety a priority.
MCCULLOUGH FAMILY THERAPY
Common reasons teens come to therapy
Teen therapy can support a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety, panic, and chronic stress
- Depression or low motivation
- Self-esteem and body image concerns
- School or academic stress
- Identity development (gender, sexuality, values)
- Peer relationships, social anxiety, or bullying
- Family conflict or difficulty with boundaries
- Grief, trauma, or major life changes
- Emotional regulation or impulsivity
- Self-harm or suicidality
We’re here whether things feel like they’re “falling apart,” or just off. There’s no issue too big or too small to bring into therapy.
Athena McCullough
OWNER | CLINICAL DIRECTOR
MA, LPC, LMFT
about us
THERAPY FOR TEENS IN COLORADO
Why choose
McCullough Family Therapy?
Here, teens can show up just as they are
Our therapists are experienced in working with adolescents and are actively pursuing advanced training to stay current in adolescent mental health. We understand how to support teens and their families through the ups, downs, and uncertainties of adolescence with empathy, humor, and skill.
Whether your teen is withdrawn, overwhelmed, or just needs someone outside of their family to talk to, we’re here to help them feel more in control, more hopeful, and more connected.
MCCULLOUGH FAMILY THERAPY
Therapists Offering Therapy for Teens
How do I know if my teen needs therapy?
You might notice changes in your teen’s mood, sleep, appetite, social life, or academic performance. They may seem withdrawn, irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed—or they may tell you they’re just “not okay.” Therapy can help whether they’re facing a specific challenge or simply need space to sort things out. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, we’re here to talk through it with you.
Will I (as a parent) be involved in therapy?
Yes, though your teen’s comfort and confidentiality matter too. We begin with a parent consultation to understand what’s happening and set goals. From there, we may include occasional check-ins, updates, or joint sessions depending on the situation. We aim to support both your teen and your role in their growth—while honoring their need for privacy and independence.
What if my teen doesn’t want to come to therapy?
It’s not uncommon for teens to feel uncertain or resistant at first. We approach those feelings with patience and respect. Many teens warm up quickly once they feel understood, not judged. We’re happy to meet with both parent and teen during the first session to ease that transition and build comfort together.
Is everything my teen shares confidential?
Most of what’s shared in teen sessions remains private, which helps build trust and gives your teen space to speak freely. That said, we always prioritize safety—if there’s any risk of harm to themselves or others, we’ll involve caregivers immediately. We also encourage teens to share with you when it’s helpful, and we offer guidance on how to do that. If we believe another treatment or modality could benefit your teen, we’ll talk with you directly to ensure they get the support they need.
How long will my teen be in therapy?
There’s no set timeline—some teens benefit from short-term support over a few months, while others continue longer depending on their goals. We regularly check in about progress and adjust the plan together. Therapy is most effective when it moves at the teen’s pace and feels collaborative, not forced.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ teens?
Absolutely! Our therapists are identity-affirming and trained to support LGBTQ+ teens in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Whether your teen is exploring gender, sexuality, or seeking support around identity-based stress, we create space where they can show up as their full selves.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Take the first step
Contact us today to learn more about our Teen Therapy services.
We offer in-person therapy sessions in Lakewood, CO.
Telehealth therapy is available across Colorado.