Teen & Adolescent Therapy in Fair Oaks & Sacramento | Sequoia Counseling
Teen Therapy
You know your teenager best. If something feels off, trust that instinct — and know that help is available.
For Parents
Your Teenager Is Struggling. You Want to Help.
Adolescence has always been hard — but today's teens are navigating more than previous generations: relentless academic pressure, social media, shifting friendships, identity questions, and a world that moves faster than most adults can keep up with.
When your teenager is withdrawing, struggling in school, snapping at everyone, or just not themselves — it can be hard to know whether to wait it out or reach out for support. You don't have to figure that out alone.
Our therapists work with teens every day. We know how to build trust with young people who may be reluctant to talk — and we know how to support the parents who love them.
What to Watch For
Signs Your Teen May Benefit from Support
Parents often sense something has shifted before they can name exactly what it is. These are some of the patterns we hear about most often.
You don't need to wait for a crisis. If you recognize these patterns, reaching out is a reasonable and caring next step — not an overreaction.
"Every teen deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and never judged."
— The Sequoia Counseling Team
What We Help With
Common Concerns We Work With
We meet teens exactly where they are — and we work with parents every step of the way.
Anxiety
Excessive worry, panic, social anxiety, test anxiety, and fear that gets in the way of everyday life.
Depression
Persistent low mood, loss of interest, withdrawal, hopelessness, and emotional numbness.
School Stress
Academic pressure, performance anxiety, motivation struggles, and the weight of high expectations.
Peer Relationships
Navigating friendships, social dynamics, rejection, and the pressure to fit in.
Bullying
Processing the impact of being bullied — in person or online — and rebuilding confidence and safety.
Self-Esteem
Negative self-talk, body image concerns, perfectionism, and feeling not good enough.
Family Changes
Adjusting to divorce, separation, blended families, moves, or other significant family transitions.
Emotional Regulation
Managing intense emotions, anger, frustration, and learning healthy ways to cope and communicate.
Identity Development
Exploring who they are — including gender identity, sexuality, values, and where they belong.
Communication Difficulties
Trouble expressing feelings, shutting down in conflict, or struggling to connect with parents and peers.
Difficulty Fitting In
Feeling like an outsider, struggling to find their people, or navigating social exclusion.
Trauma & Difficult Experiences
Processing past or recent experiences that feel overwhelming, scary, or hard to talk about.
A Note for Parents & Caregivers
We understand that reaching out for help for your teen can feel like a big step — and sometimes it comes with its own worry: Will they resent me for this? Is it really that serious? Am I overreacting?
Our therapists are experienced in working with adolescents who are reluctant, skeptical, or unsure about therapy. We know how to build trust with teenagers — and we know that the relationship between therapist and teen is what makes the work possible.
We work collaboratively with families while maintaining appropriate confidentiality with our teen clients. Parents are typically involved in the intake process and may be invited into sessions when clinically appropriate. We will always inform parents if there is a safety concern.
If you're concerned about your teen, please don't hesitate to reach out. You don't have to have all the answers — that's what we're here for.
Starting Therapy
What to Expect in Teen Therapy
Starting therapy for your teen can feel like a big step. Here is what the process actually looks like — for both you and your teenager.
The first session is about building trust
Your teen's first session is about getting to know them — not diving into problems. Their therapist will create a safe, low-pressure space where your teen can share at their own pace. Trust is the foundation of everything.
Parents are part of the process
We typically meet with parents briefly at the start to understand your concerns and goals. Ongoing parent involvement is tailored to your teen's age and needs — we keep you informed while protecting your teen's therapeutic space.
Building skills and understanding
Your teen will learn practical tools — emotion regulation, communication skills, coping strategies — alongside deeper exploration of what is driving their struggles. Sessions are adapted to their developmental stage.
Progress and planning ahead
As your teen builds skills and insight, therapy shifts toward consolidating gains and preparing them for the transitions ahead. Most teens notice meaningful improvement within 10–20 sessions.
Typical Session Structure
Session length
53–60 minutes, typically once per week
First 1–3 sessions
Getting to know your teen, understanding their history, and setting goals together
Sessions 4–12
Skill-building, exploring patterns, and beginning to shift how your teen relates to their challenges
Ongoing sessions
Deeper work, consolidating gains, and preparing for transitions like graduation, college, or new life stages
Timeline
Many teens notice meaningful improvement within 10–20 sessions; some benefit from longer-term support
Parent check-ins
Periodic brief check-ins with parents to share progress and coordinate support at home
Common Questions
Questions Parents Ask Us
When should I consider therapy for my teenager?+
Consider reaching out if your teen is showing persistent sadness or irritability, withdrawing from friends or family, struggling at school, experiencing changes in sleep or appetite, or having difficulty managing emotions. You do not need to wait for a crisis — early support often makes a meaningful difference. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
My teen doesn't want to go to therapy. What should I do?+
This is very common. Many teens are resistant at first — and our therapists are experienced at working with reluctant clients. We focus on building trust and making the space feel safe and non-threatening. Often, teens who were initially resistant become the most engaged clients once they feel heard.
How involved are parents in teen therapy?+
We maintain appropriate confidentiality with teen clients to build trust and encourage openness. Parents are typically involved in the intake process and may be invited into sessions when clinically appropriate. We will always inform parents if there is a safety concern.
Do you offer teen therapy in Fair Oaks?+
Yes. We offer in-person teen therapy at our Fair Oaks office, serving families throughout the Greater Sacramento area including Sacramento, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Roseville, and surrounding communities.
Can teens receive therapy online in California?+
Yes. We offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy for teens throughout California. Many adolescents find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own space, and telehealth removes barriers like transportation and scheduling.
Do you accept insurance for teen therapy?+
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including United Healthcare, Blue Shield, Sutter Health Plus, Carelon, and Optum. Contact us to verify your teen's specific coverage before the first appointment.
How much does teen therapy cost, and what does insurance cover?+
Your cost depends on your specific insurance plan. Most families with in-network coverage pay a copay or coinsurance — typically between $20 and $60 per session after the deductible is met. Our care coordinator will verify your teen's benefits before the first session so there are no surprises. Visit our fees and insurance page for full details.
What should we bring to my teen's first therapy session?+
Just yourself and your teen. All intake paperwork and insurance information is collected through our client portal, SimplePractice, before the first appointment — there is nothing to bring or prepare. It can help to let your teen know the first session is just a conversation, not an evaluation.
How do I use my insurance for my teen's therapy at Sequoia Counseling?+
When you contact us, our care coordinator verifies your insurance benefits and explains your coverage before the first session. We bill your insurer directly. If you have a deductible, you pay the full session rate until it is met, then your copay or coinsurance applies. We accept United Healthcare, Blue Shield, Sutter Health Plus, Carelon, Optum, and Aetna.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Reach out today to schedule your first appointment. We're here to support you every step of the way.
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