Teen Therapy: Are We Failing Our Children?

We’re facing a teen mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation are at an all-time high—yet many teens and families are still being directed toward a therapeutic model that hasn’t changed in decades. Weekly talk therapy in a sterile office may be helpful for some, but for many teens, it’s not enough. In some cases, it can even make things worse.

Traditional therapy often assumes teens are ready to talk, reflect, and self-analyze in a way that simply isn’t developmentally aligned. It overlooks the importance of trust, movement, and relationship-building. Many teens leave their sessions feeling like they’ve just "talked at" an adult for an hour without actually receiving the tools or feedback they need to function differently in their daily lives.

At Higher Grounds, we take a coaching-style approach. Our team works alongside teens to help them practice emotional regulation, build communication skills, and develop tools for real-life challenges. We offer mentorship, structure, and relational safety—the kind that helps teens stay engaged and motivated.

Instead of waiting for teens to open up in an artificial setting, we build trust through action. Whether it's going for a walk, problem-solving in the moment, or guiding them through daily stressors, we focus on practical, relational support. Therapy must evolve to meet the needs of this generation, and we’re proud to offer a new path forward.

Contact us today to learn more about our in-home teen counseling and therapy.