Therapy for teens in Boulder
For teenagers in middle school and high school, and for the parents who love them. In person at my Boulder office, or online for teens located in Colorado or California.
I'm Lori Beth Goldman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Boulder, Colorado. I work with teenagers one to one, and I support their parents alongside that work. We meet weekly or every other week, in person at my office on Iris Avenue or online, and it starts with a free 20-minute call, usually with a parent first.
Why can adolescence feel so hard?
Adolescence is often a time of intense upheaval and transition. Balancing the range of physical, emotional and developmental shifts is a constant uphill battle. Adolescents can feel pulled in what feels like a thousand different directions by the conflicting messages, ideals and desires of the adults and peers in their lives.
Longing to be accepted, struggling to make sense of their own rapidly shifting emotions and experiences, and seeking to forge their own values and identity, many adolescents end up feeling isolated or turn to risk-taking behaviors.
What do teens bring to therapy with me?
Social pressures and anxiety
Self-esteem
Sexuality and relationships
A shifting sense of identity
Alcohol and drug use
Conflict with parents
When should a teen see a therapist?
Some signs your teenager may benefit from therapy:
Dramatic shifts in identity, interest or mood
Pulling away from friends and family
Risk-taking behaviors
Self-harm
Depression, anger or an irritable mood
Disordered eating or a distorted body image
You do not have to wait for a crisis. If something has changed and you cannot tell whether it is a phase, that is a good reason to call. If your teen is in danger right now, call or text 988, or call 911.
How do I work with teenagers?
In therapy, I give teenagers a non-judgmental space to reflect on who they have been and discover who they are becoming. As a neutral and caring adult, I help them explore the conflicting feelings and desires going on in their heads, develop their own ideas and values, and think through the consequences of their actions. I relate directly and candidly with them, showing care and expressing concern around actions or behaviors when appropriate.
I am not a one-size-fits-all therapist. My work is relational and collaborative, grounded in training in attachment and trauma, with some solution-focused work when that is what helps. Noticing what is happening in the body is part of it too, when it is useful to the teen in front of me.
What type of therapist should a teenager see?
Someone licensed, who works with teenagers regularly, and whom your teen can actually talk to. That last part matters most.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado and California, with 18 years in practice. I trained for one year at the Family Institute of Pinole and two years at The Ann Martin Center in therapy with children, adolescents and their families, and I have worked with teens and their parents for many years.
How do I find a therapist for my teenager?
First, I would decide whether you will use insurance or private pay. Then I would decide whether your teen wants in-person and/or is open to online therapy. Asking friends for direct referrals, using Psychology Today and putting teen therapy in a search engine will help as a beginning to see who you think your teen would resonate with. Then, I suggest talking with the therapist yourself to see if this person will be a good fit for your teenager before scheduling your teen's first session.
On a free 20-minute call with me, you will tell me what is happening with your teen and your specific concerns and hope for them. I will share how I work with teens and with parents, and you can ask me any questions you have. I will be clear about whether I think I am the right fit for your teen.
How can you help a teenager with anxiety or depression?
At home: keep the conversation open, even when the answers are one word. Notice changes in sleep, eating, friends and mood. Take any talk of self-harm seriously, and if your teen is in danger, call or text 988, or call 911.
In therapy, we look at what sits underneath the anxiety or the low mood: pressure at school, friendships, identity, what is happening at home. Your teen gets a place to say it out loud to an adult who is not their parent. With your permission, I can also work alongside a psychiatrist, physician or school counselor.
Where do parents fit in?
Your teen's sessions are their own space. At the start of the therapy, I will explain the process of therapy to both of you.
If I am ever worried about your teen's safety, I will talk to your teen first and let them know that I will bring this to you as their parent.
As part of my work with your teen, I will meet with you separately as part of the work. I require that parents meet with me monthly while I am working with their teen. Your teen's sessions will be confidential unless there is a safety or danger concern.
The parent work will focus on understanding your teen more and helping you to be a better, more equipped parent to your unique teen. You are welcome to see my parent coaching page to get a better sense of what we will do together.
Questions parents ask
Can my teen see you online?
Yes, if your teen is located in Colorado or California. See online therapy in Colorado and California.
Do you work with college students too?
Yes. See therapy for college students and young adults.
What does it cost, and do you take insurance?
I am a private pay therapist and am not on insurance panels. You will pay me directly at the end of each month. If you have PPO insurance, I can give you a superbill and you will be able to work with your insurance company to get some out-of-network reimbursement. We talk about fees on the free consultation call, and you can ask me any questions you have then.
Is this crisis support?
No. If your teen is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
I'm passionate about supporting the next generation to be the most authentic, full and true versions of themselves, rather than who they think they are supposed to be.