"There's nothing wrong with working on yourself and dealing with those things with someone who can help you, someone who can talk to you, who's not your mom or whatever, who has no bias." - Zendaya
Teens and Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY)
I am passionate about working with teens and transitional-aged youth, and I feel deeply honored whenever I have the opportunity to support young people during these important and sometimes challenging years. I have been working with teens and youth as a clinical social worker for 14 years, and I also hold a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), which reflects my additional training and experience in supporting students within educational settings. Before becoming a therapist, I dedicated myself to working with youth in other capacities, including summer camps, education, college counseling, and mentorship. I love helping teens because I know firsthand how powerful it can be to have a positive adult in your life—someone who listens, encourages, and believes in you. The right support at the right time can truly shape a teen’s future.
While I continue to feel strongly about working with this age group, I currently take on teen clients on a case-by-case basis, as I balance my professional work with the joys and responsibilities of being a mother and caring for my own children. I am trained in evidence-based approaches such as Seeking Safety, MAP (Managing and Adapting Practice), Functional Family Therapy, CBT, DBT, and ERP, which allow me to support teens with a wide range of presenting issues.
Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY)
The transition into adulthood can be an incredibly confusing, overwhelming, and anxiety-provoking time for many young people. Transitional-aged youth (TAY) are often faced with significant decisions about their future, relationships, identity, education, and independence—all while still developing the emotional tools needed to navigate these new responsibilities. Unfortunately, this challenging stage is rarely talked about openly in our society, leaving many young people feeling isolated or as though they “should” have it all figured out. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where my TAY clients can explore their worries, hopes, and uncertainties. Together, we work on problem-solving, setting meaningful goals, and building a vision for the future, while I also help them develop practical skills to manage stress, regulate strong emotions, and build resilience during this important life stage.
1
I've never been in therapy and I'm nervous about it. What can I expect?
That’s such a good and honest question—and I really appreciate you sharing that you’re feeling nervous. It’s totally normal to feel that way, especially if this is your first time in therapy.
Here’s what you can expect when we work together: Our first few sessions will be about getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about what’s going on in your life, what’s been feeling hard, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. There’s no pressure to have all the answers or to share everything right away—you get to go at your own pace. My job is to listen, support you, and help you figure things out, not to judge or tell you what to do.
I try to make therapy a space where you can feel safe to talk about whatever’s on your mind—whether that’s stress about school, friendships, family, your future, or anything else. We’ll also work on tools and strategies to help with strong emotions, anxiety, or whatever you’re struggling with.
If at any point something doesn’t feel right, or you’re not sure about something, you can always tell me—that’s part of what therapy is for too. I’m here to help you, and we’ll figure it out together. 💛
2
How long will it take for me to start feeling better?
That’s a great question! It really depends on what you’re going through and what you want to work on. Some people feel a little better after a few sessions, just by having a safe space to talk. For others, it can take more time—kind of like building strength at the gym. We’ll check in along the way to see how you’re doing and what’s helping. My goal is to support you at a pace that feels right for you. 💛
3
I am technically an adult, but still on my parents insurance. Can I use their insurance?
Please check with your insurance, but my understanding is that yes you can as long as you're under 26, you can remain on your parents' health insurance plan—even if you're technically an adult. This applies regardless of your student status, employment, marital status, or whether you're claimed as a tax dependent. Always call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to find out and to ask what your co-pay will be. I can also check your co-pay amount when I run your insurance in the Headway portal. 💛
4
I'm worried about confidentiality. Will my parents know what we discuss in therapy?
That’s a really important question, and it’s totally normal to wonder about confidentiality. Here’s how it works: what you share in therapy is private, and I won’t tell your parents what we talk about without your permission.
There are a few exceptions, like if I’m worried about your safety or someone else’s safety—then I might need to get help to keep everyone safe. But beyond those rare situations, therapy is your space to talk honestly and openly without worrying about parents finding out.
If you ever want, we can talk more about confidentiality and what that means for you before you decide to start. Your privacy and trust are really important to me. 💛
Ready to schedule a free consultation?
"I go to therapy. It's just one of the most important things — to get to know yourself. Not saying everyone in the world has to do it, but I do think that it's helped me understand myself and my childhood a lot better.”
- Selena Gomez