Teen Counseling & Therapy in Park Ridge & Willowbrook: Expert Help for Anxiety, Depression & Stress
So when did this happen, this thing where my kid went from being a cute little child to being a teenager?
It seems so sudden, doesn’t it? One day your kid hops readily into your lap, and the next they want nothing to do with you, or they seem distant or super irritable. You’re in the thick of this parenting game now, with a child who acts so different than before, who is showing you all sorts of new behavior. So much has changed from when they were little.
You may be seeing an array of new, not-so-fun things right now. The fun-loving kid of yesterday may now seem super stressed, brooding, irritable, or anxious. And it’s hard on any parent. Sometimes you think it’s just a phase; other times you wonder if there’s something more serious going on.
If they would just talk to you, maybe you could figure that out. But with teens, it can be so hard to communicate. They shut you out, or tell you how lame you are.
Parents, we got you. We understand how hard it can be to know what is going on with your teen and how scary that can be. You can feel pretty lost and alone, wondering if other parents are dealing with this sort of thing. And it can be scary too, because the road seems unclear, the path uncertain. If only you knew you were on the right track…and that your teen was too.
You’re not alone in your concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 4 in 10 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 2 in 10 seriously considered attempting suicide. These numbers highlight just how widespread teen mental health challenges have become and why seeking support is so important.
Are you ready to find a therapist specializing in teen counseling?
As you know, teens are going through a period of major upheaval and change. Their bodies are changing, hormones raging, and they’re trying to figure out who they are, how they fit in, and where they’re headed. They’re also coming of age in a time of massive uncertainty…and disappointment. And all of this can be, well, too much for them. After all, they are still so young and inexperienced, even if they act like they know everything.
At Life Counseling Institute, with offices in both Park Ridge and Willowbrook, we specialize in helping teens navigate these challenging years. Our licensed therapists understand adolescent development and use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques to support teens through anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, and identity exploration.
When to Consider Counseling for Your Teen
Adolescence can be a challenging time, and professional help can make a significant difference. Consider counseling if your teen:
Emotional and Behavioral Changes:
Appears persistently sad, apathetic, or withdrawn
Experiences frequent mood swings or irritability
Shows signs of anxiety or excessive worry
Engages in self-harm behaviors
Exhibits sudden changes in personality or behavior
Family and Social Challenges:
Is struggling with family changes (e.g., divorce, conflict, remarriage)
Has difficulty forming or maintaining peer relationships
Shows signs of social isolation or withdrawal
Academic and Performance Issues:
Struggles academically or shows a sudden drop in grades
Has difficulty concentrating or staying focused in school
Expresses excessive stress about academic performance
Substance Use and Risk Behaviors:
Is experimenting with alcohol or drugs
Engages in risky or dangerous behaviors
Identity and Self-Esteem:
Lacks confidence or struggles with low self-esteem
Is exploring sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ+ issues)
Has concerns about body image, dieting, or weight
Trauma and Major Life Changes:
Has experienced a traumatic event (e.g., abuse, accident, violence)
Is coping with loss (e.g., death of a loved one, end of a relationship)
Is adjusting to major life transitions (e.g., moving, changing schools)
Remember, seeking counseling isn’t a sign that you haven’t done well as a parent. It’s a proactive step towards supporting your teen’s mental health and well-being. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping your teen navigate these challenges successfully. Research published in Evidence-Based Mental Health, a peer-reviewed journal from BMJ Publishing Group, emphasizes that timing of intervention is critical; effective early management not only helps prevent the progression of mental disorders but also reduces the long-term consequences often associated with these conditions, including social isolation, poor functioning, and reduced educational and vocational productivity. Importantly, early intervention can prevent the entrenchment of symptoms, making treatment more effective and recovery more achievable.
Teen Depression: Recognizing the Signs Beyond Mood Swings
At Life Counseling Institute, we understand that distinguishing between normal teenage mood swings and clinical depression can be challenging for parents. Our experienced counselors are trained to identify and address the key signs of depression in teens:
Emotional Symptoms:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Increased irritability or anger
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism
Behavioral Changes:
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Significant changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
Changes in appetite or weight (increase or decrease)
Physical Symptoms:
Unexplained aches and pains
Chronic fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Academic Impact:
Declining grades or school performance
Trouble focusing on schoolwork
Skipping classes or avoiding school altogether
Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts:
Talking about death or suicide
Giving away prized possessions
Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
Depression in teens can manifest differently than in adults. While adults might express sadness, teens often show irritability or anger. Additionally, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, which we always take seriously and address immediately.
