Teen Counseling

Adolescence is a critical period in child development that is often misunderstood, or even dreaded, by parents.  We see adolescence as an exciting time of self-discovery and opportunity.  Our tools and strategies are based on the latest research and science about young people and how they flourish.  Little Light’s counselors have extensive education in child development, parenting approaches, communication skills and relationships. 

Information for Teens

Are you a teen who is interested in counseling services? We are so glad you’re here. It’s an amazing thing to do to ask for help. Life can be so hard and having someone to talk to can make even the hardest things easier. Your life matters and the future can be brighter.

Some of our clients have told us that the hardest part of all was talking to their parents about getting started with counseling. Maybe you feel like they won’t understand? Maybe you’re afraid that you’ll tell them what’s going on and they won’t believe you or get you help? We find that most parents want to help, and to make it less intimidating check out this resource:

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress, reach out for help.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988—for English or Spanish—to connect to trained counselors in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.  Lifeline Chat also connects you to counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information services in English and Spanish. For deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, dial 1-800-487-4889.

Important: Confidentiality and privacy are top priority at Little Light Counseling.  We respect your right to privacy and keep the sessions themselves confidential. You are the one who will be able to decide what to share or not to share and who is allowed to attend your sessions. Our counselors are mandatory reporters. If a client is a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or there is suspected child abuse in your home — those things are different and would require your counselor to tell someone.

Information for Parents

Parents are a vital part of our team approach to wellness.  We believe it’s best when parents are actively involved in the therapeutic process.   Simply put, outcomes are better when parents understand the therapeutic focus, and what we are working to accomplish.  Your loving support on the home front makes all the difference in the world.

We employ Certified Youth Mental Health Specialists who are trained in the latest methods, and educated about the most recent research as it applies to working with kids and teens. We have specialty training in working with neurodivergent kids and teens. We have an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist on staff as well as an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services provider. We know how to best help these unique kids and you as their parents.

For Parents Only!   Our classes and workshops can help you develop your parenting mojo!  We can teach you tools for managing these turbulent times with your child that really work! 

Academic struggles, physical and emotional challenges and familial conflict are all too familiar during this sometimes-rocky stage of life.  Many young people struggle to feel good about their looks, their grades or their relationships. Teens are faced with decisions that can affect the rest of their life and this causes stress, issues with alcohol and substance abuse, and isolation.  Struggles with anxiety and depression are all too common, and suicide remains the second-leading cause of death in this age group.

The United Health Organization tells us that in 2017, “there were more than 6,200 suicide deaths among adolescents and young adults ages 15-24, making it the second-leading cause of death for that age group.”

If your son or daughter has talked about suicide it is important to treat this as the life-threatening issue it is!

Research shows that teenagers do not idly mention suicide.  Nor is it a way to manipulate or control their parents.  Studies show that many teens who mention suicide attempt suicide.  Please take this seriously and call for help today!

Know the signs:  4 out of 5 suicide deaths are preceded by warning signs including:

• Suicidal threats

• Previous suicide attempts

• Preoccupation or obsession with death

• Depression

Here is another valuable resource to post on your fridge and put in your child’s phone today:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988—for English or Spanish—to connect to trained counselors in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 988. 

Having a safe place to talk about struggles and problems can make a huge difference during this emotional and challenging period of development.  If your child has mentioned counseling or seems to be having a tough time, give us a call.

Important: Confidentiality and privacy are sacrosanct at Little Light Counseling.  We respect the teen’s right to privacy and keep the sessions themselves confidential. Your child is the one who will be able to decide what to share or not to share and who is allowed to attend their sessions. Our counselors are mandatory reporters. If a client is a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or there is suspected child abuse those things supersede session confidentiality.