Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

16,520 people sought teen counseling help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Sam Cowart

Hear from Sam Cowart, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

If you are a teenager in counseling, I prefer to spend a little more time going over what the expectations are in counseling and focusing on building rapport, as there is a higher chance a client may never have had counseling before. I also try to make a point that counseling is a private space for clients to talk about whatever they would like, and typically has minimal parental/guardian involvement (unless there is a concern about a client's safety and/or the client would like to have heavier parental involvement). I often make more of a point with teenagers to validate their emotions as they can often feel powerless and unheard.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I often teach cognitive behavioral therapy skills such as cognitive reframing, mindfulness skills such as learning how to nonjudgmentally sit with uncomfortable emotions, communication skills, and sometimes just focusing on naming and normalizing emotions.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling?

I can tell a teenager is making progress in counseling just like most clients of any age—perhaps their self-talk is improving, the lens through which they see the world and themselves is shifting, they become more comfortable with naming and normalizing their emotions, and they become more confident in communicating their needs and feelings to others.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement teen counseling?

Teenage clients can work on skills learned in counseling outside of sessions and, like any other client, they can ideally find activities in their life that bring them joy, meaning, and a sense of community and support.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

To prepare for their first session, a teenager could expect me to clarify what the space is meant for and when their parents/guardians may need to get involved. It is a tricky age because legally, the teen is still a dependent; for that reason, I like to make it clear that they are old enough to have a space that is private to talk about whatever they need to. It's possible their parent(s)/guardian(s) may join for a portion of their intake session.

Starting Teen counseling

What is teen counseling?

Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.

How does teen counseling work?

Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Blacksburg have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.

Does my teen need therapy?

Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.

Is teen counseling conducted in person or online?

Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Blacksburg, VA offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does teen counseling last?

The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Blacksburg therapists and counselors accept 34 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas HMO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

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Self-pay costs at Blacksburg
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Thriveworks Blacksburg reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
So nice, reassuring, helpful for what I needed. Explained everything very well. I feel I don’t have a bunch of questions I should have asked.
Read more So nice, reassuring, helpful for what I needed. Explained everything very well. I feel I don’t have a bunch of questions I should have asked.
Blacksburg May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Turns out our councilor in Blacksburg is working out great! This was a good idea. Highly recommend! Kudo's to Kelly.
Read more Turns out our councilor in Blacksburg is working out great! This was a good idea. Highly recommend! Kudo's to Kelly.
Blacksburg Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
We have been providing the billing services to Thriveworks Blacksburgs for a good period of time now, we have had excellent professional relationship with all the staff there. They are true professional, always provide us the helping hand. And are very efficient is providing response to any query of questions. It is truly amazing working with them.
Read more We have been providing the billing services to Thriveworks Blacksburgs for a good period of time now, we have had excellent professional relationship with all the staff there. They are true professional, always provide us the helping hand. And are very efficient is providing response to any query of questions. It is truly amazing working with them.
Blacksburg Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
When I arrived at the Blacksburg office for counseling I got a peaceful feeling. The paper work was not daunting and my counselor greeted me in a friendly and professional manner.
Read more When I arrived at the Blacksburg office for counseling I got a peaceful feeling. The paper work was not daunting and my counselor greeted me in a friendly and professional manner.
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I appreciated the location of the Blacksburg office. It's a pleasant place, just off the highway and feels safe. While I waited I was met by pleasant staff and refreshments.
Read more I appreciated the location of the Blacksburg office. It's a pleasant place, just off the highway and feels safe. While I waited I was met by pleasant staff and refreshments.
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The waiting room was so inviting and the counselor had recognized me that made me feel very comfortable. I was tense from the unknown of therapy and it was so good to be "humanized."
Read more The waiting room was so inviting and the counselor had recognized me that made me feel very comfortable. I was tense from the unknown of therapy and it was so good to be "humanized."
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I met the Thriveworks owner to inquire about the services offered. She was very helpful with her answers, she was very patient as she gave me her time and focus, and made me feel entirely at "home."
Read more I met the Thriveworks owner to inquire about the services offered. She was very helpful with her answers, she was very patient as she gave me her time and focus, and made me feel entirely at "home."
Blacksburg Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Close to downtown Blacksburg and easy to get a hold of. Just what is needed for this area.
Blacksburg Dec 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with several other businesses including Fresenius Kidney Care Montgomery County, the Islamic Center of Blacksburg, and Thermostats Service and Repair Company. Next door to us Robinson, Farmer, and Cox Associates, an account service. Nearby is also a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and Park Commercial Realty.

Phone number

(540) 361-6270

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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