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.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Career, +6 more

As someone who has felt unheard, I recognize the importance of listening; we start healing when we feel heard.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +23 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

As an African American woman with a PhD who was raised by two parents in the military, I understand diverse cultures and extreme pressures that indivi... As an African American woman with a PhD who was raised by two parents in the military, I understand diverse cultures and extreme pressures that individuals experience. Read more

143 more therapists available in Virginia

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Ife Milligan

Hear from Ife Milligan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Ife Milligan's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My go-to approach for helping people in teen counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. I find the best benefit of cognitive behavioral therapy is that it helps the client identify negative thinking patterns that may trigger their issues and teaches them how to replace negative thinking with positive thoughts to improve self-esteem.

My go-to approach for helping those in teen counseling is that of empowerment and utilizing skills to support self-confidence and pride. I find the most benefit in this because it creates a space for clients to improve their self-esteem and deepen their understanding of self in relation to others. This also allows them to feel more confident with decision-making and areas of independence.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I teach the following tools in teen counseling:

  • Education on emotions, symptoms, triggers
  • How to identify emotions
  • Triggers to emotions
  • Emotional regulation
  • Coping techniques
  • How and when to apply coping skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Identifying social supports

I find the tools most useful for teens are those that are rooted in CBT and DBT, as well as creative therapies. Tools that provide skills to regulate and understand emotions, learn relaxation exercises, enhance independence, explore positive coping skills, reframe thoughts, shift perspectives, improve their sense of perception, and provide opportunities to gain techniques in mindfulness.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling when the client presents or reports consistent positive moods, decreases sessions, increases their social engagement with others, and returns to a normal level of life activities.

I know a client is making progress when they are able to feel more confident, improve their sense of worth, demonstrate improved relations with others, practice coping skills, regulate their emotions, and access techniques that provide opportunities for them to better navigate daily situations they encounter in the home with parents and family, as well as in school with peers, and in community.

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

Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling by communicating with social supports, participating in support groups, journaling, or exercising.

Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling with strength-building exercises and activities that promote improved self-confidence, independence, self-reflection, and discovery, as well as utilize skills that create empowerment, highlight talents, and support positive thinking.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

To prepare for their first teen counseling session, a teen can identify goals they desire to achieve through therapy.

To prepare for their teen counseling session, a teen can begin to establish that which they feel is of most importance to them. They can identify and prioritize that which they feel is of concern. This will create spaces for them to feel more engaged in sessions. They will benefit from actively participating in the goal-making process. It’s important to establish creative and empowering methods to engage them so that treatment is more meaningful.

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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Chesapeake
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I find the sessions to be quite beneficial. I feel that I am progressing alone nicely.
Eugene Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Andrea Stephen is a kind and compassionate counselor. She listens to her clients intently, because she genuinely cares. Her passion to help those who are hurting is what motivates her. She is an asset to the Mental Health industry.
Read more Andrea Stephen is a kind and compassionate counselor. She listens to her clients intently, because she genuinely cares. Her passion to help those who are hurting is what motivates her. She is an asset to the Mental Health industry.
Chesapeake Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would like to sing the praises of Andrea Stephen and give her a big shout-out for a job well done!!! I have had the pleasure of studying with her in multiple classes, as a fellow student in the counseling program. Later on, we serendipitously worked alongside each other in the field. Andrea is a genuine listener, faithful encourager, and a beacon of hope. She is a counselor who truly cares about her clients and wants to see them thrive.
Read more I would like to sing the praises of Andrea Stephen and give her a big shout-out for a job well done!!! I have had the pleasure of studying with her in multiple classes, as a fellow student in the counseling program. Later on, we serendipitously worked alongside each other in the field. Andrea is a genuine listener, faithful encourager, and a beacon of hope. She is a counselor who truly cares about her clients and wants to see them thrive.
Chesapeake Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of working with Tammy Boone for about 5 months now and it has been a wonderful journey. She has challenged me to do the work and express myself in ways I never thought was possible. She provides ways to cope with difficult situations without being judgmental. I couldn't have asked for a better clinician!
Read more I've had the pleasure of working with Tammy Boone for about 5 months now and it has been a wonderful journey. She has challenged me to do the work and express myself in ways I never thought was possible. She provides ways to cope with difficult situations without being judgmental. I couldn't have asked for a better clinician!
Chesapeake Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. P. Jones, I can only say that she is simply the best!!! I found Dr. Jones in a rush, she had authentic concern for the situation, she went over and WELL ABOVE assisting us with our needs. She was our angel during this process!!!
Read more Dr. P. Jones, I can only say that she is simply the best!!! I found Dr. Jones in a rush, she had authentic concern for the situation, she went over and WELL ABOVE assisting us with our needs. She was our angel during this process!!!
Chesapeake Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jones for the past 9 months. She is incredibly genuine and easy to confide in, even over our online sessions. She was able to help me through a difficult time and I will truly miss my sessions with her. I highly recommend her services. Thank you Dr. Jones!
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jones for the past 9 months. She is incredibly genuine and easy to confide in, even over our online sessions. She was able to help me through a difficult time and I will truly miss my sessions with her. I highly recommend her services. Thank you Dr. Jones!
Chesapeake Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Close out review with Dr. Patricia Jones. Outstanding service and was extremely helpful in giving me several techniques that I can use. Having video sessions was very convenient and effective. Highly recommend Dr. Jones just for her listening skills and the ability to relate to what you are going through. Very passionate about her job and you will not be disappointed when selecting her as your counselor!
Read more Close out review with Dr. Patricia Jones. Outstanding service and was extremely helpful in giving me several techniques that I can use. Having video sessions was very convenient and effective. Highly recommend Dr. Jones just for her listening skills and the ability to relate to what you are going through. Very passionate about her job and you will not be disappointed when selecting her as your counselor!
Chesapeake Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chesapeake is near Zero’s Subs, and shares an office building with Pamela Smith MD. We off of Poplar Hill Road, and across from Bedei Compounding Pharmacy Services.

Phone number

(757) 210-9381

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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