Child & Teen Therapy in Atlanta
Is your child having more meltdowns than usual?
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Are they withdrawing, anxious, or acting out at home or school?
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Have you noticed your teen struggling with their mood, motivation, or identity?
At the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, we know how painful and overwhelming it can feel to watch your child struggle—and not know how to help. Whether you're raising a 4-year-old who’s having big feelings they can’t quite name, or a teenager overwhelmed by academic stress, peer dynamics, or questions about their identity and place in the world, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team of compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally affirming therapists provides developmentally appropriate therapy for children and adolescents. We meet young people where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and culturally—offering a safe and supportive space for them to explore their feelings, build resilience, and learn how to cope with life’s challenges. Through creative, age-appropriate approaches and a deep respect for each young person’s lived experience, we help children and teens thrive—not just in therapy, but in their relationships, homes, and communities.
Therapy for Children (Ages 4-12)
Children don’t always have the words to explain how they feel—but they do show us. Sometimes it’s through big emotions like tantrums or outbursts, and other times it’s through withdrawal, worries, or changes in sleep or appetite. As caregivers, it can be hard to tell what’s going on beneath the surface. That’s where child therapy comes in.
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At the Aguirre Center, we offer a nurturing, play-based, and culturally responsive environment where children feel safe to express themselves. Our therapists are specially trained in developmentally appropriate techniques such as play therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and family collaboration. We create space for your child to work through what they may not yet be able to say with words.
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Common reasons caregivers seek therapy for young children include:
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Frequent tantrums, irritability, or intense emotional reactions
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Separation anxiety or fears that interfere with daily routines
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Social challenges or trouble making and keeping friends
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Academic difficulties or school avoidance
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Reactions to trauma, grief, or medical concerns
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Big life changes (moving, divorce, new siblings, blended families)
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Identity exploration or questions related to culture, race, or family structure
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Challenges related to being in BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, or multilingual families
We understand that every child’s emotional world is deeply connected to their environment, family dynamics, and cultural identity. That’s why our approach includes caregiver collaboration, culturally attuned treatment, and support that honors your child’s unique background and needs. We partner with families to nurture emotional growth, increase self-awareness, and support healthier parent-child connections.
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Parenting a sensitive, spirited, or struggling child can be hard—but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support your family every step of the way.
Therapy for Teens & Adolescents
(Ages 13–18)
The teen years can feel like a whirlwind—for teens and caregivers alike. Adolescents are navigating school pressures, shifting identities, changing bodies, social relationships, and sometimes painful life experiences—all while trying to make sense of who they are and where they belong.
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At the Aguirre Center, we offer affirming, nonjudgmental therapy that gives teens the space to explore, express, and evolve in a safe and supportive environment. We understand that therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating a space where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow into their most authentic selves.
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Teens may benefit from therapy if they are:
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Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly “on edge”
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Struggling with sadness, isolation, or loss of interest in activities
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Experiencing school burnout, academic stress, or perfectionism
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Dealing with bullying, peer rejection, or social anxiety
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Exploring gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural identity
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Coping with family conflict, divorce, or intergenerational tension
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Grieving the loss of a loved one or navigating trauma
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Having difficulty setting boundaries or building self-worth
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Feeling pressured to “hold it all together” while silently struggling
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Our therapists specialize in working with teens using a blend of developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and identity-affirming modalities—including talk therapy, expressive arts, somatic techniques, and mindfulness. We also support teens in learning emotional regulation, increasing self-compassion, and navigating life transitions with greater confidence and clarity.
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We recognize that today’s teens are growing up in a world shaped by social media, political unrest, climate anxiety, and systemic inequities. For BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and neurodivergent youth, these pressures are compounded by the added weight of marginalization, invisibility, and discrimination. At the Aguirre Center, we hold these realities with care and compassion. Our work with teens centers their lived experiences, affirms their identities, and creates space for healing, empowerment, and transformation.
