Therapy for Teens in San Diego, California: Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Support for Adolescents
Helping teens heal, build confidence, and feel seen again.
Being a Teen is Hard—and the Impact on Mental Health is Real
Today’s teens face constant pressure — school stress, social media, identity changes, family expectations and big emotions. It’s common for them feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or not good enough.
And when stress builds up, it can show up as withdrawal, irritability, perfectionism, or burnout—all signs of emotional overload.
Our therapists help teens:
Manage anxiety, depression, and overwhelm
Heal from trauma, bullying, or loss
Strengthen self-esteem and emotional resilience
Feel more connected at home, school, and with peers
We believe that every teen deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood.
When to Consider Therapy for Your Teen
It’s not always easy to know when your teen needs extra support — but emotional distress can shows up in both quiet and not-so-quiet ways.
You might notice your teen:
Struggles with anxiety, sadness, anger or low self-esteem
Withdraws or isolates from family or friends
Seems overly self-critical or perfectionistic
Has trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
Has experienced trauma, bullying, loss, or other major life changes
You don’t have to wait until things get worse.
Reaching out early can make a big difference — helping your teen feel more grounded, confident, and connected again.
Why Choose a Cove Teen Therapist?
We offer a calm, nonjudgmental, compassionate space for teens to explore and process their emotions, learn new coping tools and build their communication skills, and reconnect with themselves.
Our approach is:
Collaborative – Teens have a voice in their process, we see them as the experts of their own inner experience.
Empowering – We focus on strengths, not labels.
Trauma- & Attachment-Informed – We help teens feel safe in their bodies and relationships.
How We Can Help Your Teen
We meet your teen exactly where they are — without judgment — and focus on building trust first. Our therapists use your teen’s natural strengths as a foundation for growth, incorporating evidence-based techniques to help them work through emotional overwhelm, build resilience, and feel more in control of their emotions.
Our integrative, trauma-informed approaches include:
Attachment-Focused Therapy – Strengthen trust, safety, and secure relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Build practical tools to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Identify goals and create small, achievable steps toward positive change.
Client-Centered Therapy – Empower teens through empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authentic connection.
Each therapy plan is personalized for your teen’s needs, goals, and pace — helping them feel safe, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
Locations We Serve
We offer in-person trauma therapy in San Diego for individuals who value face-to-face connection and support in a calming, welcoming space.
Our office is centrally located in Mission Valley, with easy access to major freeways and just minutes from neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, and other nearby communities.
Whether you're looking for trauma therapy close to home or during your workday, our convenient location makes it easier to prioritize your healing.
Meet Our San Diego Based Tween and Teen Therapist
Laura McLean, LMFT
Specialties: children, teens and young adults, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques