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Adolescent/Teen Therapy in Marriottsville, MD

Adolescent Therapy: Supporting Teen Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

As teenagers navigate the challenges of growing up, mental health support is more important than ever. The pressures of academics, social relationships, self-identity, and emotional regulation can feel overwhelming. When stress, anxiety, trauma, or behavioral struggles arise, adolescent therapy provides a safe and supportive space for teens to develop healthy coping strategies, build confidence, and work through emotional difficulties.

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At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we specialize in teen therapy that empowers adolescents to thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially. Our therapists provide a variety of evidence-based treatments, including psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma therapy, and narcissistic abuse therapy.

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We proudly serve families in Marriottsville, MD, and surrounding areas, including Sykesville, Olney, Columbia, Ellicott City, Eldersburg, and West Friendship. If your teen is struggling, we’re here to help.

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Why Adolescent Therapy is Essential for Teen Mental Health

Adolescence is a critical stage of emotional and psychological development. During these years, teens face:

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  • Academic stress and pressure to succeed

  • Social challenges, peer pressure, and bullying

  • Self-esteem and identity struggles

  • Family conflicts and communication breakdowns

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation

  • Trauma, grief, or difficult life transitions

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Without proper support, these challenges can affect a teen’s self-confidence, emotional well-being, and future success. Teen therapy provides a structured, professional space to help adolescents process their emotions, learn healthy coping skills, and develop resilience.

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Signs Your Teen May Benefit from Therapy

If you’re unsure whether adolescent therapy is right for your child, consider whether they are experiencing:

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  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings

  • Difficulty managing anger or frequent emotional outbursts

  • Social withdrawal or avoidance of friends and family

  • Trouble focusing in school or declining academic performance

  • Low self-esteem or negative self-talk

  • Self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts

  • Unhealthy coping mechanisms (substance use, eating disorders, etc.)

  • A history of trauma, abuse, or bullying

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Seeking teen therapy early can prevent long-term mental health struggles and help your adolescent develop the tools they need to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

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Types of Therapy for Adolescents

At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we offer customized treatment plans to support each teen’s unique needs. Here are some of the key therapies we use:

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1. Psychotherapy for Teens

Talk therapy provides a safe space for adolescents to express their emotions without judgment. Our therapists help teens explore their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions while developing tools to handle stress and challenges.

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2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, depression, and negative thought patterns in teens. This structured approach helps adolescents:

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  • Identify and challenge negative self-talk and irrational beliefs

  • Develop healthy coping skills for stress, school pressure, and social anxiety

  • Improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities

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CBT helps rewire the brain for healthier emotional responses, allowing teens to feel more in control of their emotions and actions.

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3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Teens who have experienced trauma, bullying, or distressing life events can benefit from EMDR therapy. EMDR helps adolescents reprocess painful memories, reducing their emotional impact. This therapy is highly effective for:

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  • PTSD and trauma recovery

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

  • Emotional dysregulation

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4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation

DBT therapy is a great option for teens struggling with:

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  • Mood swings and emotional outbursts

  • Self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts

  • Impulse control issues

  • Relationship conflicts

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DBT focuses on four core skills:

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  • Mindfulness – Staying present and aware of emotions

  • Distress Tolerance – Managing difficult emotions without self-destructive behaviors

  • Emotional Regulation – Learning how to handle intense emotions effectively

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – Improving communication and setting healthy boundaries

5. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Teens often struggle with inner conflicts, self-doubt, and negative self-perceptions. IFS therapy helps adolescents reconnect with their inner strengths and develop self-leadership skills. This approach is especially helpful for teens dealing with:

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  • Low self-esteem and identity struggles

  • Anxiety and perfectionism

  • Difficult family dynamics or childhood trauma

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6. Trauma Therapy for Adolescents

Many teens experience trauma from abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss. Trauma therapy helps them process their experiences in a safe environment while teaching strategies for emotional healing and resilience. We offer a range of trauma-focused treatments, including:

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  • Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • EMDR therapy

  • Somatic therapy for trauma

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7. Therapy for Depression and Self-Harm in Adolescents

Teen depression is more than just sadness or mood swings—it is a serious mental health condition that can affect a teen’s emotions, behavior, and daily functioning. In some cases, depression may also lead to self-harm behaviors as a way to cope with emotional pain.

