Teen Therapy in Encino
Teen Therapy in Encino with Julie Klamon, LMFT
Being a teenager is hard, and being a teenager in a place like Encino comes with its own particular weight. There is the pressure to do well in school, the constant comparison of social media, the friend-group drama that can shift overnight, and the sense that everyone is watching how you measure up. Teen therapy gives your adolescent a private place to talk all of that through with someone who is not their parent, not their teacher, and not their friend. Just someone genuinely in their corner.
Over more than 20 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have worked with teenagers who were anxious, depressed, angry, shut down, struggling in school, fighting with their parents, or quietly falling apart while keeping up appearances. What they tend to share is the need for one adult who will listen without an agenda. That is what I offer.
My office is in Agoura Hills, about 30 minutes from Encino on the 101 West. Virtual sessions are also available across California and work well for many teens.
Teen Therapy for the Encino Community
Encino teens grow up around a lot of expectation. Many come from high-achieving, professional families, and the message, even when it is never said out loud, is that you are supposed to excel. Strong grades, the right activities, a path toward a good college, all while looking effortless. Add in social media, where they are not just measuring themselves against classmates but against a curated highlight reel of everyone they follow, and it is no wonder so many local teens carry anxiety they cannot quite name.
Underneath the achievement, the ordinary hard parts of adolescence are still there: figuring out who they are, where they belong, and what they actually want. When that gets tangled up with perfectionism or the fear of disappointing their family, teens can start to shut down or burn out. Therapy gives them a space where no one is keeping score, and where they can sort out their own thoughts instead of performing someone else's version of success.
My Approach to Teen Therapy
Teenagers can tell instantly when an adult is being real and when they are going through the motions. I do not use scripts, I do not talk down to them, and I do not pretend to have every answer. What I do is show up consistently, ask honest questions, and help them work out what they actually think and feel about whatever is weighing on them. Over time that builds self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to handle hard situations without shutting down or blowing up. You can read more about my general approach on my teen therapy page.
Parents are part of the process, but your teen's sessions belong to them. I will not pass along the details of our conversations unless there is a safety concern. What I will do is check in with you, suggest ways to support your teen at home, and flag anything that needs your direct attention. That balance between your teen's privacy and your need to stay informed is something I take seriously.
Who I Work With
Teens Ages 11-18
Parents of Teens
Families
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Therapy in Encino
Teen therapy addresses anxiety, depression, low self esteem, academic pressure, social and friendship struggles, family conflict, identity questions, and the effects of trauma or major change. Many Encino teens are carrying intense pressure to perform in school and online, and sessions are shaped around what your teen is actually dealing with.
Watch for changes that last more than a couple of weeks: persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger, pulling away from family or friends, a drop in grades or big shifts in sleep, or risky behavior. If your teen has been through a hard event or a major transition, therapy gives them support and coping skills before things get worse.
Yes. Encino is a high-achieving community, and a lot of local teens feel they have to keep grades up, stay on top socially, and manage a polished online image all at once. That pressure can fuel anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. Therapy gives your teen a place to step out of the performance and figure out who they are apart from their accomplishments.
Most teens are skeptical at first, and that is normal. I suggest framing it as a chance to talk to someone who is not a parent or teacher, someone on their side who will not judge them, and letting them know they do not have to share anything before they are ready. Many teens who come in reluctantly end up finding it genuinely useful.
Confidentiality is what makes teens willing to be honest, so I do not share the details of what your teen tells me unless there is a safety concern. What I will do is keep you informed about the general direction of our work, give you strategies to use at home, and flag anything that needs your attention.
My office is at 28310 Roadside Dr. #249 in Agoura Hills, about 30 minutes from Encino on the 101 West. I also offer virtual sessions to teens anywhere in California, which works well for many adolescents who are more comfortable talking from their own space and helps therapy fit a packed school schedule.
In-Person and Virtual Teen Therapy Near Encino
My office in Agoura Hills, CA 91301 is convenient for in-person teen therapy near Encino. I also work with families from neighboring communities, including Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, and Woodland Hills. Virtual therapy sessions are available to teens located anywhere within the state of California.
If your teenager is going through a rough stretch and you are not sure how to help, a conversation is a good place to start. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation and we can talk about what is going on and whether therapy would be a good fit.