Therapy for Teens in Pennsylvania — Online & In‑Person Counseling That Helps

Model healthy behavior yourself. Kids notice how adults in their lives talk about their own bodies, compare themselves to others, talk about others, and use their own phones. Modeling balanced, non-comparison-driven use (and your own media literacy) teaches more than any conversation will. Keep the conversation open.

Avoid criticizing the influencers, trends, or platforms your child enjoys. If they expect a lecture every time they mention something online, they may stop telling you about their experiences.

The goal doesn’t necessarily have to be getting your child off social media. It can be helping them reach a point where what they see on a screen doesn’t determine how they feel about themselves.  Stay curious. Ask what they like about social media as well as what they find difficult.

Wanting more privacy and independence is a normal part of growing up, especially during the middle school and teenage years. Some children also naturally need more time alone to relax and recharge. Spending time alone isn’t necessarily a problem—the more important question is whether your child’s behavior has changed and what that time alone seems to mean for them.

You might say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more time by yourself lately. Are you enjoying having some space, or have things been feeling difficult?”

Your child may not open up immediately. Keeping the conversation calm and leaving the door open can be more effective than repeatedly pressing for an answer.

The goal is to create opportunities for conversation without making every interaction feel like an interrogation.

• Ask open ended questions.
• Listen instead of trying to fix it.
• Try not to minimize what they’re feeling.
• Respect “not right now” if your child doesn’t want to talk. Try again another time.

Don’t take it personally if they talk to someone else. Your child may sometimes feel more comfortable talking to another trusted adult—a grandparent, relative, teacher, coach, school counselor, or therapist. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed to create a close relationship. Having several safe adults they can turn to can be a strength.

Teenagers’ sleep patterns naturally change during adolescence, and many teens need more sleep than adults realize. Most teens ages 13–18 need about 8–10 hours of sleep each night. Between early school schedules, homework, activities, jobs, friends, and phones, many simply aren’t getting enough. However, some teens become caught in a cycle: they’re exhausted during the day, nap after school, aren’t tired at bedtime, stay awake late, and then struggle to wake up the next morning.

Instead of focusing only on “Why are you sleeping so much?” or “Why can’t you just go to sleep?”, ask about how your teen has been feeling overall. Try asking: “I’ve noticed your sleep has really changed lately. How have you been feeling?”

Ask about school, friendships, stress, mood, worries, and what happens when they’re lying awake at night.

Self-harm warrants an assessment by a therapist or your pediatrician, ideally someone experienced with adolescents. In the moment you find out, stay as calm as you can. Express concern, instead of anger or shock. Ask about what’s happening instead of demanding they promise not to do it again. Listen without judging. For some kids, self-harm is a way to cope with overwhelming emotions — a release valve for distress, numbness, or feelings they don’t have words for — rather than a suicide attempt. That said, self-harm and suicidal thoughts can overlap, so seek professional guidance.

In Pennsylvania, teens 14 and older can begin therapy on their own. At Move Forward Counseling, we respect their privacy while also working with families to support teens in a way that builds trust and encourages growth.

Teens often come to us when they’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or school and social stress. If your teen seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, or unlike themselves, our therapists can help them feel more confident and supported.

Yes — we provide secure, HIPAA-compliant online teen therapy across all of Pennsylvania. It’s a flexible option for families who prefer virtual care or live outside our in-person office locations.

At Move Forward Counseling, we respect teens’ privacy while also working with families to support teens in a way that builds trust and encourages growth.

Our therapists understand that parents want to help. While Pennsylvania law gives teens 14+ confidentiality, we work closely with families when appropriate — always prioritizing your teen’s safety, trust, and therapeutic progress.