Understanding Anxiety in Teens: When Worry Becomes Overwhelming
Anxiety in teenagers can be more than just occasional nervousness. It’s important to recognize that anxiety can significantly impact a teen’s daily life, relationships, and academic performance.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Teens:
Excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life
Constantly seeking reassurance from parents, teachers, or peers
Avoidance of new, challenging, or social situations
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Physical Symptoms:
Rapid heartbeat
Muscle tension
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Trembling or shaking
Nausea or stomach upset
Like with depression, anxiety in teens can look different from anxiety in adults. While adults might be able to articulate their worries, teens might express anxiety through irritability, avoidance behaviors, or physical complaints.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Teens
OCD is a specific type of anxiety disorder that some teens experience. In OCD, teens have intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to perform certain behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate their anxiety.
Mental rituals like counting or repeating words silently
These rituals can significantly disrupt daily life and cause distress for the teen and their family.
At Life Counseling Institute, we understand how challenging anxiety and OCD can be for teens and their families. We offer specialized treatments including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that have been shown to be effective in helping teens manage these conditions and improve their quality of life.
Managing Teen Stress: When Everyday Pressures Become Overwhelming
Today’s teens face unprecedented levels of stress from academic pressure, social media, peer relationships, college preparation, and global events. While some stress is a normal part of adolescence, chronic or overwhelming stress can significantly impact your teen’s mental health, physical well-being, and daily functioning. It’s important to recognize when stress has crossed from manageable to problematic. Our experienced counselors in help parents identify the signs that their teen may need support. Common signs of problematic stress in teens can include:
Emotional and Mental Symptoms:
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or unable to cope
Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
Frequent worry or racing thoughts
Difficulty relaxing or “shutting off”
Feelings of being trapped or helpless
Loss of motivation or enthusiasm
Physical Symptoms:
Frequent headaches or stomachaches
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Fatigue or low energy despite adequate rest
Changes in appetite or eating patterns
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Frequent illness due to weakened immune system
Behavioral Changes:
Withdrawing from friends and family
Procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities
Increased reliance on technology or social media for escape
Difficulty completing homework or studying
Irritability or conflicts with family members
Nervous habits (nail biting, fidgeting, pacing)
Academic and Social Impact:
Declining grades or school performance
Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
Missing school or activities due to stress-related symptoms
Reduced participation in extracurricular activities
Increased conflict with peers or teachers
Perfectionism that leads to paralysis rather than productivity
Understanding the Difference: Normal Stress vs. Chronic Stress
It’s important to understand that not all stress is harmful. Normal, short-term stress can actually motivate teens and help them rise to challenges. However, chronic stress, which is stress that persists over time without relief, can have serious consequences for your teen’s development and well-being.
Normal stress:
Comes and goes with specific situations (tests, presentations, tryouts)
Motivates action and problem-solving
Resolves once the stressor is addressed
Doesn’t significantly interfere with daily functioning
Problematic chronic stress:
Feels constant and unrelenting
Leads to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness
Persists even after specific stressors are resolved
Interferes with sleep, eating, relationships, and academic performance
May trigger or worsen anxiety and depression
Teen Stress in Park Ridge and Willowbrook: Understanding Local Pressures
We recognize that teens in Park Ridge, Willowbrook, and the surrounding northwest and western suburbs face unique pressures. Both communities are known for their high-performing school districts, competitive academic environments, and strong college preparatory cultures. While these factors create wonderful opportunities, they can also contribute to significant stress for adolescents.
Teens in our communities often experience:
Intense academic competition with peers in AP and honors classes
High college admission expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape
Pressure to excel in multiple areas simultaneously—academics, athletics, arts, and community service
Comparison culture amplified by social media showing peers’ achievements
Early specialization demands in sports or activities to remain competitive
Family expectations rooted in community values around achievement and success
Overscheduled lives with limited downtime between school, homework, extracurriculars, test prep, and social obligations
At Life Counseling Institute, our therapists understand the particular challenges facing teens in high-achieving suburban communities. We help teens and their families find balance between pursuing excellence and maintaining mental health. We work with students from Maine South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, and surrounding school districts, and we’re familiar with the specific academic and social landscapes these students navigate.
