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Child & Teen Counseling:
Creating a Safe Space for Understanding, Growth, & Hope

From Youth Counselors Near Me in Schaumburg,

Vernon Hills, & Crystal Lake

therapist talking to teenage patient
"Warm and extremely empathetic. They have helped my kids tremendously and worked on many ways to help manage their ADHD effectively."

-Karolyn K.

When Their World Feels Heavy, We’re Here To Help Them Heal.

You’ve tried everything to help your daughter, but her attitude won’t budge (and puts the entire family in a bad mood).

 

She gets angry at simple questions and stays in her room until dinnertime. 

 

She talks negatively about herself as she scrolls her phone, desperate for her life to mimic what she sees online. 

 

The pressure she feels to perform at school leads to debilitating anxiety, quickly spiraling to a deep level of sadness.

 

You realize it’s time for outside help – from a therapist who understands and validates how your daughter is feeling. 

 

Someone who gets to the bottom of her negative thinking (and teaches her to turn her thoughts around).

You need a mental health expert who helps manage how overwhelming her life always feels.

 

A counselor who arms her with coping skills she can use throughout her entire life.

 

All so your daughter can understand herself – and why she feels this way.

 

...so she can move forward with the tools, confidence, and peace she (and your family) deserves.

teen sitting on couch looking sad

They...

Signs Your Child or Teen Might
Need Counseling Support

  • Worry about school, friendships, or the future

  • Talk negatively 

  • Believe they’re not good enough

  • Have big emotions they can’t manage

  • Are always angry, sad, and/or frustrated

  • No longer enjoy activities they used to love

  • Have trouble keeping/making friends

  • Feel isolated and/or socially anxious

  • Are easily overwhelmed by stress

  • Don’t know how to cope with challenges

  • Have experienced a major life change/trauma

  • Struggle with school-related stress

  • Act out with aggressive behaviors

  • Won’t open up and shut down easily

  • Use self-harm or risky behaviors to cope

  • Are addicted to screen time

  • Seem sad, hopeless, or withdrawn

  • Have trouble sleeping

  • Feel misunderstood/disconnected from family

A therapist writing in a notebook when talking to the patient
"Amazing providers and staff! They’re always incredibly helpful and supportive."

-Julia H.

Their Well-Being Is Our Priority (Here’s What To Expect). 

We...

1 / Make Your Child Feel Seen (& You Feel Heard)

In the first session, we create a safe space and meet with you and your child/teen (together or separately, depending on their age) to get a full picture of what’s going on. Whether it’s anxiety, mood swings, school refusal, or something just feels off – we talk about what’s worked so far, and what hasn’t.

2 / Create a Solution-Focused Treatment Plan

Next, we come up with a personalized treatment plan based on your child or teen’s personality, strengths, and what they’re currently struggling with. The plan might include play therapy, CBT, mindfulness, or family sessions – all geared toward helping them thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

3 / Support Their Journey At Every Stage

Whether your child or teen needs a few sessions to get back on track or long-term support, we monitor their progress and check in regularly to update you. Therapy is a process, and we’re with you every step of the way – at every stage you need us.

Because They Deserve to Feel Confident, Capable, & Understood

We Provide Child & Teen Counseling Services For...

  • ADHD & Attention Challenges

  • Anger & Emotional Regulation

  • Anxiety & Panic Disorders

  • Autism Spectrum Support

  • Behavioral & Impulse Control Issues

  • Bipolar & Mood Disorders

  • Emotional Well-Being

  • Complex Mental Health Concerns

  • Depression & Persistent Sadness

  • Divorce & Life Transitions

  • Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health & Substance Use)

  • Family & Relationship Conflicts

  • Gender Identity & LGBTQIA+ Support

  • Grief, Loss & Healing

  • Mood Disorders

  • OCD & Intrusive Thoughts

  • Oppositional & Defiant Behaviors

  • Parenting Challenges & Stress

  • Phobias & Fears

  • PTSD & Trauma Recovery

  • Self-Esteem & Confidence Building

  • Self-Harm & Emotional Coping Skills

  • LGBTQIA+ Support

  • Stress Management & Resilience

mom sitting on couch with child while drawing
"I feel like I finally found a mental health office that meets my needs for progress."

-Jessie

parents sitting with child on couch smiling

An Approach That Builds Strength & Delivers Hope

Being a kid is hard. Especially when you don’t have the tools to solve emotional roadblocks like frustration, fear, anger, and sadness. That’s why we give your child or teen the skills they need to overcome tough issues (so they can move through their day with much more ease). 

teen sitting thinking

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 Noticing and changing negative thoughts that affect how your child/teen feels and acts.

CBT helps them replace “I’m going to fail this test” learns how to challenge that thought and replace it with “I’ve studied and I can try my best.”

children sitting and playing a game

Play Therapy

Helps your young child express emotions and experiences through play when they struggle to verbalize them

When your family is going through something big, like divorce, play therapy gives your child a safe way to express their feelings using toys and dolls. It helps the therapist understand what’s going on inside, so your child can start to feel more secure, calm, and supported at home.

kids drawing

Art & Expressive Therapy

If your child is more visual or non-verbal, we use creative tools like drawing, painting, and journaling to help them process emotions and trauma.

