Children and Teens

Adolescence can be a time of turmoil for adolescents and parents alike. During this period youth try to decipher the many mixed messages they have received during their rugged developmental years. This often brings the family into periods of conflict, fear, anger, anxiety, embarrassment, and the darkness of abusive behaviors.

Family & Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) and Rick Morris, LMHC assist teens and their families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, poor self-esteem, negative self-image, eating disorders, self-destructive behaviors, gender and sexual identity issues and abusive behaviors toward others. Youth will experience a safe and respectful opportunity to address these difficulties and learn to make changes necessary for a healthy transition into adulthood.

Treatment for an adolescent starts with a joint meeting between the family (youth and parents) with the therapist. A meeting with the adolescent is then conducted to collect more information and to discuss treatment options. For a successful counseling experience a respectful partnership must be established within an emotionally safe environment absent of family secrets.