Supporting Emotional Growth for Children & Teens

Start Feeling Better Now – Call (650) 461-9026 or Text (650) 461-9026

Growing up today combines traditional challenges with modern complexities. If your child or teen is experiencing:

  • Anxiety, fears, or difficulty managing overwhelming emotions
  • Shyness or social anxiety
  • Irritability, moodiness, or trouble handling big feelings
  • Sleep issues or school avoidance due to stress or worry
  • OCD behaviors disrupting routines
  • Questions about gender, identity, or self-expression
  • Self-esteem struggles, bullying, or social media pressures
  • Burnout from academic or extracurricular demands
  • Worries about global events

Our compassionate team is here to help. We focus on building resilience, emotional well-being, and confidence so your child can thrive.

There is Support for Your Child or Teen Palo Alto Therapy

Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started, or book online – in-person and video appointments available!

Therapy Tailored to Your Child’s Needs

Children and teens often express emotional challenges differently than adults. At Palo Alto Therapy, we specialize in recognizing these unique expressions and providing targeted support. Our therapists help young clients overcome fears, manage anxiety, and build lifelong coping skills. We also enhance family communication to foster understanding and long-term progress.
Therapy is available at our Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose offices or through secure video for your convenience. We offer support for:

Anxiety & Social Situations:

  • Social Confidence Building – From Classroom to Playground
  • Friendship Skills & Peer Relationship Development
  • Public Speaking & Performance Anxiety Solutions
  • Social Media & Digital Interaction Support

Academic Success:

  • Test & Performance Anxiety Management
  • School Transition Support (Elementary to Middle School, Middle to High School, High School to College)
  • Learning-Related Stress Management
  • Focus & Concentration Enhancement

Early Childhood Needs:

  • Separation Anxiety Treatment
  • School Readiness & Adjustment Support
  • Parent-Child Attachment Building

Teen Development:

  • Teen Anxiety & Mood Management
  • High School Stress & Academic Pressure Support
  • College Preparation Anxiety Management
  • Identity & Self-Esteem Building

Family Well-Being:

  • Parent-Child Communication Enhancement
  • Family Anxiety Management Strategies
  • Sibling Relationship Support

Each program is delivered using evidence-based techniques and customized to your child’s specific needs.

Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Resilience

Our therapists’ down-to-earth, focused approach is often just what your child or teenager needs, creating a supportive and positive environment that allows them to develop new ways of thriving.

Our therapists are well trained and experienced to best support your family in moving forward. As we develop trust and a strong relationship with your child, we also work to include you, the parents, into the process for longer lasting results. This collaborative approach strengthens the tools your child learns in therapy and enhances long-term outcomes.

– Weekday, Evening, & Saturday Appointments Available –

At Palo Alto Therapy, we help kids through adults overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Our compassionate, highly-trained therapists use evidence-based techniques to create meaningful, lasting results—often without long-term counseling.

With convenient office locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, we proudly serve the entire Silicon Valley community – from Stanford University and the Peninsula to the South Bay, offering easy access for tech professionals, students, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen Therapy

We understand the importance of timely support. We offer immediate availability at our Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose locations.

While every child experiences ups and downs, consider reaching out if you notice persistent changes in behavior, mood, or daily functioning lasting more than two weeks, or if your child expresses wanting help.

The initial session is a meeting with the parents to understand your concerns, followed by getting to know your child and assessing their needs. We’ll develop a customized treatment plan and discuss next steps together.

Most children start with weekly sessions, adjusting frequency based on progress and needs. We’ll work with your schedule to find the most effective treatment rhythm.

While each child’s journey is unique, most of our clients see significant improvement within 12-16 sessions. We’ll regularly review progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

We believe in collaborative care – you’ll receive practical strategies to support your child at home. The level of involvement can be adjusted based on your child’s age and needs.

This is common and normal. Our experienced therapists are skilled at engaging reluctant children and teens through age-appropriate activities and approaches that help them feel comfortable.

Our secure video platform is user-friendly and engaging for children and teens. We use interactive tools and activities to keep sessions productive and comfortable, similar to in-person visits.

Yes, with your permission, we can collaborate with teachers and school counselors to ensure consistent support across all environments.

While we don’t prescribe medication, we can coordinate with psychiatrists and pediatricians if medication evaluation is recommended as part of treatment.

Choose from three locations:

  • Palo Alto: Convenient for downtown professionals and Stanford area.
  • Menlo Park: Accessible to Sand Hill Road and Meta campuses.
  • San Jose: Ideal for South Bay residents.

All locations offer free parking and are easily accessible from major highways and Caltrain.

Recognizing Good Therapy

evidence based therapy

Evidence-Based

Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we provide effective & caring counseling. Our therapists are passionate in delivering high-quality therapy & enhance their skills through the latest trainings.

specialized counseling

Strong Relationships

Our relationship with you is valued & of highest importance. We are compassionate, respectful, & honest. Our professional counseling includes working side by side with you towards YOUR goals.

Short-Term & Focused

Our active therapists use tailored homework exercises to help you find relief in a timely manner. By keeping our meetings on track & targeting specific concerns we help you enjoy life again, usually in a matter of months not years.

Client Convenience

Appointments after 5pm & Saturdays, friendly administrative staff, & three locations: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & San Jose. We help children, teens & adults, couples, & families. Video therapy available!

Meet Our Team of CBT Anxiety Therapists in Palo Alto & San Jose

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Bella Stitt, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Bella Stitt, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Jacquelyn Jacqui Lewis Therapist
Jacquelyn “Jacqui” Lewis, LMFT, ATR-BC, CCTP, ACCTS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Couples, Family, Teen Counseling
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Jen Clayman, AMFT, APCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, APCC, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Palo Alto
Ages: 5+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Couples, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Nicole Brunn Therapist
Nicole Brunn, LMFT, LPCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Jennifer Jenny Estes, LCSW, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Jennifer “Jenny” Estes, LCSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 12+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Deborah Coblentz, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Deborah Coblentz, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jacqueline Eaton-Willard, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Sarah Chelew, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jennifer “Jenny” Hays, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Click Here for Video Profile
Deborah Brewer San Jose Therapist
Deborah Brewer, LCSW – Clinic Director
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 6+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling