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Teen Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

At It Begins Within we specialize in therapy for teens and adolescents who are navigating the challenges of dealing with anxiety, depression, school stress, sports performance and self-esteem. Serving families across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and nearby Florida communities, our highly trained teen therapists are dedicated to helping your child build resilience and thrive in all areas - socially, emotionally, and academically.

Understanding the Challenges of Adolescence in Tampa & St. Peterburg

Adolescence is a time of significant change — emotionally, socially, and neurologically. Across the country, teens are growing up in a world that feels more complex, demanding, and uncertain than ever. Social media, academic competition, identity exploration, and concerns about the future all collide during a stage of life when the brain is still developing and emotions often feel overwhelming.

Here in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding Florida communities, those challenges can take on unique forms.

What Teens Are Facing

  • Academic and Athletic Pressure - In high-performing schools across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, teens feel intense pressure to succeed, whether that be in the classroom or on the field. This drive can lead to anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism. This pressure can be compounded with high-performing parents, who children aspire to emulate.

  • Social Media & Image Culture - The nonstop stream of filtered lives and online comparison (without appropriate understanding and context) takes a toll on our children’s self-esteem. Tampa Bay teens are not immune, and many of our clients arrive struggling with body image, peer approval, and online bullying.

  • Identity, Belonging & Dating - Adolescents are exploring who they are along with their values, beliefs, and relationships, often without safe spaces to process what they're hearing.

  • Access to Substances & Risky Behavior - Like many urban and coastal areas, Tampa Bay teens are not immune to the exploration of risky and impulsive behavior, especially among those seeking escape or a sense of “belonging”.

  • Technology and the Search for Belonging - While today’s teens are more “connected” than ever, many feel less grounded in who they are. The rapid pace of digital life can create a deep sense of disorientation, making it harder to define values, form lasting relationships, or feel a genuine sense of connection.

How Teen Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg Can Help

Therapy gives teens more than just a space to vent - it gives them tools to grow, process, and thrive.

At It Begins Within, we specialize in adolescent counseling for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and school-related stress. Whether your teen is struggling with self-esteem, emotional regulation, or relationship challenges, our licensed therapists in Tampa and St. Petersburg offer support that’s local, compassionate, and tailored to their stage of life.

What Teens Gain Through Therapy

  • Emotional Regulation & Improve Self-Awareness

  • Confidence & Self-esteem

  • Building Stronger Relationships at Home and School

  • Tools to Manage Academic Stress & ADHD

  • A Safe Space to Explore Their Emotions

Teen Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg | Adolescent Counseling Near You

Why Teen Therapy Matters

While you may just see the irritability, withdrawal, or outbursts - underneath, your teen may be struggling with emotions they don’t know how to articulate. Our teen therapists in Tampa and St. Pete have the ability to meet them with understanding (not fixing) and help them build skills that last well beyond the therapy room.

Whether your teen is in crisis or simply navigating the normal stress of growing up in today’s world, we’re here to help them (and you) feel more connected, capable, and empowered.

Our Teen Therapy Modalities

Every teen is different, which is why we offer a variety of therapy services to meet their specific needs. Our teen therapists in Tampa and St. Petersburg are trained in a range of evidence-based modalities, including:

As dedicated mental health provider, we offer these services to support adolescents, parents and families through tailored programs and accessible options like virtual therapy. Our teen therapists work closely with each individual to determine the best approach based on their needs, preferences, and goals.

Compassionate Teen Counseling in Florida | In-Person & Virtual Sessions

Therapists for Teens Near Me in Tampa & St. Petersburg

  • Ashley, trauma-focused therapist working with children and tweens to heal and build resilience

    Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW

    Trauma Therapist for Children & Tweens

  • Top Tampa Teen Therapist

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Teen Stress & Performance Therapist – Former D1 Athlete

  • Lauren Pankuch, therapist for teens with autism and neurodivergent identities, supporting social and emotional development

    Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

    Autism & Neurodivergence Specialist

  • Emma, adolescent therapist helping teens overcome anxiety and self-doubt with calm, confidence-building strategies

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Teen Anxiety Therapist

  • St. Petersburg Teen Counselor

    Nicole Segovia, BS

    St. Petersburg Teen Counselor

  • Kelly, therapist in Tampa focused on early adolescent development and emotional growth in young girls

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Developmental Therapist for Young Women

  • DBT Teen Therapist in St. Petersburg, Florida

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    DBT Teen Therapist

  • Tyler, teen counselor using a holistic, strengths-based approach to help adolescent boys navigate stress and identity

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Teen Therapist for Young Men

  • Megan, child and tween therapist specializing in trauma recovery and emotional regulation in Tampa Bay

    Megan Midura, MA

    Trauma Therapist for Kids and Tweens

  • Ciana, therapist for teens in Tampa and St. Petersburg, specializing in anxiety, depression, and emotional health

    Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW

    Teen Anxiety & Depression Therapist

  • Paris, a Tampa-based teen therapist with a military background, supporting youth leadership and athletic performance

    Paris McDonald, LMHC

    Teen Sports Performance Therapist

Schedule with a tampa teen therapist

Our Philosophy for Teen Counseling

Therapy for Teens in Tampa Bay | Anxiety, Depression, ADHD & More

At It Begins Within, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Our adolescent therapists take the time to understand your child’s personality, emotional needs, and unique situation. Whether your teen is 10 or 18, we meet them where they are - with compassion, clinical expertise, and respect for their autonomy.