After a grandparent’s death, creating a drawing of their favorite memory together can help your child open up about their grief in a non-verbal way to begin the healing process.

teen sitting on couch listening to music

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Helps your teen with intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, or borderline traits focus on emotional regulation and mindfulness

If your teen yells or shuts down easily, DBT teaches them to pause, breathe, and communicate better with friends and family.

teen sitting on couch

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Helps your child or teen process traumatic memories and reduce emotional stress.

If your child or teen is avoiding cars after an accident, TF-CBT helps them gently face their fears, learn calming strategies, and feel safe riding in cars again – without the panic.

mother playing with son on couch

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

For your young child with behavioral issues, this therapy helps strengthen your relationship with them through guided interactions. 

 If your 5-year-old has regular tantrums, PCIT teaches them to follow directions, while you learn to calmly respond and reinforce positive behaviors (so daily routines become much more peaceful at home).

family sitting on couch talking to therapist

Family Therapy

During divorce, life transitions, or ongoing family conflict, your entire family learns how to improve communication and build stronger support systems. 

 If your teen constantly argues with you over screen time, family therapy gives everyone a chance to speak and be heard. Together, you can come up with a screen time plan that works for both sides

teen sitting on couch reading

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

 Teaches your child or teen to manage anxiety or stress by staying present through breathing, body awareness, and guided relaxation. 

 If your teen experiences anxiety before a test or socializing, mindfulness-based therapy teaches them to breathe deeply and ground themselves so they start to feel more focused and in control.

two kids sitting on couch

Social Skills Training

For your child or teen who struggles with friendships, communication, or social cues, they learn how to adapt socially.

If your child is on the autism spectrum and has trouble making friends, social skills training allows them to practice through role playing (joining group conversations and reading facial cues) so they can start making connections at school.

teen sitting on couch smiling

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Helps your teen focus on solutions rather than problems. 

If your teen feels overwhelmed by schoolwork, SFBT helps set a small, achievable goal in therapy: finish one assignment before dinner (so they can build confidence and feel less stuck).

Child Therapists Near Me 

Ellen Erlichman | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rebecca Hahnfeld | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

 

Dr. Shafaq Javaid | PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

 

Debbie Kaufman | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

 

Katie Klein | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

 

Stephanie Lafontaine | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

 

Sandra (Sandy) Levy | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

 

Dana Marolt | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

 

Dr. Marissa Pollman | PsyD
Licensed Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist

 

Dr. Brian J. Zercher | PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Therapists for Teens Near Me

Jeana Altman | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Liz K. Cooper | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ellen Erlichman | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rebecca Hahnfeld | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Elizabeth Jacek | LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

Dr. Shafaq Javaid | PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Debbie Kaufman | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Steve J. Kim | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Katie Klein | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Stephanie Lafontaine | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Rasheema Lettsome | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dr. John Lewandowski III | PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Sandra (Sandy) Levy | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dana Marolt | LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dr. Marissa Pollman | PsyD
Licensed Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist

David Welch | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Shane A. Westerberg | LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Dr. Brian J. Zercher | PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Counseling Near Me FAQs

How do I know if my child or teen needs counseling? It's natural for your child or teen to face ups and downs, but certain signs might prove they could benefit from extra support. Look for changes like persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed, sudden school/academic troubles, or noticeable shifts in behavior or sleep patterns. If these challenges persist or interfere with daily life, it might be time to consider counseling.​

What should we expect during my child’s first counseling session? The initial session is primarily about getting to know your child and understanding their needs. The counselor will likely ask about your child's history, current concerns, and any relevant family dynamics. Depending on your child's age and comfort level, you might be present for part of this session. It's a chance for everyone to build rapport and set the stage for future sessions.

How involved will I be in my child's therapy? Your involvement can be crucial to the therapy's success. While younger kids might benefit from more parental participation, teens often need a balance of parental support and personal privacy. Our therapists typically keep you informed about general progress, and may offer guidance on supporting your child at home, all while respecting your child's confidentiality.​

How long does child and teen counseling typically last? The duration varies based on your child's unique needs and the goals set in therapy. Your child or teen may see improvements in a few sessions, while others might benefit from visiting their therapist for several months. We always encourage parents to have regular discussions with the therapist, as they can provide clarity on progress (and any adjustments to the treatment plan).​

How can I support my child or teen during the counseling process? Being supportive and open is key. Encourage your child to share their feelings without pressure. Maintain open communication, reinforce positive changes, and consider implementing any strategies the therapist suggests at home. Your active participation can make a significant difference in their therapeutic journey.

Let’s Get Your Questions Answered.

..so real healing can happen.

people sitting at table talking
"The staff have been so helpful and kind. They have an extensive range of services."

-Jackie D.

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