Top-Rated Teen Therapist Rockville, MD
Takeaway: If your teen is struggling with relationships, mental health challenges, or navigating life changes, therapy can help. Teen counseling can give young people a safe, supportive space to learn more about themselves and get the tools they need to thrive. Connect with us today to start the process.
Meet Sarah Puskavich, LCPC | Teen therapist in Rockville, MD
Hi! I'm Sarah, and I'm the owner and founder of Balanced Thoughts Therapy. I'm passionate about supporting teens and young adults through the many challenges they face during this time in life. Through combining a trusting relationship with evidence-based techniques, our work together will help your teen feel better and reach their goals.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
Licensed Number: State of Maryland #LC10782
Education: Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Washington & Jefferson College, Graduate Degree from West Virginia University
Location: 15887 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite B, Rockville, MD 20855
Teletherapy: Available for people throughout the state of Maryland
Modalities: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed care, and more
You can learn more about me here or connect with me here for more information.
Teen counseling specialty areas
Anxiety therapy
If your teen experiences frequent worry, unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, struggles to navigate social situations, or has sudden panic attacks, therapy can help. I provide anxiety therapy in Rockville to adolescents and teens, as well as online therapy services for people across Maryland.
Depression therapy
Depression can make your teen irritable, moody, and withdrawn. Therapy can offer a supportive, confidential space for them to express themselves and find meaning and purpose. You can learn more about my approach to depression therapy here.
Perfectionism therapy
While perfectionistic tendencies can drive your teen toward success, these behaviors can also be tied to low self-esteem, struggles in relationships, and more. Through perfectionism therapy, your teen can learn how to shift these patterns and find more balance in their everyday lives.
Mental health services offered
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In-person therapy
I offer in-person adolescent therapy in Rockville, MD. Meeting in person may be a good fit for teens who prefer face-to-face contact to make a connection, or those who are looking for a dedicated space to learn and grow.
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Online therapy
If distance or busy schedules make in-person visits difficult, online therapy may be a better fit for your family. All sessions take place via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, and many people enjoy the convenience and flexibility that online counseling offers.
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Family therapy
Depending on your family's unique situation, family therapy may be a helpful tool. In this setting, your family members can come together to support your struggling teen, strengthen your relationships, and learn coping skills to support the harmony of the entire family.
FAQs about teen counseling
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Yes! Many people who are new to counseling wonder if their teen is too young to have a therapist. However, people of all ages can struggle with life's challenges. If your teen or adolescent is experiencing mental health concerns, wants to learn coping strategies to manage difficult emotions, or is having trouble at school or home, I highly recommend reaching out to a licensed professional for support. There is no shame in seeking help.
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Many therapists have websites or directory listings, making it easy to find a therapist online. You may also be able to ask your child's pediatrician or school counselor for a referral.
Though I'm based in Rockville, my online therapy services are available to people across the state of Maryland, so I can still help your teen if you live in a different city.
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There are many options for mental health services, but not all of them will be the right fit for your adolescent's unique needs and goals.
it's important to consider the basics first, such as making sure that a potential therapist is qualified, located in your area (or provides telehealth, and has experience treating the kinds of issues that your teen is facing. For example, if your teen is struggling with an eating disorder, making sure to find a professional counselor with experience treating eating disorders is key.
Beyond logistics, it's also important to get a sense of each therapist's general approach. While it may take your teen some time to warm up to them, it should feel like there is a possibility to make a strong connection with whatever therapist you choose.
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment. At my practice, I use a variety of different therapy methods, tailoring the techniques I use to each client. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and trauma-informed therapy are some of the methods I use.
Other therapists might use different approaches for adolescent therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), psychodynamic therapy, or other techniques.
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A psychologist usually has a doctorate degree in psychology. They sometimes provide direct mental health support, and other times they provide psychological evaluations or may have entirely research-based roles.
The term "therapist" may be used to describe a number of different accredited mental health professionals, including a clinical social work therapist (LCSW), licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), or other professionals. These types of therapists generally have a master's degree and thousands of hours of supervised practice.
Give your teen the support they need to thrive.
If your teen is struggling to find their footing at school, navigating life transitions, or dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, we're here to help. Deciding to seek therapy is a big step, and we don't take our roles lightly. We'd be honored to be part of your teen's journey and offer them the mental health care they need to feel happy and confident.