Our goal isn’t to lower your teen’s ambitions, but to help them pursue their goals in a sustainable, healthy way that doesn’t sacrifice their well-being. We help families find the sweet spot between achievement and self-care, competition and contentment.
How We Help: Evidence-Based Teen Counseling Approaches
At Life Counseling Institute, we don’t just talk about problems. Instead, we equip teens with practical tools for lasting change. Our therapists are trained in scientifically proven approaches specifically adapted for adolescents:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps teens identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and build confidence through practice. This approach is particularly effective for teen anxiety and depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps teens develop psychological flexibility, connect with their values, and learn to coexist with difficult emotions rather than fighting them. This approach resonates well with adolescents exploring identity and purpose.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
We integrate mindfulness techniques that help teens stay grounded in the present moment, observe anxious thoughts without being controlled by them, and reduce the impact of worry about future events.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
For teens with OCD or specific phobias, ERP gradually exposes them to feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment, helping them build tolerance and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Family-Involved Treatment
When appropriate, we involve parents and family members in the therapeutic process to improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a supportive home environment for recovery.
These approaches work. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders analyzed 27 research studies with nearly 3,000 adolescent participants and found that both CBT and ACT significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in teens. In fact, the two approaches produced comparable results, which means families have good options to find what works best for their teen.
The research also revealed something important: teens improve when they learn psychological flexibility, meaning the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and feelings in healthier, more adaptive ways rather than avoiding them or being controlled by them. This is exactly what our therapists help teens develop through these evidence-based approaches.
Meet Our Teen Therapy Specialists
Our Team of Licensed Teen Therapists
As a team, we set the tone for compassionate, evidence-based teen therapy at Life Counseling Institute. All of our providers are educated in and experienced with treating adolescents and young adults. Our team includes licensed therapists with specialized training in:
Adolescent and young adult mental health
Trauma-informed therapy for teens
Anxiety and depression in adolescents
Teen behavioral and social issues
Parent support and guidance
School-related stress and transitions
Identity development and self-esteem
All our therapists maintain continuing education in the latest teen treatment methods and are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Seven of our therapists specifically note a specialization in working with teens:
Emma Beechen, ALMFT (Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Emma works with children, teens, and adults, with a particular passion for nurturing coping skills and resiliency in young people as they navigate the complexities of growing up. She creates a supportive, empathetic, and fun environment where adolescents can explore their identities and learn to manage stress and emotions effectively. Emma has experience working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and behavioral and social issues. She has intensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD from the Cognitive Behavioral Institute and is Gottman Level 1 Certified.
Rebecca Dorich, LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
Rebecca is a clinical supervisor who works primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults. She takes pride in helping balance life’s struggles with her clients’ strengths and strives to create a welcoming environment where teens can feel comfortable and heard. Whether helping teens who feel unmotivated, are avoiding activities they once loved, or struggling to fit in socially or academically in school, Rebecca works with each person to find their own path to success. Her master’s program included a subspecialty in health and sports psychology, and she has experience working with high school and college level athletes.
Emily works with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns. She believes that healing and growth happen in relationship and strives to create a therapeutic environment that is collaborative and nonjudgmental. In her work with teens, Emily focuses on exploring both the challenges they’re facing and the areas they’d like to grow in, while highlighting the strengths they already possess to help them navigate these challenges with more resilience and confidence. She has intensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD from the Cognitive Behavioral Institute.
Zuly Ramirez, LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
Zuly is the Assistant Clinical Director at Life Counseling Institute and works with adults, teens, and children. She is bilingual (English and Spanish) and offers a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. In her work with children and teens, Zuly employs a variety of creative and play-based techniques to engage and connect with young clients. She works closely with parents and caregivers to provide support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of raising children and adolescents. Zuly has experience with anxiety, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, parenting support, and behavioral concerns.