Relatable, SPECIALIZED Therapists Who Get IT

We know that teens open up when they feel understood. That’s why we’ve built a team of warm, down-to-earth therapists who are not only highly trained in human development, but also skilled in building trust without pressure.

5 Adolescent Challenges We Specialized in

Our therapists specialize in helping teens navigate the emotional, academic, and social challenges of growing up. Whether your teen is facing a specific issue or a more general sense of overwhelm, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their needs.

1. Teen Anxiety and excessive worry or panic

Is your teen constantly battling excessive worrying, overthinking, or melting down? You're not alone. We provide support for teens suffering from anxiety in Tampa and St. Pete that blends practical, evidence-based tools (like cognitive behavioral therapy for teens and mindfulness) with compassion.

2. Depression, Sadness, and Withdrawal

When a teenager loses motivation, isolates from friends, or seems irritable all the time, it’s easy to wonder if there is something deeper going on. We offer compassionate therapy for teen depression that helps adolescents feel heard, reconnect to what matters, and rebuild a sense of self-worth.

3. Social Anxiety, Bullying, and Friendship Struggles

Whether it’s group chat drama, social exclusion, or fear of judgment, many teens feel like they just don’t fit in. Our therapists help teens build confidence in who they are, process social pain, and learn how to navigate friendships without losing themselves in the process.

4. Stress, Academic Burnout, and ADHD

Gifted programs, AP courses, and college prep can take a real toll — especially when ADHD or executive functioning issues are involved. We support high-achieving students and teens with ADHD who are feeling overwhelmed, helping them manage pressure, improve focus, and set goals that actually feel doable.

5. Sports Performance, Identity, and Burnout

For many youth athletes in Tampa Bay, their self-worth and performance are deeply tied. We support teen athletes under pressure, helping them manage nerves, recover from failure, and cultivate the mental edge needed to perform without losing who they are in the process.

Learn more about Performance Therapy for Student Athletes

What Teen Therapy Looks Like & How Parents Stay Involved

Therapy for adolescents should feel safe, empowering, and developmentally appropriate — not sterile and clinical. At It Begins Within, we make sure teens feel understood, while also keeping parents supported and informed.

Whether your teen is meeting us in-person in Tampa or St. Petersburg, or attending sessions virtually anywhere in Florida, here’s what to expect.

What Happens in Teen COUNSELING Sessions

Our licensed therapists meet your teen where they are. Initial sessions focus on building trust and understanding their challenges and goals. Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may include:

  • Talk therapy to process emotions, thoughts, and experiences

  • Narrative therapy for adolescents to help your teen separate themselves from their problems and view their life stories in new, more empowering ways

  • Practical skills for managing anxiety, stress, or low motivation

  • Mindfulness, journaling, or other interactive approaches

  • Parent check-ins, when appropriate, to support progress at home

We’re here to help teens feel less overwhelmed and more capable — not to label them or “fix” them.

How We Involve Parents Without Breaking Trust IN adolescent therapy

We know how hard it can be to watch your child struggle. You want to help them — and in order for all of us support that mission, there is often a level of privacy and trust required. Fortunately, our therapists bring expert guidance in balancing these elements.

For younger teens or more complex challenges, we’ll often share updates, collaborate on goals, or offer parent support sessions. But we always protect the therapeutic relationship so your teen knows they have a space where they can speak freely.

As their parent you are an incredibly important part of your child’s journey, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Teen Counseling FAQs

Is therapy only for teens with serious mental health issues?

The simple answer is no. Therapy can benefit any teen experiencing stress, emotional struggles, or difficulty coping with life.

Will my teen be diagnosed with a mental health disorder?

Not necessarily. Our therapists assess your teen's needs and determine if a diagnosis is appropriate or if therapy should be more about developing coping skills and strategies. Fortunately since we do not accept insurance, this information will never be shared with anyone - ever.

How long does therapy take to work?

The required time will vary based on a number of factors. Some teens benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions), while others may need ongoing support.

Will I know what my teen talks about in therapy?

Our therapists maintain confidentiality to create and maintain a safe space for your child, but they will inform parents if there is any safety concern (for example self-harm or harm to others).

What if my teen refuses to go to therapy?

Open a conversation about their concerns, involve them in choosing a therapist, and explain therapy as a tool for support, not punishment. If you would like further assistance in having this conversation, we welcome your call and can provide specific guidance based on your unique circumstances.

What is dialectical behavior therapy adolescents?

DBT is a proven therapy that helps teens manage intense emotions, reduce risky behaviors, and improve relationships through skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Dr. Perleoni explains, “DBT teaches teens resilience and better communication to handle life’s challenges.”

Find the Right Therapist for Teens in Tampa, FL

Finding the right therapist can make all the difference in your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. At It Begins Within, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care tailored to your teen’s unique needs.

If you’re looking for teen therapy in Tampa or St. Petersburg, FL, we invite you to contact us today. Our skilled youth therapists are here to help your teen navigate life’s challenges with confidence and support.

Your teen deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive.

Learn more about our Tampa therapy services.

Sessions Available for Teen Therapy

We offer comprehensive mental health services for teens and families and are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. When searching for “counseling for teens near me”, we invite you to schedule with the top therapists near me in Tampa.