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Therapists for Teens
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I'm helping a friend look for a therapist for her
12-year-old son. The parents are divorced and their son now
seems ''ready to talk'' about that and various other family
and school issues. They have a short list of therapists who
are covered by their insurance plan and considered ''good'' by
their behavioral pediatrician:
Mary C. Heller (Piedmont Ave. in Oakland),
Lenora Poe (Blake St. in Berkeley),
Joan Wenters (Solano in Albany)
Do any of you know anything about any of these three? Can
you make a recommendation one way or another? Any info would
be appreciated!
Dana
My 17 year old son is a wonderful, expressive, thoughtful young man who is sad and depressed a lot of the time. I love him very much but find that I become frustrated and probably make the situation worse (''what do you have to be depressed about!?) He is willing to talk to a therapist. I have looked over the archived therapists/counselors but didn't see much. We are looking for someone in the El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley border area. Please let us know who has been helpful to your teen. I realize that we will probably end up having some family sessions as well. Thank you all!
My daughter is a freshman at Campolindo High. She has a severe anxiety disorder. Campo is very academically demanding and my daughter's anxiety and sleep problems are skyrocketing (4 to 5 hours of homework a night, multiple tests each week, hours of work on the weekends). I know aerobic exercise is good for her. My daughter is in track, which she loves. She may quit due to stress over homework. She is in individual therapy and sees a Kaiser psychiatrist. So far medication is not working, due to side effects. I know my daughter needs help and I am not sure what to do. Can anyone recommend a child psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety disorders and who actually monitors his/her patients/ Also, anyone have ideas for working with the school? My daughter has a 504; it is not worth the paper it is written on. The school is very hard- nosed and resistant to making any accommodations. Finally, I am looking for an advocate. anonymous
The second is Maria Antoniadis. She is a psychologist who works with families to negotiate the school maze, public and private. She has a lot of knowledge and experience and forceful. She's a great advocate. She also runs social skills groups in Berkeley. Some of the kids in the groups are from your side of the hills. Her number is 510 649 3399.
Good luck! another mom
My husband and I are in the process of dissolving our marriage. We are still living together but are essentially separated. It is amicable at this point. My daughter is about to leave for college in the fall and is clearly struggling with her feelings. I am trying to be supportive but she needs more than her parents to talk to. Anyone have recommendations for a therapist good with teen girls and divorcing families. anon
I'm looking for more recent recommendations for a family therapist used to working with families with teen rebellion issues. Also helpful would be a support group/empathetic moms/dads who might be willing to commiserate occasionally, since none of our friends are having such serious issues with their teens. desperate mom of rebellious teen
We're also working with the Bodin group of consultants who work with teens & young adults and their families www.bodingroup.com - you can email them or call them (website has contact info.), and they'll put you in touch with an appropriate consultant; ours are Lexy Spett and Shayna Abraham, and they're both terrific. Bodin's speciality is placement in residential treatment (placement, monitoring, parent support, coordination with parents' therapists etc.), but they provide other services as well.
Finally, there are some resources on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schoolsnotforboys/messages. This group no longer meets or posts at this site, but the resources are still relevant. You might consider resurrecting this group, because there are so many parents and kids out there with a lot of challenges.
Warm wishes, mom of struggling son in residential treatment
Re: therapist for my teen daughter
I highly recommend Kirsten Beuthin to see your teenager
alone or with you in family therapy. She appears to be
young (though I'm not sure about her age), but is quite wise
and seems to really get teens. Mine felt very comfortable
with her, and therefore able to work through some very tough
times and get back on track. Kirsten's number is
510-652-0990.
