4 Highly Recommended Chicago Teen Therapists
We understand how heart-wrenching it is to watch your teenager struggle. Whether theyโre withdrawing into themselves, acting out in ways that scare you, or carrying trauma that's too heavy for them to bear alone, parents often feel powerless even though they desperately want to help.
At Watch Hill Therapy, our trauma-specialized therapists understand the complexity of adolescence and know how to meet teens exactly where they are. Weโre here to support your teenโand your familyโas you navigate this challenging time and take the steps toward healing.
Meet our Chicago therapists for teens
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Kaitlyn Rippel, LCSW
So many teens struggle with self esteem. I help teens understand their own strengths while we work together to change patterns that aren't serving the life they want to live. With a background as a school social worker, I bring specialized experience in trauma work and have a particular passion for supporting teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are also experiencing mental health challenges.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Location: 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy?: Yes, in addition to in-person
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Angie Zara, LPC
I know that raising children doesnโt always go to planโespecially with changing teenagers. Thatโs why I approach teen therapy from a harm reduction perspective, meaning we minimize the risk of certain behaviors if stopping immediately isnโt realistic. Iโll work with your teen at a pace that feels safe and sustainable, so your teen learns to trust me. You know better than anyone: trust is everything when helping a teen.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Location: 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy?: Yes, in addition to in-person
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Brad McGinnis, LPC
I create a safe, collaborative space where teens can better understand their mental health conditions or neurodiversity. Iโve worked with adolescents navigating complex trauma, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and dissociation, and Iโm passionate about helping ADHD, autistic, or AuDHD teens learn how to set themselves up for success in school and relationships. I know things feel hard right now, but a therapist who understands teens can really help.
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Location: 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy?: Yes, in addition to in-person
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Rachel Lara, ATR-P
I offer teens an alternative to traditional talk therapy through art therapyโletting them lead their sessions and express what words can't always capture. Trained in stage-based trauma approaches for PTSD, C-PTSD, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), I bring over a decade of experience as a school teacher and a deep commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ teens and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Credentials: Registered Art Therapist (Provisional)
Location: 25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Other resources for teen counseling in Chicago
While we are confident in our ability to support teens, we recognize that some families may have needs that fall outside of our scope. We want to make sure that your teenager gets the support they need, whether thatโs with our practice or elsewhere, so weโve included some other local resources in case youโre seeking different services.
For crisis services: Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For free & pro-bono therapy: The Family Institute at Northwestern University
For intensive outpatient therapy: Lurie Children's Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
For inpatient treatment: Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital
For eating disorder treatment: UChicago Medicine
What sets our practice apart from other Chicago teen therapy providers
At Watch Hill Therapy, weโre not just trauma-informedโwe're highly trained trauma specialists who are dedicated to helping teens and their families deeply heal. Hereโs what makes us different:
Trauma and dissociation specialists with advanced training beyond standard licensure
Hybrid availabilityโboth in-person sessions in the heart of downtown Chicago and secure telehealth
Evening and weekend appointments to accommodate school schedules
Systems approachโwe understand that family dynamics impact healing, and we can work with parents, couples, and the whole family system
Diverse, inclusive team welcoming teens of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds
Somatic and body-based interventions, including TREโข (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises)
Culturally sensitive care that honors each teen's unique identity and lived experiences
Collaborative, relational approach that empowers teens rather than talking down to them
We believe what harms in relationship heals in relationshipโand we're committed to being that safe, consistent presence your teen deserves.
Areas we support teens with
Trauma recovery (sexual trauma, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect)
Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Depression, anxiety, and PTSD
School refusal and academic difficulties
Emotion regulation, anger, and impulse control challenges
Neurodiversity such as ADHD, AuDHD, and autism
Family conflict, divorce, and communication breakdowns
Grief, loss, and life transitions
Identity exploration (sexual orientation, gender identity, self-discovery)
Peer relationships, bullying, and social isolation
Eating disorders, substance use, and other risky behaviors
Self esteem, body image, and perfectionism
What to expect from the therapy process
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Before anything else, we focus on building trust and safety. Your teen won't be pressured to share their deepest struggles in the first sessionโwe meet them where they are, at their own pace, creating a space where they can finally exhale and be themselves without judgment.
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Behaviors like anger, withdrawal, or acting out are usually signals of deeper pain. Together with your teen, we gently explore the emotions, experiences, and patterns underneath their struggles, helping them understand themselves with compassion rather than shame.
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Healing isn't just developing insightโit's also learning concrete tools. We teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication skills, and somatic techniques that your teen can use in real-time, while also creating space to process traumatic experiences when they're ready.
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Parents are partners in this process. We'll check in with you regularly, provide guidance on supporting your teen at home, and may invite you into sessions when appropriate. While we honor your teenโs need for autonomy, we believe that strengthening family connection is a key part of healing.
FAQs about teen counseling
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We work with adolescents of all ages, and some of our therapists work with younger children as well. Weโre also experienced in working with adults, couples, and families. Our focus is less on what specific age your child or teen is and more on their lived experience and needs.
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Just asking this question shows that youโre picking up on something that may need attention. While all teens experience ups and downs, certain signs suggest professional support could be helpful:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, or references to wanting to die
Significant changes in eating, sleeping, school performance, or daily functioning
Intense anger, explosive outbursts, or risky behaviors like substance use
Social withdrawal, isolation, or expressing feelings of numbness and disconnectedness
Trauma history that's impacting their ability to feel safe or connected
Trust your parental instincts. If something feels off or you're worried about your teen's well-being, reaching out for a consultation is a great first step.
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This depends on your teen's age, the issues being addressed, and their needs. Generally, we involve parents through periodic check-ins, and we may suggest occasional family sessions when appropriate. We respect your teen's need for confidentiality while keeping you informed about their progress and equipped with tools to support them at home.
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There's not just one best type of therapy for teensโeffective care needs to be tailored to their unique needs, developmental stage, and personality. Our therapists draw from multiple evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused therapy, DBT, relational therapy, play therapy, somatic interventions, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, adapting our methods to what will actually resonate with and help your specific teenager.
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Yes, insurance typically covers therapy for teens. We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance for teen therapy services. For families with other insurance plans, we're considered out-of-network providers and can provide superbills for potential reimbursement. We're happy to discuss payment options and help you understand your insurance benefits during your free consultation call.