Therapy for Teens in Sandy, Utah
A space where your teen can be themselves, and feel understood instead of corrected.
For parents: when you're worried about your teen
Maybe your teen has pulled away. They're spending more time in their room, getting irritated faster, or shutting down when you try to talk. Maybe their grades are slipping, they seem anxious all the time, or something happened that they haven't been able to move past.
You love your kid, and you want to help. But sometimes the harder you try, the more they push back. That doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It's really common for teens to need someone outside the family to talk to, someone who isn't a parent, teacher, or church leader.
That's where I come in.
For teens: if you're reading this
Being a teenager is a lot right now. School, friends, social media, family stuff, figuring out who you are and what you believe. It's okay if it feels overwhelming.
Therapy with me isn't about getting lectured or being told what to do. It's a place to say what's actually on your mind, be honest about how you feel, and figure things out at your own pace. You're the expert on your life. I'm just here to help.
What I help teens with
Anxiety, including constant worry, panic, social anxiety, and perfectionism
Depression, low mood, or feeling numb or unmotivated
Trauma, whether from a single event or ongoing stress at home or school
ADHD, including focus, school stress, emotions, and the frustration of feeling like everyone is on your case
Faith questions, for teens who are questioning what they were taught or feel like they can't be themselves at home or at church
Identity and self-esteem, figuring out who you are and feeling okay about it
Big emotions, like anger, overwhelm, or feeling out of control
Family conflict and communication that keeps breaking down
How therapy with teens works
We start with connection. Teens open up when they feel safe and respected, not pushed. The first few sessions are about getting to know each other and building trust.
We build real-life skills. I use tools from DBT and CBT to help teens manage stress, calm big emotions, handle tough situations, and catch the thoughts that keep them stuck.
We get to the deeper stuff. When it's helpful, I use approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR to help teens work through painful experiences and the harsh inner voice a lot of them carry.
We bring family in when it helps. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a family session where everyone can be heard. I'll talk with you and your teen about whether and when that makes sense.
Teens and faith questions
Here in Utah, a lot of teens are quietly wrestling with questions about religion, and many are scared to bring them up at home. Some feel guilty just for having doubts.
I'm not here to push your teen toward or away from faith. My goal is to give them a safe place to think things through, feel less alone, and stay connected to their family while they figure out what they believe. If your family is navigating different beliefs, I can help with that too.
In person in Sandy, or online anywhere in Utah
My office is in Sandy, and I also offer online therapy for teens anywhere in Utah. Some teens find it easier to open up from their own space, and online sessions can be easier to fit around school and activities.
I take commercial Select Health and commercial United Healthcare plans, and I can provide superbills if you're using out-of-network benefits.
Common questions
What ages do you work with?
I work with teens and adults. Reach out and we can talk about whether I'm a good fit for your teen's age and needs.
Will I know what my teen talks about in therapy?
Teens open up more when they know therapy is a private space, so I keep the details of what we talk about confidential. I'll share general updates on how things are going, and I will always let you know if there's a safety concern. We'll go over exactly how this works at the start, so you and your teen are on the same page.
What if my teen doesn't want to go?
That's really common. A lot of teens are hesitant at first. The free consultation is a low-pressure way for your teen to meet me and see what therapy might be like. Many teens who start out reluctant end up really valuing having a space that's just theirs.
Do parents come to sessions?
Usually the first session includes a parent so we can go over goals and expectations. After that, sessions are mostly one-on-one with your teen, with family sessions when they'd help.
How long will my teen need therapy?
It depends on what they're working on. Most teens start with weekly sessions, and we'll check in regularly about progress.
Let's talk about what your teen needs
If you're worried about your teen, or you're a teen who's ready for someone to talk to, let's connect. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment.
Jared Barker, LCSW
White Willow Therapy · Sandy, UT · Online across Utah
(801) 380-2819