Teen Therapy in Chicago — Support for Girls & Adolescents

At Balanced Awakening, our teen therapists in Chicago specialize in supporting girls and adolescents through the challenges of growing up. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or life transitions, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care. Sessions are available in person at our Chicago offices and virtually across Illinois.

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Meet Our Teen Therapists

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • During our first session Hannah was proactive in creating a plan of action to properly diagnose me and address my concerns. Detailed. Office is beautiful. Love the decor, relaxing ambiance and free tea.

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  • She was very kind and thorough during intake and the entire office looks like something out of a lifestyle magazine.

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  • The office is lovely and welcoming, the in-take paperwork helped me prepare for what I wanted to talk about and gave me a starting point.

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  • Dr. Yang is warm and empathic, and made me feel comfortable from the very beginning.

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  • Emma has been very supportive through major life changes for me. Her sweet and gentle nature made it easy for me to feel safe to open up to her. I am very grateful for her support and kindness.

    ———

  • It was my first visit and she made me feel so safe. I opened up right away!

    ———

Struggling with the pressures of being a teen girl?

  • Does your anxiety seem out of control? And is it stopping you from doing things you want to do?

  • Or maybe you’re having a hard time knowing where you belong and who your friends are?

  • You might be feeling depressed and aren’t sure who to talk to?

  • Or you might just want someone to talk to who can just listen and not share their opinion.

There are a lot of things that can be hard about being a teenage girl. Our teen girl therapists have a broad understanding of some of the things that you might be going through, and also want to hear directly from you about whatever you want to talk about.

Young woman sitting at a table in a cafe, looking at her phone, with a latte and a plant in the foreground.

Common Reasons that Teen Girls Seek Therapy

It can be difficult to be a teen girl! Sometimes teen girls come to therapy to simply process and get emotional support with all of the rapid changes and growth they experience. And sometimes there are more common and diagnosable mental health issues happening like depression, anxiety, or disordered eating. Here’s a list of some specific reasons why teen girls might want to start therapy:

  • Someone in their life, perhaps a parent, or a teacher, is concerned that they may be depressed. Or sees them struggling with a lot of anxiety around day to day things.

  • Relationships are of utmost importance when you’re a teen, and can be quite difficult to navigate! Teens may want help with connecting to their friends, assertiveness with peers, new communication skills that help them feel like they fit in, or guidance on navigating romantic relationships for the first time

  • The teenage years are a time of heightened focus on the body and how one feels about self and their body. Many teens have body image concerns and/or self esteem issues that could be assisted in therapy.

  • There may be a lot of pressure to do well in school and teens may seek therapy to learn ways to manage that academic pressure.

  • Sometimes teens have also been through trauma and abuse in the past and seek therapy to heal from those experiences.

  • Conflict with parents or a primary caregiver may be something that also shows up for teen girls.

  • Often the teen years are a time of experimentation. Some teens may struggle with ongoing substance abuse and addiction challenges and want help to break away from those behaviors.

  • Sometimes it’s just that there’s a lot going on as a teen girl, and it’s helpful to have a therapist to help you work through all of the life transitions.

Signs Your Teen Needs Support

Here are some common signs to look out for that may indicate that your teen girl could benefit from therapy:

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness: If she seems constantly down or has a negative outlook.

  • Frequent irritability or anger: Excessive frustration or anger that seems disproportionate to the situation.

  • Anxiety or fear: Intense worry or panic about school, social situations, or personal life.

  • Mood swings: Extreme or rapid shifts in mood that seem uncontrollable.

Decline in Academic Performance

  • Lack of motivation: A noticeable drop in effort or interest in school.

  • Difficulty concentrating: Inability to focus or retain information, leading to falling grades.

  • Absenteeism: Skipping school or avoiding academic responsibilities without clear reasons.

Young woman sitting in an empty auditorium, holding her head with both hands, looking concerned or stressed. She could benefit from therapy at Balanced Awakening.

Social Withdrawal

  • Isolating from friends and family: Avoiding social interactions, spending too much time alone.

  • Loss of interest in hobbies: Activities she once enjoyed no longer bring pleasure.

  • Trouble making or keeping friends: Frequent conflict in relationships or struggling with peer pressure.

Changes in Sleeping or Eating Habits

  • Sleeping too much or too little: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleep.

  • Loss of appetite or overeating: Sudden weight changes or unhealthy eating patterns.

Self-Harm or Talk of Suicide

  • Self-harm: Engaging in cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury.

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Talking about death, having a plan, or expressing feelings of worthlessness.

Substance Use

  • Experimenting with drugs or alcohol: Using substances as a way to cope with emotional distress or fit in socially.

  • Changes in behavior around substance use: Hiding, lying, or engaging in risky behavior while under the influence.

