Expert Therapy for Teens and Young Adults
Empowering teens 16+ to grow through life’s challenges—with tools that last.
When Teens Struggle, the Right Support Can Make the Difference
Watching your teen go through a difficult time is one of the hardest experiences as a parent. Adolescence and early adulthood are filled with enormous social, academic, and emotional pressures. While it’s normal to face ups and downs, prolonged struggles may signal something deeper.
At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we specialize in working with teens 16 and older. Whether your teen is managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or just trying to figure out who they are, we help them develop skills, confidence, and clarity that will support their growth—now and in the future.
Finding the right professional guidance can make the difference between lasting suffering and learning how to grow through adversity.
Recognizing the Signs of Struggle
It’s not always easy to know when to seek help. Below are common symptoms of struggle that teens themselves may experience—or that parents may observe:
Emotional Symptoms
- Intense or unpredictable mood swings
- Persistent irritability, anger, or sadness
- Emotional withdrawal or detachment from others
- Shame, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness
Cognitive Symptoms
- Overthinking, constant worry, or racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Negative self-talk or hopeless outlook
- Rumination over past events or social interactions
Physical Symptoms
- Sleep disruptions or insomnia
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
- Low energy or chronic fatigue
Behavioral Symptoms
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
- Drop in academic performance or school refusal
- Risk-taking behavior or impulsivity
- Excessive screen time or isolation
- Avoiding conversations or lying to avoid conflict
Teens Specialists
As our dedicated therapist for clients aged 16+, Jon Sarlin brings over a decade of experience helping teens navigate developmental transitions, identity questions, and emotional struggles. His warm, grounded style helps teens feel safe and understood while offering tools they can apply right away.
Jon works closely with families to keep communication open and aligned. When helpful, he uses a 3:1 model—three sessions with the teen followed by one parent check-in—to support consistent progress.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Find out if our experienced therapist who works with young adults is the best fit for your teen:
Our Therapeutic Approach for Teens
We combine clinical expertise with creativity, flexibility, and respect for each teen’s individuality. Our integrative therapy model includes:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): For processing trauma and anxiety
- IFS (Internal Family Systems): Helping teens understand emotional complexity and internal conflicts
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Reframing negative thoughts and improving behavior patterns
- Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Therapy: For emotional regulation and nervous system balance
When needed, we collaborate with educators, doctors, or other caregivers to ensure consistent, whole-person support.
How Therapy Helps Teens Thrive
The teenage years are a powerful time for transformation. With the right therapeutic support, teens can grow through adversity and emerge stronger, more confident, and more connected to themselves.
- Build self-awareness and emotional resilience
- Learn practical tools for managing stress and big emotions
- Strengthen identity, confidence, and communication skills
- Reconnect with curiosity, creativity, and motivation
- Heal from trauma and past painful experiences
- Improve relationships at home, school, and with peers
- Gain clarity around personal values and life direction
Take the Next Step
If your teen is overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply needs a space to grow—we’re here. At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we help teens discover resilience, purpose, and a deeper connection to who they are.
Call 650-422-2944, email contact@paloaltosmarttherapy.com or use our online scheduler to book a free a discovery call.