Watching your kid struggle and not knowing how to help? It’s one of the most helpless feelings in the world.

And when you finally hit that moment where you realize: This is bigger than me...

You don’t just want a therapist. You want the right one.

The one who truly gets what your teen is going through and knows how to meet them there.

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This guide is for the parent who’s Googled “teen therapy near me” at 1 am but closed the tab because it all felt like too much.

We’ve got you. Let’s break it down—without the overwhelm.

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Step 1: Start with your teen—not just for them

We know—getting your teen to pick an outfit is hard enough. Now you’re supposed to find a whole personality match?

Breathe. You don’t have to get this perfect—you just have to start the convo.

Here’s the deal: Teens aren’t going to open up to someone who makes them feel like a case file.

The therapist has to feel safe, real, and legit.

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Ask questions like:

"Do you want to be involved in picking someone?"

"Want to look at some bios together?"

"Do you care if they’re more chill vs. structured?"

Even if they shrug or say “I don’t care,” this lets them know: Hey, I see you. You matter in this.

When they’re involved—even a little—they’re way more likely to show up and engage.

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Step 2: Know not all therapy is created equal

Some therapists specialize in anxiety. Others in trauma. Some are amazing with neurodivergent teens, and others… not so much.

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Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider:

Approaches:

• CBT: Great for anxious thinkers who spiral fast‍
• DBT: Best for emotional regulation and impulsivity
• Trauma-informed care: For kids who’ve been through it (even if they don’t talk about it)
• Family therapy: When things at home feel like they’re cracking

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Formats:

• ‍In-person vs. virtual (Some teens do better behind a screen—it’s not avoidance, it’s comfort)‍
• Group vs. individual sessions

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Specialties to look for if your teen is:

• LGBTQIA+
• Dealing with self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Navigating a diagnosis like ADHD or autism
• Struggling with body image or eating habits
• Constantly online and showing signs of tech addiction

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Hot tip: Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, toss those terms into a Google search with your location.

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Step 3: Prioritize the vibe, not just the resume

Even the most credentialed therapist won’t work if your teen doesn’t feel emotionally safe with them. This is a relationship, not a transaction.

Yes, you’ll want someone experienced. But more importantly?

You want someone your kid doesn’t dread talking to.

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A good therapist will:

• ^‍Be transparent about confidentiality (they’ll let your teen know what’s private vs. what you’ll be looped in on)
• Encourage autonomy and trust
• Set boundaries and offer warmth

Hard truth: As a parent, you may not get all the updates you want.

But the goal isn’t to control the process—it’s to create a space your teen chooses to show up to.

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Step 4: Try before you commit

Therapy isn’t a first-date-forever situation.

Encourage your teen to do consults. Try a few intros.

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Ask questions like:

“What happens in a typical session?”

“How do you handle self-harm or suicidal thoughts?”

“What’s your approach if someone shuts down or doesn’t feel like talking?”

Give them space to feel it out. The right therapist won’t make them feel like a problem to be solved. They’ll feel like a person being heard.

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Final thoughts: You’re not failing—you’re showing up.

If you’ve looked at your kid and thought, I don’t know how to help them anymore, you are not alone. We’ve been there. And the fact that you’re here? Reading this? Means you haven’t given up.

You’re doing the hard work of getting your teen real support. And if you’re in one of our program areas?

Sanare’s got you.

Our Turning Point programs (formerly known as IOPs) give teens 4 days/week of group therapy—because sometimes once-a-week just doesn’t cut it.

With specialized tracks for trauma, identity support, and emotional regulation, we help teens go from survival mode to something way better: living for themselves again.

Ready to make the teen years a little lighter?

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When you contact Sanare:

We’ll get your teen scheduled for a consult within 48 hours

A licensed therapist will help determine which program—or trusted partner—is the best fit

Your teen will show up, get support, and finally feel seen