Risky or Reckless Behavior

  • Impulsive actions: Engaging in activities without considering the consequences, like dangerous driving or sexual behaviors.

  • Defiance or rule-breaking: Frequent arguments with authority figures, breaking curfews, or legal trouble.

Struggles with Self-Esteem

  • Negative body image: Constantly criticizing her appearance or feeling unworthy.

  • Perfectionism: Intense fear of failure or obsession with being perfect.

Trauma or Major Life Changes

  • Grief or loss: Struggling to cope with the death of a loved one or parental divorce.

  • Bullying or peer pressure: Signs of being targeted at school or online.

Therapeutic Approaches and Techniques

At Balanced Awakening, we have therapists for teen girls who work in several unique ways. Some of our teen girl therapists bring in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help teens make changes to their day to day thoughts and behaviors. Some approach therapy with a primary focus on being an unbiased listener and holding the space for the teen to explore all sorts of thoughts and feelings. We also have art therapy that can be really wonderful for teens, as it can help teens access their feelings through creative expression.

We’re also happy to work with a teen girl and a parent in sessions together utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy. What we can do is help to facilitate safe communication between, say mom and teen, or dad and teen, around pretty much any topic or relationship needs.

Benefits of Engaging in Teen Girl Therapy

The benefits of engaging in therapy as a teen girl are many! Here are some common ones:

  • Help you feel more confident in you/your relationship with yourself

  • Reduce your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression

  • Learn skills to help you communicate better with peers and feel more at ease in your friendships

  • Develop emotional resilience and flexibility in navigating day to day changes and challenges

  • Experience less conflict in your relationship with your parents or teachers

  • Heal from past trauma

  • Overcome disordered eating or substance abuse issues

Getting Started with Teen Girl Therapy at Balanced Awakening

We are here for you whenever you would like to get started! Feel free to contact us or explore the profiles of the therapists that we have listed at the top of the page.

Contact Us 
Balanced Awakening Lakeview
4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Ste 301
Chicago, IL 60613
  
Balanced Awakening Andersonville
5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Ste 201 & 208
Chicago, IL 60640
  
Balanced Awakening Loop
25 E Washington St, Ste 1505
Chicago, IL 60602
  
Balanced Awakening Lincoln Park
561 W Diversey, Ste 205
Chicago, IL 60614
 

Teen Girl Therapy-Related Blog Posts

Teen Girl Therapy FAQs

  • We provide therapy for teen girls and adolescents, typically ages 12–17. If your child is on the younger or older end, reach out—we’ll guide you to the best fit.

  • Common reasons families seek teen therapy include anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem or body image concerns, relationship struggles, school issues, and life transitions.

  • Our therapists use evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT-informed skills, plus trauma-informed and creative approaches such as art therapy, mindfulness, and somatic awareness when helpful.

  • Yes. Many families request a woman therapist for their teen daughter, and we are happy to match your teen with a clinician she’ll feel comfortable with.

  • Teen therapy sessions are 55 minutes long and focus on building trust and exploring your teen’s goals. Talking isn’t the only option—therapists may use activities, coping skills practice, or art to make the process easier.

  • We balance privacy and parental involvement. Parents may join for part of a session from the time to time, while also respecting the teen’s need for confidentiality.

  • Illinois law protects a teen’s right to privacy in therapy, but there are exceptions when safety is at risk. At the start of therapy, we explain clearly what stays private and what information must be shared with parents.

  • Yes. We provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ teens and nonbinary youth, creating a safe space where they can explore identity, relationships, and emotional health

  • With consent, we can collaborate with school staff around 504/IEP plans, bullying, attendance, or academic stress to support your teen across settings.

  • We don’t prescribe, but if medication may help, we coordinate with your pediatrician or a trusted psychiatric provider to support integrated care.

  • Yes. We understand teens are busy with school and activities, so we offer after-school and some evening slots in person and online.

  • We offer groups when there’s enough interest. Ask to join the interest list; if no group is currently running, we’ll share local resources.

  • Availability changes week to week. Contact us or book online—if your preferred therapist isn’t available, we’ll recommend the next best match.

  • That’s common. We start with a low-pressure first session to get to know each other. Once your teen feels understood, most become more open to therapy.

  • Please tell us right away. We’ll create a safety plan and share crisis resources. If there’s immediate danger, call 988 or 911.

  • We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna, and we work with Thrizer for out-of-network reimbursement. We’ll verify benefits before you begin so there are no surprises.

  • We offer therapy at our Chicago offices in Lakeview, Andersonville, the Loop, and Lincoln Park—or virtually anywhere in Illinois.

Your teen doesn’t have to navigate these challenges alone. With the right support, she can feel more confident, connected, and resilient. At Balanced Awakening, we’re here to walk alongside her — and you — every step of the way.

Get Support for your Teen