Adolescent Counseling & Support Services (Ages 13–17) in New Brunswick & Mt. Holly NJ

New Brunswick & Burlington, NJ • In‑person and Telehealth

A woman and a teenage boy sit together in a library, looking at a laptop screen. The woman points at something on the laptop while the boy listens attentively. Bookshelves are visible in the background.

Judgment‑free, client‑centered, and trauma‑informed care for teens and their families.

We help adolescents build healthy coping skills, improve relationships, succeed in school, and reduce substance use and emotional distress—one step at a time.

Quick Facts

  • Who we serve: Adolescents 13–17 with mental health and/or substance use concerns
  • Locations: New Brunswick & Burlington, NJ (with community outreach as available)
  • Formats: In‑person and secure telehealth sessions (video/phone)
  • Frequency: Weekly individual therapy, plus skills & support groups; family sessions encouraged
  • Approach:Client‑centered, trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and strengths‑based
  • Coordination: Collaboration with parents/guardians, schools, pediatricians, and community partners
  • Confidentiality: We explain teen privacy and consent in plain language and follow all New Jersey laws and ethical standards

Why Choose Our Adolescent Program

Specialized care for teens

We tailor care to adolescent development, identity, motivation, and family dynamics.

Integrated support

We address mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, mood regulation) and substance use (experimentation, misuse, early disorder) together.

Real‑life skills

Teens learn practical tools for emotion regulation, stress management, healthy decision‑making, and substance use relapse prevention.

Family partnership

We involve caregivers to strengthen communication, boundaries, and support at home.

Flexible access

After‑school/evening appointments and telehealth options help therapy fit busy schedules.

Benefits teens and families often notice:

  • Fewer conflicts and stronger communication at home
  • Improved mood, sleep, and stress tolerance
  • Safer choices and reduced substance use
  • Better focus and follow‑through at school and work
  • Increased confidence, coping skills, and hope

What We Treat

  • Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, trauma responses, grief, mood regulation difficulties, school stress, social anxiety, self‑esteem, identity development, ADHD‑related challenges, self‑harm urges (with safety planning), and more.
  • Substance Use: Experimentation or regular use of alcohol, cannabis, vaping/THC, misuse of prescription medications, and other substances. We offer education, risk‑reduction, relapse‑prevention, and support for co‑occurring mental health concerns.

If a teen needs specialized medical treatment (e.g., evaluation for medication), we collaborate with pediatric primary care and behavioral health prescribers. Medication decisions are made with the teen and caregivers, following best practices and legal requirements.

What to Expect: First 30 Days

1. Welcome & Screening

A brief phone call to understand needs, answer questions, and schedule an intake.

2. Comprehensive Evaluation

A confidential, trauma‑informed assessment covering strengths, challenges, safety, and goals (includes caregiver perspective when appropriate).

3. Personalized Care Plan

We co‑create goals and select services that fit the teen’s needs and preferences.

4. Start Services

Weekly individual therapy (in person or telehealth). We’ll recommend skills groups and family sessions to boost progress.

5. School & Community Coordination

With consent, we collaborate with school teams, pediatricians, and other supports.

Our Services

Individual Therapy (weekly)

Confidential 45–60 minute sessions that center the teen’s voice, strengths, and goals.

Skills & Support Groups

Age‑appropriate groups that build coping, communication, and relapse‑prevention skills (after‑school options when available).

Family Sessions

Coaching for communication, boundaries, problem‑solving, and support plans at home.

Care Coordination

With teen/caregiver consent, we work with schools (504/IEP teams), pediatricians, probation/courts (if applicable), and community partners.

Telehealth

Secure, HIPAA‑compliant video/phone visits for convenience and continuity of care.

Crisis & Safety Planning

Collaborative plans for managing urges, self‑harm risk, or risky substance use—focused on safety and support.

Note: If a higher level of care is needed (e.g., intensive outpatient, medical detox, inpatient, or residential), we help coordinate referrals and smooth transitions.

Counseling Approaches (Evidence‑Based & Teen‑Friendly)

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Builds readiness for change without judgment; helps teens set their own goals.

Trauma‑Informed Care

Prioritizes safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment; avoids re‑traumatization.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Links thoughts, feelings, and actions; teaches practical coping and problem‑solving.

Recovery‑Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT‑R)

Strengths‑based approach that nurtures hope, purpose, and self‑efficacy.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Helps teens move toward their values—even with hard thoughts and feelings.

DBT‑Informed Skills

Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Relapse‑Prevention & Risk‑Reduction

Skills to navigate triggers, peer pressure, and safer decisions.

Education Corner: Teen Mental Health & Substance Use

Common signs a teen may need support:

  • Noticeable changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or grades
  • Withdrawing from friends/family; loss of interest in hobbies
  • Increased irritability, risk‑taking, or conflict at home/school
  • Secretive behavior around substances, paraphernalia, or money
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches), panic, or frequent school absences

Myths vs. Facts:

  • Myth: “It’s just a phase—ignore it.”
    Fact: Early support leads to better outcomes and can prevent problems from escalating.
  • Myth: “Talking about substance use gives teens ideas.”
    Fact: Honest, age‑appropriate education reduces risk and increases safer choices.
  • Myth: “Therapy means something is ‘wrong’ with my child.”
    Fact: Therapy is coaching for health and growth—many high‑achieving teens benefit.

How caregivers can help right now:

  • Keep routines predictable (sleep, meals, movement) and reduce screen time before bed
  • Use calm, curious questions; avoid lectures
  • Agree on clear expectations and fair, consistent boundaries
  • Model healthy coping and ask for help when you need it
  • Lock up alcohol, cannabis, and medications at home

Family Partnership & Confidentiality

Your teen’s voice matters

We create space for private teen time in sessions while also engaging caregivers.

We explain privacy clearly

We review what can be kept confidential and what must be shared for safety.

We follow NJ laws and professional ethics

Regarding minor consent and information‑sharing. We will always discuss how this works in practice so families feel informed and included.

Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Welcoming to all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural/faith backgrounds
  • Neurodiversity‑affirming care and sensory‑aware strategies
  • Interpreter services available upon request

Getting Started

1. Request an Appointment

Self‑referral or by caregiver/guardian.
Request Appointment

2. Bring/submit

Insurance card (if insured), ID for caregiver, any school plans (504/IEP), medication list, and prior evaluations (if available).

3. Insurance & Billing

Most plans accepted; we verify benefits and review costs in advance. Sliding‑scale options may be available.

4. Questions?

Call us:

Telehealth: Many services are available virtually through our secure platform for convenience and continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on goals and progress. Many teens attend weekly therapy for several months, often with booster sessions later.
Yes. We partner with caregivers and also protect appropriate teen privacy. We’ll outline how this works at intake.

With consent, yes. We can coordinate with school counselors/teams to support academic success and attendance.
If testing is clinically indicated or required by a referral source, we will discuss options, purpose, and consent.
We use motivational, non‑judgmental approaches that meet teens where they are and build readiness over time.

If you or your teen are in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7 emotional support, dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We will also review local crisis resources during intake and create a personalized safety plan.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Start with a judgment‑free conversation today.

Click here to request an appointment and to get started.

New Brunswick

Mount Holly