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At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we provide specialized therapy for adolescent depression and self-harm, using a combination of evidence-based approaches to help teens regain hope, confidence, and emotional stability.

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Signs of Depression in Teens

Parents and guardians should be aware of the following warning signs of depression in adolescents:

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  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability

  • Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, and activities

  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Low energy and fatigue

  • Withdrawal from family and friends

  • Unexplained aches and pains

  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred

  • Increased talk of death, dying, or suicidal thoughts

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If a teen is experiencing any of these symptoms of depression, early intervention through adolescent therapy can be crucial in helping them recover.

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Gender Dysphoria and Adolescent Therapy

Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and for some teens, this includes exploring their gender identity. Gender dysphoria occurs when a teen experiences distress due to a disconnect between their gender identity and the sex assigned at birth. This can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social struggles.

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At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we provide a supportive and affirming environment for adolescents navigating gender dysphoria. Our therapists help teens:

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  • Process feelings of gender identity in a safe, judgment-free space

  • Develop coping strategies for emotional distress related to gender dysphoria

  • Address mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression

  • Explore gender identity while fostering self-acceptance and confidence

  • Provide family support to help caregivers understand and navigate their teen’s journey

Our goal is to empower adolescents to embrace their authentic selves while ensuring they have the emotional tools to navigate challenges with resilience.

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Creating a Safe Space for Teens in Therapy

At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we believe that every teen deserves a safe, nonjudgmental space to express themselves openly. Many adolescents hesitate to share their thoughts and emotions due to fear of rejection, peer pressure, or societal expectations. That’s why we prioritize creating a supportive environment where teens feel heard, respected, and validated. A safe space in therapy means:

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  • Confidentiality and trust, allowing teens to speak freely without fear

  • Respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences

  • Encouragement to explore emotions, thoughts, and personal challenges

  • A welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth, neurodivergent individuals, and those facing social pressures

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We believe that when teens feel safe and supported, they are more likely to engage in therapy, express themselves authentically, and develop the confidence needed to overcome challenges and thrive.

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How Therapy Helps Adolescents Build Confidence and Resilience

When teens develop emotional intelligence and coping skills early in life, they are better prepared for future challenges. Through adolescent therapy, teens can:

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  • Improve self-awareness and emotional regulation

  • Develop healthier communication and relationship skills

  • Strengthen self-esteem and personal identity

  • Learn to manage anxiety, depression, and stress effectively

  • Gain a strong support system and positive coping strategies

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Our therapists work closely with both teens and parents to ensure that progress continues beyond therapy sessions.

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What to Expect When Your Teen Starts Therapy

If this is your teen’s first time in therapy, here’s what to expect:

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1. Initial Consultation

  • The therapist meets with both the teen and their parent/guardian to discuss concerns, goals, and treatment options.

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2. Building Trust and Comfort

  • Sessions are designed to make teens feel comfortable and heard.

  • Therapists encourage open, judgment-free conversations.

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3. Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring

  • Therapy goals are tailored to each teen’s unique emotional and mental health needs.

  • Progress is monitored to ensure positive growth and confidence-building.

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4. Parent Involvement and Support

  • Parents are kept informed and given strategies to support their teen’s mental health at home.

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Serving Marriottsville and Nearby Communities

At Fundamental Solutions Psychotherapy, we provide specialized adolescent therapy in a safe, welcoming environment. Our licensed therapists understand the unique challenges teens face and use proven, evidence-based techniques to support them. We proudly serve families in:

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  • Marriottsville, MD

  • Sykesville

  • Olney

  • Columbia

  • Ellicott City

  • Eldersburg

  • West Friendship

  • And more

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Give Your Teen the Support They Deserve – Get Started With Adolescent Therapy Today

Your teen doesn’t have to struggle alone. Adolescent therapy can provide the tools and support they need to grow, heal, and thrive. Call or text us today at 410-487-9477 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future for your teen. Let’s work together to support your teen’s mental well-being and future success.

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