7,163 people sought teen counseling help in Massachusetts 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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Good news! We have 47 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Jack Holland

Hear from Jack Holland, Counselor (Resident)

View Jack Holland's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

For teen counseling, I really lean into the exploration of emotions and the tension between dependence/independence, as both adult and child roles can predominate at different times. It’s a trial by fire in terms of learning to manage big changes and big feelings. A lot of the work is making sure there is a healthy acceptance of the emotional experience itself and finding self-supportive ways to feel through these experiences.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

With teens, I encourage creative activities like drawing, writing, making music, etc. I frequently recommend journaling and will sometimes collaborate with my clients by offering specific journal prompts. I also teach a lot of basic self-care skills around sleep hygiene, time management, physical activity, nutrition, etc., as these help create a strong foundation for managing other challenges and maximizing opportunities for positive experiences.

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

I know therapy is working when the client starts to talk! Sometimes, for teens, sharing anything at all can be the biggest and first hurdle.

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

To supplement therapy, be creative, spend time with friends, and practice patience with yourself and the world. Things get better!

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

I encourage clients to keep a notebook of items and experiences to bring as material for therapy. It always helps to take responsibility for your own treatment goals. Therapy is ultimately a self-guided experience, and this is healthy, as it supports the client’s independence, autonomy, and self-trust.

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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge, MA 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 Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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
★★★★★
Cheryl Boissy has been fantastic! She listens very well with a caring ear which means a great deal to me.
Read more Cheryl Boissy has been fantastic! She listens very well with a caring ear which means a great deal to me.
Gary Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry East Cambridge is located on Cambridge St. – the Cambridge St at Third St bus stop is right in front of our building. We’re sandwiched between a CVS Pharmacy and East Cambridge Firehouse.

Phone number

(857) 217-2585

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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