Eileen Sears, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Eileen works with couples, teens, and adults and believes that every individual has the power and tools necessary to navigate the twists and turns of life. In addition to her work in private practice, she also works with adolescents in the school setting, where she really enjoys supporting kids as they navigate difficult transitions, improve their executive functioning skills, and learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression. Eileen’s collaborative approach helps teens address ongoing challenges so they can move forward feeling empowered and fulfilled in their lives.
Marisa Seper, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Marisa is a clinical supervisor with a passion for working with children and adolescents. She has such a heart to serve young people and found her love for counseling through this passion. Marisa’s goal is to teach children and teens about feelings, emotions, and coping skills, helping them learn to express their needs and emotions appropriately. She believes that toys are a child’s words and play is their language, utilizing therapeutic play to build connection and facilitate healing. Marisa has completed Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner training from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU and is EMDR trained, with expertise in adoption, childhood trauma, and emotional dysregulation.
Emma Williams, LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
Emma works with children, adolescents, and adults and has a deep-rooted belief that people are stronger and braver than they give themselves credit for. She strives to be an understanding and nonjudgmental counselor who creates a safe space for teens of all gender and sexual identities, races, and religious affiliations to share openly and feel accepted for who they are. Emma works hard to build a strong and trusting relationship with each teen, approaching them as the unique individuals they are. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and adolescent behavioral issues, and completed 40-hour domestic violence training.
The Transformative Power of Teen Counseling: Building a Brighter Future
At Life Counseling Institute, we’ve seen firsthand how counseling can be a game-changer for teens. Through our tailored approach, your teen can experience significant personal growth and development in various areas of their life:
Emotional Well-being:
Develop a more positive outlook on life
Build resilience and coping skills for life’s challenges
Learn to manage stress and anxiety effectively
Improve overall mood and emotional stability
Self-Discovery and Confidence:
Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their values
Boost self-esteem and self-confidence
Explore and embrace their unique identity
Develop a clearer sense of purpose and direction
Interpersonal Relationships:
Enhance communication skills with family and peers
Build stronger, healthier relationships
Learn to set appropriate boundaries
Improve empathy and understanding of others
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:
Develop critical thinking skills
Learn to make informed, responsible decisions
Acquire effective problem-solving strategies
Improve impulse control and self-regulation
Academic and Future Planning:
Enhance focus and motivation in school
Develop better study habits and time management skills
Explore career interests and set realistic goals
Plan for the future with increased clarity and confidence
Personal Growth:
Cultivate self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges
Learn to turn setbacks into opportunities for learning
Build a toolkit of life skills for long-term success
Through counseling, your teen can embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate adolescence and beyond. We’re committed to supporting your teen every step of the way, helping them build a foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.
Flexible Support for Your Teen: Online and In-Person Counseling
At Life Counseling Institute, we understand that today’s teens lead busy lives, and scheduling can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we’re proud to offer your teen the option of counseling either in person at our Park Ridge or Willowbrook locations, or online throughout Illinois.
Convenience: Sessions can be attended from the comfort of home, eliminating travel time and transportation issues.
Flexibility: It’s easier to find appointment times that work with your teen’s school, extracurricular, and family schedules.
Comfort: Some teens feel more at ease opening up in their own familiar environment.
Consistency: Bad weather or minor illnesses won’t interrupt the therapy process.
Privacy: Teens can attend sessions without concerns about running into peers at a counseling office.
Online therapy works just as well as in-person counseling for teens. A comprehensive review published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America found that online and virtual therapies are well-studied and effective treatment options for various mental and behavioral health conditions in children and adolescents. The research confirms that these digital formats can successfully deliver evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with outcomes comparable to traditional face-to-face sessions.
Our trained therapists use secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms to ensure your teen receives the same high-quality care they would in our office. Whether your teen prefers online sessions, in-person meetings at our Park Ridge or Willowbrook locations, or a combination of both, we’re here to provide the support they need in the way that works best for them.
