Does This Sound Like You?
Teens may not always know how to explain what they're experiencing. Changes in mood, behavior, relationships, or school can sometimes signal that additional support may be helpful.
Low Self-Esteem
Struggling with confidence or self-doubt.
Anxiety & Worry
Worry feels difficult to manage.
Low Mood
Feeling down, withdrawn, or unmotivated.
School Stress
School pressure feels overwhelming.
Social Challenges
Friendships or fitting in feel difficult.
Family Conflict
Communication or conflict at home feels difficult.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can give teens a supportive space to better understand their emotions, develop practical coping skills, and build confidence as they navigate everyday challenges.
Manage Emotions
Learn healthier ways to understand and cope with stress, anxiety, frustration, and difficult emotions.
Build Coping Skills
Develop practical strategies for handling challenges at school, home, and in relationships.
Strengthen Confidence
Build self-esteem, recognize personal strengths, and develop a healthier sense of self.
Improve Communication
Learn healthier ways to express needs, set boundaries, and communicate with others.
Our Approach to Teen & Adolescent Therapy
At Positive Minds Therapy, we understand that every teen is different. Our approach focuses on creating a supportive environment where teens can feel comfortable expressing themselves while developing skills that support emotional well-being and growth.
Strengths-Based Therapy
Build on strengths to develop confidence and resilience.
Practical Coping Skills
Develop practical skills for everyday challenges.
Personalized Care
Therapy tailored to your teen’s needs and goals.
Teen & Adolescent Related Challenges
Emotional, social, academic, and family challenges can often overlap during adolescence. Understanding the bigger picture can help us provide support that reflects your teen’s individual needs and experiences.
School & Academic Stress
Why Choose Positive Minds Therapy?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials—it's about feeling understood, supported, and confident that you're receiving personalized care. At Positive Minds Therapy, we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a welcoming environment where lasting change is possible.
Carefully Matched Therapists
Find a therapist whose experience and approach fit your needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Therapy tailored to your goals, experiences, and needs.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Choose the flexibility of secure online sessions or meet with your therapist in our comfortable Patchogue office.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer daytime and evening appointments to help therapy fit into your busy schedule.
A Supportive Environment
We provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Evidence-Based Care
We use proven therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Meet Our Therapists
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, stress, or other life challenges, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Explore a specialty below to learn more.
Justin Benson, LCSW-R
Founder & Clinical Director
Doris Minder, LMSW, CASAC-T
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Katherine Arita, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Trauma • Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation
Hugh O'Henry, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Anxiety • Depression • Trauma
• Grief • Relationships
Natasha Cruz, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Depression • ADHD
• Trauma • Relationships
Genna Somers, LCSW
Licensed Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Anxiety • OCD • Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Therapy
How do I know if my teen could benefit from therapy?
Therapy may be helpful when anxiety, mood changes, school stress, relationships, self-esteem, or behavior begin affecting your teen’s everyday life or well-being.
What concerns can teen therapy help with?
Therapy can support teens experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, low self-esteem, family conflict, friendship difficulties, school concerns, and life changes.
What happens during teen therapy?
Your teen will have a supportive space to talk about what they’re experiencing, better understand their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward individualized goals.
Will parents be involved in therapy?
Parent involvement depends on the teen’s age, needs, and treatment goals. Therapists may involve parents when appropriate while also respecting the teen’s privacy and therapeutic relationship.
Is what my teen says in therapy confidential?
Teens are provided appropriate privacy in therapy, with exceptions for safety concerns and other situations required by law. Your therapist will explain confidentiality and its limits at the start of treatment.
Can therapy help with school stress or ADHD?
Yes. Therapy can help teens develop strategies for managing stress, organization, attention, time management, and other challenges affecting school and everyday responsibilities.
How do we get started?
Complete our intake form and tell us a little about what your teen is experiencing. We’ll help match your teen with a therapist based on their needs and current availability.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're looking for teen therapy in Patchogue or online support anywhere in New York, our team is here to help your teen build coping skills, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Have questions? Contact our office and we'll help you find the therapist that's right for you.