Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

4,787 people sought teen counseling help in New Jersey 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, Cigna | Evernorth, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO, +4 more
Anger, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +6 more

As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope i... As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope in the future. Read more

40 more therapist available in New Jersey

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Michelle Nirenberg

Hear from Michelle Nirenberg, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Michelle Nirenberg's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My go-to approach in helping teens during counseling sessions is to first build a good rapport with them. When I find that common link, I use it as a hook and build upon it. I explain confidentiality so the client and parent(s) understand it is very important, since many teens want to make sure that all their “deepest, darkest secrets” aren't going to be shared. However, they also need to understand that parents will be made aware should they talk about suicide, self-harm, and abuse. I tend to enjoy using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with teens because they enjoy several of the different coping skills. When using DBT, clients and counselors practice using coping skills through several different issues. When using DBT, I usually let the teen client know that should they have a pressing situation they want to discuss, then the DBT lesson might be postponed for what they need to discuss.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I teach the following tools in teen counseling:

  • Using a journal as a way to dump all thoughts, emotions, and feelings and express them. I also find that everyone tends to rely on the same names for emotions they have been using since elementary school, so I supply either the link or a copy of “The Ultimate List of Emotions.”
  • Check the facts. Check out whether your emotional reactions fit the facts of the situation, then we'll change your beliefs and assumptions to fit the facts. This can help you change your emotional reactions to situations.
  • Opposite action: When your emotions do not fit the facts, or when acting on your emotions is not effective, acting opposite (all the way) will change your emotional reactions.
  • Problem-solving: When the facts themselves are the problem, solving the problem will reduce the frequency of negative emotions.

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 they are able to use the different skills they learned as if they are second nature. Also, when the teen is able to identify genuine emotions, what might have triggered them, and then work through the symptoms using a variety of learned coping skills.

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

Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling by practicing journaling. Many teens have a misconstrued notion as to what a journal is. I explain that a journal is “not” a diary—the teen can write a paragraph, a sentence, or a genuine emotion word (with a blurb as to what caused the emotion), they can draw or even paint how they are feeling, or they can cut words and pictures out and paste them into the journal to make the process more interesting. The teen can also work on their socialization skills, not just using video games to interact, but also in-person interactions, which are important. Teens should practice communication skills as well. This is another way the “Ultimate List of Emotions” could benefit the teen.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

I often take a look at some things that might interest teens, such as music, video games, sports, etc. I try not to talk above or below the teen's level of understanding, and I am always ready to answer questions. Remember that teens have a habit of following other teens. There are times when a teen might talk about suicide or self-harm because they hear friends talking about them; I take this talk seriously.

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 Toms River 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 Toms River, NJ 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 Toms River therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • EmblemHealth

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Toms River
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

4.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist is Lesley Petersen and I have been a patient of hers for about four months now. She has been helping me through a stressful situation that I have been going through. I would recommend her because she is easy to talk to and non-judgmental.
Read more My therapist is Lesley Petersen and I have been a patient of hers for about four months now. She has been helping me through a stressful situation that I have been going through. I would recommend her because she is easy to talk to and non-judgmental.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
awfully. Goes on vacation for two weeks. Double books me. Calls me one minute before our scheduled meeting time. Says the other person is inside the office and cannot see me. says to me I will call me that night and then says to me via a text message that I will call in the morning. Calls me at 11:am. We have our session where she keeps adding restrictions on me and says "it's nothing personal". Speaks very low that I cannot hear.Tells me she sees 50 people weekly and cannot talk on the phone.
Read more awfully. Goes on vacation for two weeks. Double books me. Calls me one minute before our scheduled meeting time. Says the other person is inside the office and cannot see me. says to me I will call me that night and then says to me via a text message that I will call in the morning. Calls me at 11:am. We have our session where she keeps adding restrictions on me and says "it's nothing personal". Speaks very low that I cannot hear.Tells me she sees 50 people weekly and cannot talk on the phone.
Martin Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I will tell everybody I know not to use thrive works.
Mark Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Robin is incredible. She is kind, compassionate, empathic, and extremely patient. She provided me with a safe environment that allowed me to vent comfortably. Robin was extremely helpful and provided me with excellent coping mechanisms that I will carry and use daily. She is truly extraordinary!
Read more Robin is incredible. She is kind, compassionate, empathic, and extremely patient. She provided me with a safe environment that allowed me to vent comfortably. Robin was extremely helpful and provided me with excellent coping mechanisms that I will carry and use daily. She is truly extraordinary!
Toms River Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Robin made me feel so comfortable and it was easy to ease into change.
Toms River Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is great and really cares for clients, I fully recommend them! And I honestly cannot say enough good things about Sharon Ryan. I never feel wrong, crazy, or judged while speaking with her. She is so comforting and provides excellent, accurate insights. I really appreciate her interest and understanding as well as her flexibility for appointments. I’ve been struggling with losing interest in hobbies that I once loved. With Sharon’s help, I’ve developed new interests I’ve always wanted to try and expanded my horizons. Thank you so much, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
Read more Thriveworks is great and really cares for clients, I fully recommend them! And I honestly cannot say enough good things about Sharon Ryan. I never feel wrong, crazy, or judged while speaking with her. She is so comforting and provides excellent, accurate insights. I really appreciate her interest and understanding as well as her flexibility for appointments. I’ve been struggling with losing interest in hobbies that I once loved. With Sharon’s help, I’ve developed new interests I’ve always wanted to try and expanded my horizons. Thank you so much, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
Toms River Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I recommend checking out Thriveworks to find a mental health care provider that can suit your needs. The owners are sweet, genuine people who make it their mission to help others by connecting therapists and those who want a little guidance. Your mental health is important (especially these days) and you don't need to being in a crisis to see a therapist! In fact, its better to seek out a therapist before you can't cope on your own.
Read more I recommend checking out Thriveworks to find a mental health care provider that can suit your needs. The owners are sweet, genuine people who make it their mission to help others by connecting therapists and those who want a little guidance. Your mental health is important (especially these days) and you don't need to being in a crisis to see a therapist! In fact, its better to seek out a therapist before you can't cope on your own.
Toms River Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
If you're looking for counseling, this is definitely the place to go!
Toms River Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located inside Allen Street Professional Center, between Water Street and Wilsey Way. Across Allen Street, you'll find Gallipoli Wealth Management. Our building is just around the corner from Huddy Park.

Phone number

(732) 795-5217

Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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

11 photos