4 of the Best Philadelphia Therapists for Teens
Your teenager used to be so confident and outgoing. Now they're withdrawing to their room, stressed about everything, and you're watching them struggle with pressures that seem to grow heavier each day. School, friendships, college prep, social media—it all feels overwhelming, and you can see how much they're hurting, even when they say they're "fine."
Hi, I'm Dr. Ayesha Ludhani. I'm a local psychologist who specializes in helping children and teens, especially those with anxiety and OCD. Whether your teenager is dealing with social struggles, academic pressure, perfectionism, or simply trying to figure out who they are in an increasingly demanding world, I'm here to help them navigate this critical time in their life.
I'm trained in evidence-based approaches like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that can help teens build confidence, resilience, and healthy coping skills. We'll work together at a pace that feels comfortable for your teen, helping them learn to navigate their emotions and challenges without being overwhelmed by them. My approach focuses on understanding what's really driving their struggles so we can address the root causes, not just the symptoms.
The teenage years are challenging enough without the added pressure of anxiety and perfectionism. If you’re ready to help your teen find their footing and get some much-needed support during this tough season, I’m here to help. Contact me today to get started.
4 highly recommended Philadelphia teen counselors
A major factor in effective therapy is finding the right fit. That’s why I’ve hand-picked other local therapists to feature here. If my practice doesn’t resonate with your teen's needs, my hope is that you can find another practitioner who aligns with what you’re looking for.
Dr. Ashley Pallathra
Recommended for teens with trauma
Dr. Ashley Pallathra is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides culturally-responsive, trauma-informed treatment for children, teens, and adults. She specializes in trauma-informed care using Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and takes a strengths-based approach that honors diverse cultural backgrounds. I recommend her if you’re looking for trauma therapy for your teen, or if your teen is struggling with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders.
Dr. Sarah Whalen
Recommended for biofeedback therapy for teens
Dr. Sarah Whalen is a licensed clinical psychologist uniquely certified in biofeedback. She treats clients of all ages with diverse concerns, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and substance abuse. Her integrative approach combines traditional therapy with biofeedback techniques, making her an excellent choice for comprehensive mind-body wellness treatment.
Katie Fries, MSW, LCSW, RPT™, CCTP-II
Recommended for parent-teen attachment repair
Katie Fries is a licensed clinical social worker and Registered Play Therapist specializing in helping teens heal from early relational trauma and neglect. She uses body-oriented, experiential approaches to address how childhood experiences impact teenage behavior and relationships. Her expertise in attachment-focused therapy makes her ideal for families struggling with parent-teen connection and trust issues.
Dr. Thomas Smith
Recommended for school-based issues and academic performance concerns
Dr. Thomas Smith is a licensed psychologist specializing in adolescents and young adults, with unique experience providing therapy within high school settings. He addresses academic struggles, ADHD, family conflict, and behavioral issues and can collaborate directly with schools. His background in school psychology makes him ideal for teens facing academic pressure, motivational challenges, or school-related anxiety.
FAQs about teen counseling
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There’s no “wrong” time for your teen to get help, but it may be especially important to consider therapy if your teen is
Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed,
Experiencing persistent anxiety or sadness,
Struggling academically,
Having difficulty with friendships,
Showing extreme perfectionism, or
If family conflicts are increasing.
If you aren’t sure whether your teen could benefit from therapy, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation so we can discuss your concerns directly.
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Therapy offers teens a safe space to express themselves away from the pressure of parents, teachers, and peers. I prioritize creating strong relationships with my teenage clients, and we use this foundation to help them learn how to process their thoughts, regulate their emotions, and build confidence in their day-to-day life. Through therapy, your teen will gain tools to better understand themselves, navigate conflicts and relationships, be assertive, and find balance.
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I use evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). These approaches have been proven to be effective, and I blend them based on your teen’s specific needs and goals. Our work in therapy will help them build confidence, express their emotions, and develop healthy coping skills that they can continue using even after our work together is complete.
My work with teens also focuses heavily on building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I’ve witnessed firsthand how true transformation can happen once your teen feels safe to express what’s really going on. From here, we can work together to find a path forward.
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I believe in collaborative care that both respects your teen's growing independence and keeps you informed. Initially, we'll discuss goals together, and I'll provide periodic updates on progress (with your teen's input). The level of involvement varies based on your teen's age, needs, and comfort level.
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Yes, teen therapy is confidential with important exceptions. I'm required to break confidentiality if there's risk of harm to your teen or others, abuse, or court orders. I'll always discuss these limits clearly with both you and your teen upfront, so everyone understands the boundaries.