anon
My daughter turned into a teenager all of a sudden this summer, and we've been having a really difficult time. She was doing well in school early in the year, in spite of her insistence that her classes were boring and her teachers were terrible, but her grades have slipped, partly because she can't seem to hand in her assignments. She says that she doesn't care, but it's clear that she is upset when she does poorly on a test or gets a bad grade. Her behavior toward us runs the gamut: she's angry, sullen, withdrawn or miserable much of the time. She has lost interest in many of her old friends, and although she admits to having made new friends at school, she seldom makes the effort to spend time with anyone outside of school. She's snotty and unpleasant, with occasional rare lapses into pleasant communication that remind us that she's human. In other words, she's a teenager; still, she reminds me of my own miserable youth and I worry when she collapses in misery or turns into an unresponsive but clearly unhappy lump. We've taken her to a therapist, but she refuses to engage, and has told me that she thinks the therapy is boring and that she would prefer to see someone younger.
Re: Very unhappy 17-year-old son
I'm so sorry for you and your son. Our son went through the same thing
when he as about 17. I wore myself out trying to find a therapist for him.
He would go once or twice and refuse to go back. He just didn't like all of the
''talking''. I finally took him to a psychiatrist (David Ritvo) who prescribed
anti-depressants. I know that they are not always the best route for teenagers, but my
son was nearly suicidal. They really helped, and he did not mind ''talking'' with Dr.
Ritvo. We really had to pay very close attention to his every mood. You might consider
medical intervention.
Worried Mom
My daughter often says she feels very sad and lonely, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Although I know such feelings are normal, particularly in adolescence, they bother my daughter a great deal and sometimes interfere with her ability to do normal things such as pay attention in class or enjoy hanging out with friends. She has seen a therapist before, briefly, but things were different then. We need to find someone new, preferably someone who is good with teenagers. Can anyone recommend someone? Even better if the person takes HealthNet insurance. My daughter will be leaving for college in August. Thanks. Worried
I am seeking recommendations for a female therapist for my 12 year old daughter. We live in Lafayette but I'm willing to go to Berkeley or Oakland as well if there is someone who can really connect with her. She does not want to see a counselor but is becoming increasingly sullen, angry, resentful and disrespectful. mother seeking recommendations
This can all be difficult when a teen is resistant to therapy in the first place. Saying something like We need to get some help, let's try to meet _______ and see what we think, or it has been a difficult time, it may be helpful to have someone to talk too. If there is someone close to your daughter who might have more luck in communicating the importance of getting help, that could work or asking the school counselor to talk with her.
I have a big order for an African American therapist for my teenage daughter (13) who is very angry and hostile most of the time. She is on ADHD medication which she must take for school. She does get ''medication holidays''. Her behavior has escalated over the past few months and has begun to be so disruptive that I suspect something other than teenage acting out. Does anyone have any recommendations. We have Kaiser insurance and can use medi-cal for 2nd opinions (She is adopted) How does one differentiate between bipolor disease and adolescent acting out?
Our 19 year old daughter has dropped out of community college and now works about 20+ hours week at a retail store, lives at home and pays us ''rent'' to cover some expenses. We would like to see her find more direction toward her future. We think we/she could use outside help, but we don't know if she would benefit from seeing a therapist, an educational psychologist (she is quite smart and capable when interested, but has had problems with depression and had some learning issues), a career counselor, a life coach. I know the parent's network has some of this advice archived, but I would be particularly appreciative recommendations of anyone who works specifically with young adults in this situation Concerned Mom
My 17 year old daughter needs a therapist in Berkeley area to help her with believing she is interesting enough, attractive enough etc. that any desirable boy she is involved with will not instantly leave her at the first opportunity. This is probably partially an adoption (abandonment) issue, probably other things too. She just broke up (again) with a very sweet young man because she didn't ''trust'' that he wouldn't leave her for someone else, just as they were getting into a pattern of going places, having fun, spending time with each others' family occasions, etc. She insists he did absolutely nothing to make her suspicious--just can't stop thinking that ''if someone else wants him, they'll just get him, she doesn't stand a chance.'' She acknowledges this is her problem and she needs help. She has a history of problems with self- confidence--probably mostly because of learning disability and body image issues, as well as the adoption component. Most recommendations on the website are years old or for other types of problems, so I'd appreciate your recommendations. Anonymous
Hello, Could someone recommend a therapist for a teenager? We are going through hard time with our 16 y.o. daughter. Thanks!