Why Clients Choose Life Counseling Institute for Teen Counseling
Established Teen Mental Health Practice: Since 2012, Life Counseling Institute has provided counseling to over 4,500 clients, many of them adolescents facing anxiety, depression, stress, and other challenges
Specialized Teen Expertise: Seven licensed therapists on our team specialize in working with adolescents, with our therapists holding a combined 90 years of clinical experience in the Chicago northwest and western suburbs
Evidence-Based Approaches: CBT, ACT, ERP, and mindfulness-based therapies proven effective for teen anxiety, depression, and stress
Licensed, Compassionate Therapists: All therapists are licensed in Illinois and trained in adolescent development and mental health
Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments available to accommodate school and activity schedules
Convenient Locations: Offices in Park Ridge (serving Des Plaines, Niles, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Edison Park, Norwood Park, Morton Grove, Glenview, Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Rosemont, Elk Grove Village) and Willowbrook (serving Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Darien, Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills, La Grange, Western Springs, Westmont, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, Brookfield, Lemont)
Telehealth Available: Secure online counseling throughout Illinois for teens who prefer virtual sessions
Multilingual Services: Counseling available in English, Spanish, and Polish
Insurance Accepted: In-network with most major insurance providers
Confidential, Safe Environment: HIPAA-compliant care in a judgment-free, supportive setting
Family-Focused Care: Parent consultation and family therapy options available when beneficial
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Counseling
How long does teen counseling typically take?
Treatment length varies based on your teen’s specific needs, the issues being addressed, and their goals for therapy. Some teens benefit from short-term focused treatment (8-12 sessions) for specific issues like test anxiety or adjustment to a life change. Others may benefit from longer-term support as they navigate the ongoing challenges of adolescence. During the initial consultation, your therapist will discuss expected treatment length and will regularly review progress with you and your teen.
Will my teen talk to the therapist? What if they refuse to participate?
It’s completely normal for teens to be hesitant about therapy initially. Our therapists are experienced in building rapport with reluctant teens and creating a comfortable environment where they feel heard and understood, not judged. We start where your teen is and work at their pace. Many initially resistant teens become engaged once they realize therapy is a safe space that’s truly for them. If your teen is particularly resistant, we can also work with parents first to develop strategies for engagement.
How much will my teen tell me about their sessions?
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship, especially with teens. While therapists will maintain your teen’s privacy to build trust, there are limits to confidentiality (such as safety concerns, abuse, or if your teen gives permission to share). Your therapist will discuss the confidentiality policy with both you and your teen at the start of treatment. Generally, therapists provide parents with general updates about progress and treatment goals without sharing specific session content, unless your teen agrees to share more.
Does my teen need medication, or is therapy enough?
Many teens successfully manage anxiety, depression, and stress through therapy alone. Our therapists do not prescribe medication but can work collaboratively with your teen’s doctor or psychiatrist if medication is part of their treatment plan. The decision about medication is between you, your teen, and their prescribing physician. Your therapist can provide input about whether medication might be beneficial to discuss with your doctor based on symptom severity and treatment response.
Do you accept insurance for teen counseling?
Yes, Life Counseling Institute is in-network with most major insurance providers. We recommend contacting your insurance company to verify your behavioral health benefits, including copay amounts, deductible status, and any limitations on number of sessions. Our office can also provide you with information needed to verify benefits. For out-of-network insurance, we can provide you with a superbill to submit for potential reimbursement.
What makes Life Counseling Institute different from other teen counseling practices?
Life Counseling Institute specializes in evidence-based treatments proven effective for teen anxiety, depression, and stress. Our therapists receive ongoing training in adolescent-specific approaches and maintain smaller caseloads to provide personalized attention. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends, telehealth options, and services in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Polish). Our collaborative approach involves parents appropriately while respecting teen autonomy and confidentiality. We’re committed to making therapy accessible, effective, and adolescent-friendly.
Can I choose between your Park Ridge and Willowbrook locations?
Absolutely! Both locations offer the same high-quality, evidence-based teen counseling services with licensed therapists. Your choice often depends on geographic convenience and therapist availability. Some families prefer the Park Ridge location for proximity to the northwest suburbs, while others find Willowbrook more convenient for the western suburbs. Many of our therapists also offer telehealth throughout Illinois, providing additional flexibility. During your initial consultation, we’ll help you find the best fit for your family’s needs and location preferences.
Your Teen Deserves Support … And So Do You
You don’t need to feel lost or alone in helping your child. Life Counseling Institute is here to support your teen and your family through these challenging years. With offices in Park Ridge and Willowbrook, we’re nearby and ready to help.