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​If your teen is struggling—and you're not sure how to help—know that support is here. Therapy can be a lifeline, a safe haven, and a powerful space for growth during one of life’s most critical developmental windows.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
Our inclusive and highly skilled team of therapists are here to support your family. Request an appointment and our Client Care Coordinator will connect you to one of our therapists to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your child's needs.
Why Choose the Aguirre Center for
your Child or Teen's Therapy?
Choosing the right therapist for your child or teenager is a deeply personal decision—especially when your child holds marginalized identities or has had negative experiences with mental health systems in the past. At the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, we bring both clinical excellence and a deep commitment to cultural humility, family inclusion, and affirming care. Here's what sets us apart:
Highly Skilled, Affirming Therapists with Child and Adolescent Expertise
Our team includes therapists who are trained specifically in child and teen development and who understand how emotional and behavioral concerns present differently at each stage of life. Whether it's supporting a young child through expressive play therapy or helping a teen explore identity and independence, our clinicians meet young people where they are developmentally, emotionally, and culturally.
Bilingual (Spanish/English), Multiculturally-diverse Providers
We have a multiculturally diverse team of therapists, many of whom are bilingual and bicultural, offering services in both English and Spanish. We understand the importance of language, family values, and cultural context in a child or teen’s healing process. For many families, being able to access therapy in their preferred language can be a key factor in feeling truly understood and supported.
A Safe and Welcoming Space for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Multicultural Youth
We specialize in working with youth who hold marginalized identities—including children and teens who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, or part of immigrant and multilingual families. Our therapists are not only affirming of these identities, but are also trained to address the specific challenges and strengths that come with navigating intersectional identities in today’s world.
Trauma-Informed and Family-Inclusive Care
We recognize that children and teens do not exist in a vacuum. Their mental health is often shaped by their environments, family dynamics, schools, and communities. That’s why our approach includes trauma-informed care that addresses the whole child—while also collaborating with caregivers, when appropriate, to support lasting healing and growth at home. We provide guidance to caregivers without blame or shame, and we create a space where the entire family system can feel supported.
Flexible Virtual and In-Person Options
We offer both in-person sessions at our welcoming Atlanta office and secure telehealth sessions for children and teens who prefer or need to meet virtually. This flexibility ensures that therapy remains accessible, consistent, and tailored to the needs of each family—especially for those balancing busy schedules or living in areas where affirming care is harder to find.
At the Aguirre Center, we believe that every young person deserves a space where they can be themselves fully—and be met with care, compassion, and expert support. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, exploring identity, recovering from trauma, or just needs a safe place to land, we’re here to walk alongside them—and you—on the path to healing and growth.
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If you’re ready to explore therapy for your child or teen, we invite you to take the first step.
Visit our Getting Started page to request a free initial phone consultation.
We’ll help match your family with a therapist who’s a great fit—and begin building a path forward, together.
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How effective is group therapy?Group therapy has been proven effective in helping young adults deal with a broad range of issues from mild adjustment and developmental concerns to severe or chronic mental health concerns. It has been shown to be as effective as individual therapy, and for some issues, it can be even more effective than individual therapy.
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How can group therapy be as effective as individual therapy?Group therapy is typically just as effective as individual therapy for various reasons. First, most members identify with issues other members share and find they are helping themselves just by being present and processing the issues vicariously. Second, by listening, giving feedback, and engaging other group members about their concerns, you may also be practicing new ways of interacting. Third, group therapy offers the opportunity to get multiple perspectives and increased support from peers. Fourth, the group environment offers a safe a place to try out behaviors or new ways of being.