Looking for a therapist experienced in anxiety, adoption, loss issues for a young teen girl. An Asian woman would be ideal. Mom C
Re: Anxious 11-year-old wants a therapist
I wish you and your son the best. I have a daughter who also suffered from fear and anxiety. She was beginning to do some compulsive behaviors trying to eliminate it and was even more anxious at night than during the day. She saw Ellen Singer Phd at the reccomendation of a psychiatrist at Childrens. Ellen was able to help her (and us) feel much more secure. Her number is 525-1975. anonymous
I strongly recommend Michelle Horton, Ph.D. (985-2958). She is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with kids like yours, does great work in therapy with them and is an expert in learning and emotional issues -- which are often quite interconnected. She's located on College Ave. near Broadway, which fits your geographic desires. She also can recommend other options or therapists who may fit your needs.
My daughter wants to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist due to her continuing depression. She is 16yrs old and has been to couseling before, but felt the psychologist was not too understanding of her generation. She would like to work with someone who is closer to her generation 30ish, maybe. Thanks. Any suggestions would be helpful. Cathy
I am looking for a therapist that my 17 year old son will feel comfortable with. My son is shy, sensitive & gets frustrated easily. We have been to three therapists all women and all over 45 and he said he didn't feel comfortable opening up to them. I thought they were all fine--patient and sensitive, but therapy won't work unless he feels ok talking. Can anyone reccomend a young hip therapist that can connect with teenagers. If possible we would prefer the Albany/Berkeley area. My son said it doesn't matter if they are male or female. concerned parent
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I am looking for a good family therapist in the
Albany/Berkeley area. We want to find someone that has a
lot of experience working with teens, especially with
sensitive boys. I have already looked at the previous
referrals and they were either in Oakland or several years
old.
trying to put our family back together
Recommendations received:
Our son has been struggling for years in school and in life, and we're looking
for a therapist for him. We think he needs both medication and therapy, so
we're looking for a psychiatrist who monitors medication and provides
therapy, or a psychiatrist who works with a psychologist or MFCC as a duo.
Over the past several years, he has seen two therapists in Berkeley who were
not helpful, but he wasn't ready to be helped, and now he is maturing,
identifying his challenges, and expressing interest in working on them. He
believes he has ADD, which of course is widely over-diagnosed, but, as I read
about it, is starting to make sense. He does poorly in school, doesn't follow
through with almost anything, and is highly impulsive - buys things he
shouldn't, and engages in all sorts of risk taking as well as addictive behavior
that I can't comfortably describe here. He is quite immature -- many of his
friends are still in high school. He is such a nice kid but struggling in so
many ways, and we don't know where to turn. Advice and referrals will be so
appreciated. Thanks.
Looking forward to your advice
Recommended:
Other advice:
I also do a free class for parents of children or teens with (or wonder if they have) ADHD. The next series starts on Jan. 8th at 9:30Am at Kaiser in Richmond. Join us if you want to learn more. If you leave a message at 307-2539 with your address I will send you the class flyer. The best of luck to you and your son. Rona
My fifteen year old son and I are feuding big time. He has
alot of repressed anger towards me and despite his looming
8 inch advantage over me, he says he is scared of me. I do
admit to being a screamer, but hey, I feel I have mellowed
out in my middle age.But we and especially ME needs help.
We hope to find someone in North Berkeley, accessible from
BHS.We are both quick thinkers and verbal and need someone
who can challenge us. Also I'm looking for hopefully
cognitive type of therapy rather than analysis.
I'd appreciate any advise.
