Teen Therapy in Hidden Hills
Teen Therapy in Hidden Hills with Julie Klamon, LMFT
One day your teenager talks to you, and the next they barely look up from their phone. The mood swings, the closed door, the short answers. Some of that is ordinary adolescence. But when a teen seems genuinely unhappy, anxious, or checked out, it is hard to know where typical teenage life ends and a real problem begins. That uncertainty is one of the most common reasons parents in Hidden Hills reach out to me.
I am Julie Klamon, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 20 years of experience working with teenagers and the parents of teenagers. I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space where a teen can sort through what they are feeling, in person at my Agoura Hills office or by secure video across California.
My office is about 10 minutes from Hidden Hills by way of Las Virgenes Road, a short and private drive for local families.
Teen Therapy for the Hidden Hills Community
Teenagers in Hidden Hills are growing up under a particular kind of pressure. Most attend Las Virgenes Unified schools, including A.C. Stelle Middle School and Calabasas High School, where academics are competitive and social circles are small and closely watched. Add the constant comparison of social media, plus the visibility that can come with growing up in an affluent, close community, and the ordinary stress of being a teenager gets heavier.
Many of the teens I see look like they have everything going for them, which can make their struggles harder to name out loud. Anxiety, low mood, shaky self-esteem, friendship and identity questions: these do not disappear because a family is comfortable. I take the pressures specific to this community seriously, and I give teens a place where they do not have to keep performing.
My Approach to Teen Therapy
Teenagers can spot an adult who is not being straight with them, so I do not try to manage them or talk down to them. I build trust first and let the teen set the pace, which makes the work feel like theirs rather than something a parent arranged. From there we focus on practical skills: managing anxiety, regulating big emotions, handling conflict at home and at school, and rebuilding confidence. You can read more on my teen therapy page.
I also work with parents. I check in periodically to share progress and offer guidance on supporting your teen at home, while protecting your teenager's confidential space. That balance, a private place for the teen plus support for the parents, is what tends to move things in the right direction.
Who I Work With
Tweens (11-13)
Teens (14-19)
Parents of Teens
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Therapy in Hidden Hills
How do I know if my teenager needs therapy?
Look for changes that stick around. Persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger. Pulling away from family or friends. A noticeable drop in grades or big shifts in sleep. Risky behavior, or a hard time coping after a loss or major change. Teenagers often will not say outright that they are struggling, so these shifts are usually how it shows. If you are seeing them, therapy can help.
Will my teen actually open up to a therapist?
Most teens are wary at first, and that is normal. I do not push. I spend the early sessions earning trust and letting your teen set the pace, so the relationship feels like theirs rather than something handed down by a parent. Once a teen feels genuinely heard rather than managed, they tend to engage more than parents expect.
Do you understand the pressures on teens at Calabasas High and other Las Virgenes schools?
Yes. Teens from Hidden Hills generally attend Las Virgenes Unified schools, including A.C. Stelle Middle School and Calabasas High School, where academic expectations and tight social circles run high. Add in social media and the visibility that can come with growing up in an affluent, close community, and the pressure is real. I take all of that into account when working with local teens.
What is my role as a parent in my teen's therapy?
Your involvement matters, and the amount varies with your teen's age, maturity, and what we are working on. I usually meet with parents periodically to share progress and offer guidance on supporting your teen at home. At the same time, I protect your teenager's privacy so they have a confidential space to be honest, which is what makes the work effective.
How far is your office from Hidden Hills for teen sessions?
My office in Agoura Hills is about 10 minutes from Hidden Hills by way of Las Virgenes Road, a short and private drive. I also offer secure virtual sessions anywhere in California, which some teens find easier to fit around school and activities.
In-Person and Virtual Teen Therapy Near Hidden Hills
My office in Agoura Hills, CA 91301 is convenient for in-person teen therapy near Hidden Hills. I also work with teens and families from the surrounding communities, including Calabasas, CA, Agoura Hills, CA, Westlake Village, CA, Woodland Hills, CA, and Thousand Oaks, CA. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in California.
If you are worried about your teenager and not sure what is going on, a conversation can help. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation and we can talk through what you are seeing and whether therapy is the right next step.