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What kinds of people participate in therapy groups?For many of these difficulties and concerns, group is the most effective therapy method for resolving that concern. Most often people participate in group therapy because they are having difficulties in their relationships or have something in their lives that they are finding painful and difficult to handle. Some examples of the types of personal issues that members bring to group are: Discomfort in social situations Lack of intimacy in relationships Anxiety Depression Family of origin problems Dissatisfaction with their friendships or romantic relationships Poor self-esteem and lack of self confidence
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What does a typical group session look like?My psychotherapy groups are typically unstructured. There isn't a specific topic for each group session, but of some of the groups may be target to specific group of individuals (e.g., women, men, or graduate students, etc). I provide an opportunity for a brief check-in at the start of the group, but after this check-in, it is the group members’ responsibility to bring any issues to the group that they feel are important, and a primary focus of therapy in the group is on the interactions among group members. Members are encouraged to give support and feedback to others, and to work with the reactions and responses that other members' contributions bring up for them.
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How does group psychotherapy differ from a self-help group?The psychotherapy group is different from support and self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems, but also provides for change and growth. Support groups help people cope with difficult situations at various times but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.
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What is your role as the group therapist?As the group therapist, I use my knowledge and experience to facilitate, promote, and monitor individual and group growth and change. During the initial sessions, I will focus on establishing norms and creating an atmosphere of trust, and safety so that group members will feel a sense of security in self-disclosure. As the group proceeds, I may direct the therapy as necessary, provide feedback and support, and help individuals identify themes which block personal growth. In an effort to increase interpersonal growth, I will also share my observations regarding relational dynamics, group dynamics, communication patterns, and share possible underlying feelings and meanings behind issues being dealt with or avoided. I will also work to strike a balance within the group so no one is dominating and no one goes unheard. I encourage you to request my assistance as needed during group sessions, and to openly share your reactions and thoughts concerning my role and interventions during group.
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How does listening to other people’s problems helps me?Group therapy is far more than the simple extension of individual treatment, with the group leader going from one person to the other in rapid succession. Just listening to another person's problem is rarely helpful to anyone, the listener or the person with the problem. Effective group therapy is more about the relationships that group members develop with each other in group and how these relationships trigger past relational patterns, both helpful and ineffective. Not only are group members able to identify their difficulties, they are able to identify their strengths and build on them. Far more important is the group becomes a vehicle for people to identify and deal with their own emotional blocks and limitations.
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Do I need to receive individual therapy in addition to group therapy?Sometimes group therapy is used as the main or only treatment approach. Sometimes it’s used along with individual therapy. Often people find that working simultaneously in both group and individual therapy stimulates growth in mutually complementary ways. Also, clients may see two different therapists for individual and group therapies.
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What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others?It’s not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but soon you begin to develop feelings of interest and trust. Most clients find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others who are experiencing similar problems -- in a private, confidential setting. Most new members find that the group process quickly draws them in and they begin sharing in ways they had not expected. As the group therapist, I will help facilitate conversations and can help process whatever anxiety the group may be feeling.
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Do I have to reveal all my deepest fears and feelings to the group?No, you do not. You alone decide how much you want to share and no one can force you to reveal your secrets or feelings. Most group members tend to share more about themselves when they feel safe in the group. While I recognize that sharing can sometimes be uncomfortable, I also know that many members report getting more out of group when they decide to share more personal aspects of themselves. I encourage you to be aware of your pace for group involvement and to share when you feel comfortable doing so.
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What kind of commitment do I need to make?Our interpersonal process groups are long-term, open-ended process groups, unless otherwise stated. Each member commits to participate in the group for a minimum of 10 sessions. This agreement assures that the group process will not be disrupted by new members dropping in for one or two sessions and then dropping out. This agreement also ensures that you will make enough of a commitment to benefit from the group.
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Ok, I think I'm ready to participate in group, what do I next?Great! The next step is either to: Fill out an Appointment Request Form so that you can be connected with one of our group who will follow up with you to schedule a time for a brief phone call so that the two of you can decide if group may be a good fit for your needs. You can also contact the group therapist leading the group that you are interested directly via phone or email. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Therapy & Teen Therapy
Let's Start Your Child's Healing Journey Today
If you’re looking for a therapist who truly understands your child’s unique experiences and can support their emotional growth with compassion and care, we’d love to help.f.
Click below to request a complimentary phone consultation andd we’ll guide you through the next steps.