top of page

Adolescent & Young Adult Therapy

Support for Emerging Adulthood

Support for a Transition That Feels Overwhelming

Young adulthood can be an intense season of identity, emotion, and uncertainty. Many late teens and twenty-somethings feel stuck, anxious about the future, overwhelmed by expectations, or unsure how to take the next step toward independence. We meet these clients exactly where they are without judgment, pressure, or the assumption that they should “have it all figured out.”

Young adult therapy at Higher Ground addresses the real challenges behind feeling stalled: anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive functioning struggles, identity confusion, avoidance, or family tension. Whether it’s navigating high school stress, college transitions, or the complex “failure to launch” experience, we help young people understand what’s getting in the way and build a path forward that feels grounded and possible.

At Higher Ground, our work combines practical skill-building with deeper emotional support. Together, we help teens and young adults build their confidence, independence, and sense of self while developing healthier communication and structure at home.

Support that holds boundaries with steadiness.

Who This Work Supports

Young adult therapy is designed for adolescents and young adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain about the future, or unable to launch into independence. It’s also for families navigating conflict, miscommunication, or tension around expectations.

  • Teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, or identity confusion

  • Individuals ages 16–30 needing launch support or independence skills

  • Young adults living at home who feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed

  • Students who have dropped out of college or struggled to stay in school

  • Young adults battling avoidance, shame, or perfectionism

  • Anyone with ADHD, executive functioning issues, or neurodivergent needs

  • Parents feeling frustrated or unsure how to help

Key Benefits

Clarity + Perspective

We help teens and young adults understand the emotional, cognitive, and relational patterns beneath the stuckness—not as failures, but as protective responses that make sense.

Skills for Real-World Independence

Clients learn practical, grounded systems for daily functioning: routines, planning, motivation, communication, and decision-making. These aren’t abstract ideas, they’re tools used in actual life.

Reduced Family Conflict

Reduced Family Conflict

When needed, we bring parents into the process to reset expectations, reduce tension, and build a healthier system. Everyone learns how to communicate with more clarity, respect, and emotional steadiness.

What We Focus On

Identity & Direction

Many young people feel pressure to know exactly who they are and what they want. We help them explore identity, values, and direction without expectations or urgency, supporting choices that feel authentic, not performative or parent-driven.

Anxiety, Avoidance & Emotional Overwhelm

Anxiety often masks itself as procrastination, shutdown, or “laziness.” We get to the root of what feels scary or impossible, and help young people face challenges gradually, building emotional tolerance and real-world confidence.

Executive Functioning & Neurodivergence

Struggles with time management, organization, initiation, or follow-through aren’t character flaws—they’re skills that can be learned. We build systems that work with each client’s brain, addressing ADHD and neurodivergent patterns that make adulting harder.

Family Dynamics & Independence

Living at home as a young adult or navigating teen-parent dynamics can create conflict, frustration, and miscommunication. With permission, we involve parents to shift patterns, clarify expectations, and build healthier ways of relating to reduce tension and increase collaboration.

Ready to Move Forward?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this therapy for the child or for the parents?

Both. We work primarily with the adolescent/young adult client, but involve parents (with permission) to shift family dynamics and reduce conflict. Changing the system often accelerates progress.

What if I don't want my parents involved?

Most young adults prefer to start individually, and that’s completely okay. Your therapy is your space, and nothing changes without your permission. If you’re living at home, we may later explore small shifts in family patterns to support your progress—but only when you’re ready and only in ways that feel safe, collaborative, and useful.

How long does therapy take?

Every person is different, but most clients see movement within 3–6 months. We’ll create a realistic, compassionate plan based on your needs.

What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?

You’re not alone. Most people don’t have it figured out at 18… or 25… or even 30. We explore direction without pressure so you can build a life that feels real, not imposed.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an assessment; a conversation to understand what's going on, what feels hardest, and what you're hoping will change. There's no diagnosis thrown at you, no forced plan. We listen, ask questions, and collaborate on what comes next. You set the pace.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

That's more common than you'd think. Sometimes previous therapy felt too surface-level, too focused on positivity, or didn't address the real obstacles like executive functioning, family dynamics, or neurodivergence. Our approach is practical and direct. We work on real-life systems, not just talking about feelings. If past therapy didn't land, we'll figure out why and try something different.

bottom of page