Harried Mother of 15 yearold
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My teen is showing the signs of stress! We are in the Hayward area and I would like some referrals to East Bay counselors with an expertise in Teens. FYI, I already tried Girls Inc, they are backed up a few months. Also, we have Kaiser but she is afraid that her stepmom (Kaiser employee) will have access to her records. Thank you! anonymous
I've looked at the site recommendations but they are pretty dated. Can anyone wholeheartedly recommend a therapist for my 16 year old niece? She has expressed the desire to see one (I'm thrilled). She is *very* smart and, on the whole, very well adjusted. She moved here this past August and her parents are going through a messy divorce - the culmination of her whole life of watching her parents be horribly dysfunctional. Her father is seriously awful.
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Does anybody know of a therapist who specializes in 13 year old girls with problems of the sort depicted in the movie ''THIRTEEN''? The film is a dead on look at what it's like to be a 13 yr old girl in school today. The lead, Tracy, is obcessed with social status and dependent on peer acceptance leading to fast track recklessness with drugs, sex, clothes, money, and getting in trouble. The film depicts the plight of one girls alienation from her parents and her free fall into self destructive behaviors that are not survivable without intervention. Is there a therapy or discipline of psychiatry that specializes in 13 yr old teen girls of the sort described above? george
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Other advice:
My daughter was very similar to the children portayed in the movie ''Thirteen,'' so I know what you're going through. Unfortunately once or even 2x weekly therapy may not be enough. One of our therapists told us that this area is just toxic to some kids. Our daughter was one of them, and your daughter sounds like another. We tried all kinds of therapy with all kids of therapists without success. What worked was getting her into a therapeutic boarding school out of state (in California, BTW, any kid 16 or older can walk out the door of any program and there is nothing you can do about it, which is why a lot of these places are located in states where you have to be 18 to do that). Special schools/programs are not an area into which to venture armed only with an Internet browser. If you elect to go that route, you need to work with an educational consultant. There are a lot of good therapeutic schools with committed staff out there, but there are also lots of charlatans and problem schools & camps and the consultants know which are which. We used Elizabeth McGhee at Viginia Reiss Associates in Larkspur (phone 415-461-4788)if you want to talk with her. A lot of people reporting to this site have good things to say about the Hyde School in Maine, which has an excellent reputation. Our daughter is at Island View-RTC in Utah, which also has an excellent progam, and makes the kids resonsible both to themselves and a team, so their behavior deoesn't affect just themselves, which helps drive home important points very quickly. These places are quite expensive, although if you carry mental health insurance, it can cover some of the costs (and there are educational loans that can be arranged; use the college money now if you need to). Also, there was a law on the books for a while (can't recall if it had a sunset date or not) that required medical insurers in California to cover the costs of such schools for children who were formally medically diagnosed with bi- polar disease. If that law is still applicable and if your daughter is bi-polar, that could help, cost-wise. The therapeutic schools have the kids in all kinds of therapy (individual, group, substance abuse, etc.)constantly and the people there have seen it all, so most kids learn pretty fast that they can't progress by BS-ing or finessing their way out. Therapy-wise, you need to look for someone who has didactic therapeutic training, but the results are much better if you get your kid out of this environment into a controlled one, because as long as it's an option, kids can just elect not to participate in the therapy (that was one of the things that happened to us). It's only when the element of choice gets removed that you can start making headway. My heart goes out to you. It's just a wrenching situation to be in.
My 12 year old daughter approached me about getting counseling. I have gone over the website and got a few names, and have two names from the school couselor, but I am looking for a few more. I think she is more comfortable talking with a woman, and probably a younger woman (not to be age-ist!). My daughter is not that talkative or open with new people. A counseler that she saw in the past did some playing, but mostly talked. I think that my daughter would benefit from someone who works with writing and art as therapy, and someone who can also discuss different philosophys/ religions (buddhism, for instance) as tools for understanding and dealing the world and its stresses. She is a very thoughful, deep, and philosophical child and has been since she could talk! My daughter is pretty in tune with herself and her feelings most of the time, but is struggling right now. She told me she wants to discuss how she's feeling in general, not something specific. If someone can recommend a young woman therapist that they have had a direct relationship with (or rather their kids have), I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, listening mom
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Any recommendations for local therapists Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, North Berkeley for a 13 year old girl? She is continually in conflict either with us the parents or her sisters. She pushes all the wrong buttons, provokes, demands, screams and cries every day. Everything we say is an attack on her, she can't stand her family, most of the people of authority (teachers, coaches) are idiots. She would just like to move out and live on her own without all the stupid rules and regulations. Or at least send me to an expensive boarding school. She feels she should have a lot of rights but is not willing to give anything in return. Even when we set the rules together and contracts are drawn she breaks them right away. She is very smart, does pretty well at school though puts in minimal work, has some friends. She has a high sense of justice (for herself) and entitlement. We are willing to participate in some sort of family therapy though having two other daughters with whom we have a very positive relationship we know we are not such lousy parents as she would make us to be. At the end of my rope
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The first step you should take is to read, ''The Explosive Child.'' Even if your 13-year old is not explosive, this book helps with understanding and coping with intense kids. We also found a therapist who works based on the same principles as the book, and the combination has been great. These kids are intense for good reasons, and once you get a handle on what's going on, it's much easier to cope. Everyone benefits. Good luck. Parent of another intense teen
Hello Parents, If you know any good adolescent therapy for a 15 years girls in San Jose area, please recommend. My daughter has run away 4 times, and my family is falling apart because of her. She was a straight A student until last year when she got in boy/girl friends relationship then things changed. I am apprecitate any recommendations from you. Thanks.
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Looking for a counselor or therapist for our son who is good natured, well behaved, but has a very poor time expressing himself verbally or in writing. Although he is bright, he is falling behind academically because of his weaknesses. He is also becoming socially isolated. Any suggestions for someone in or around Berkeley? Thanks.
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I am looking for recommendations of a woman therapist who is experienced/skilled at dealing with a teen's feelings around coping with learning differences, and experienced with helping a teen develop a self-knowing, positive coping strategy for the long term. It wouldn't hurt if the same therapist is experienced with/recommended by adoptive and multi-racial families, though these are not major issues on the table at this time. My daughter says she is not interested in any kind of group therapy. Our insurance is Kaiser, but we realize we will probably need to go outside of Kaiser. It would be helpful to know the basic session cost, if you know. Thanks. Anonymous Recommendations:
My son has been experiencing anxiety attacks for some time which now have forced him to drop out of school and are limiting his ability to find and keep a regular job. I would appreciate any recomandation for a psychiatrist who takes Blue Cross, she/he doesn't need to be specialized in teenagers, even though that would be nice. I prefer the Contra Costa area, but anything in the East Bay will work also. Thanks.
Anyone know any of these therapists well enough to recommend one? This is for my daughter at Cal. These are on my insurance plan (HealthNet). Nancy
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Good luck. Keep asking everyone you know. I also asked the professionals who were recommended to me if they could recommend someone else. And, keep asking MHN for names. They're very stingy about handing them out. Sally
Does anyone have any recommendations for a therapist/counselor who works with teenagers, especially with females. I only want references if people have first hand experiences. Thanks.
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Glad to see postings of good therapists for teens. To me, this seems an underexplored avenue for many teens and so benefitial when the right therapist and teen can match up. In our case, we were lucky to find a therapist that our teen hit it off with right away.
It mattered a lot for our teen to like and feel accepted by a therapist--even more important than for an adult--because acceptance is the stuff of teen identity. It was also important for our teen to build a trusting relationship with an adult, and bridge the generations for a source of advice in addition to peers. From this experience, I would suggest interviewing several therapists to find the right fit, and not be afraid to change the therapist if that right fit, for whatever reason, isn't there. I can recommend , for one, Dr. Anna Berger , who is warm, savvy, and wise. 848-3050. (April 2000)
Last updated: Sep 15, 2008
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