Teen Therapist Near Me in Short Hills, NJ: Help for Anxiety, Depression & Low Self-Esteem in Teens and Young Adults
If your teen or young adult has been anxious, withdrawn, down on themselves, or “just not themselves” for more than a few weeks, talking with a licensed therapist can help. At Light Street Psychotherapy in Short Hills, NJ, Alyssa Dordoni, LAC works with teens, young adults and adults on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships and life changes, in person or online. Alyssa is currently accepting new clients.
If you’ve been searching “therapist for teenager near me,” “does my teen need therapy,” or “therapist for anxiety for young adults NJ,” this guide answers the questions parents and young adults ask most.
How Do I Know If My Teen Needs Therapy?
It can be hard to tell normal teenage ups and downs from something more. Many parents search “is my teen depressed or just moody?” A good rule of thumb: if changes last more than two weeks, or are affecting school, sleep, friendships or family life, it’s worth talking to a therapist.
Signs your teen may benefit from therapy include:
- Pulling away from friends, family or activities they used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep, such as staying up very late, sleeping all day, or not sleeping well
- Changes in eating or energy
- Slipping grades, skipping school, or trouble concentrating
- Frequent irritability, anger or tearfulness
- Constant worry, stomachaches or headaches before school or social events
- Harsh self-talk such as “I’m stupid,” “I’m not good enough,” or “Everyone hates me”
- Spending most of their time alone in their room or on their phone
- A recent loss, breakup, move, divorce or other big change
You don’t have to wait for a crisis. Many families reach out simply because their teen seems stressed or stuck.
Signs of Anxiety in Teens and Young Adults
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons teens and young adults start therapy. It often looks like:
- Worrying a lot about school, grades, the future or what others think
- Avoiding social situations, presentations or new experiences
- Panic attacks, or feeling short of breath, shaky or dizzy
- Needing constant reassurance
- Trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts
- Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
- Perfectionism, or fear of making any mistake
Signs of Depression in Teens and Young Adults
Depression in teens doesn’t always look like sadness. It can look like:
- Irritability or anger more than sadness
- Losing interest in hobbies, sports or friends
- Feeling tired, unmotivated or “numb”
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or like a burden
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Dropping grades or difficulty getting things done
If your teen ever talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, take it seriously. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 right away.
Low Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Talk
Many teens and young adults struggle with how they see themselves. Social media, school pressure, friendships and family expectations can all feed a harsh inner critic. Common searches like “how to help my teen with low self-esteem” often describe:
- Constant comparison to others
- Believing they’re not smart, attractive or good enough
- Giving up easily or not trying because they expect to fail
- People-pleasing, or difficulty saying no
- Self-defeating thought patterns that keep them stuck
Therapy helps teens and young adults notice these patterns, challenge them, and build a kinder, more confident way of seeing themselves.
Therapy for Young Adults and College Students
The years after high school bring big changes: starting college, coming home from college, first jobs, new relationships, moving out, and figuring out who you are. Young adults often search “therapist for young adults near me” or “therapy for anxiety in your 20s.” Therapy can help with:
- Stress and anxiety about school, work or the future
- Depression or feeling lost
- Relationship and friendship challenges
- Big life transitions and decisions
- Self-esteem and identity
What Does a Teen Therapist Actually Do?
Parents and teens often wonder what happens in therapy. With Alyssa, therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered. Sessions focus on:
- Building trust: a warm, empathetic relationship where your teen feels comfortable talking
- Understanding emotions: helping your teen or young adult make sense of what they’re feeling and why
- Learning coping skills: practical tools for stress, worry, low mood and difficult situations
- Changing negative thought patterns: noticing self-defeating thoughts and building healthier ones
- Personal growth: building confidence, healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self
Alyssa uses a collaborative, client-centered approach, which means therapy is shaped around each person’s goals, pace and personality.
Meet the Therapist: Alyssa Dordoni, LAC
- License: Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), State of New Jersey, working toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and practicing under clinical supervision
- Education: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Sociology), Rutgers University
- Who she helps: Teens, young adults and adults
- Areas of focus: Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-defeating thought patterns, relationship challenges and life transitions
- Approach: Empathetic, collaborative and client-centered
- Sessions: In person at our Short Hills office or by telehealth across New Jersey
- Availability: Currently accepting new clients
As part of the Light Street Psychotherapy team, Alyssa’s work is supported by a collaborative group of experienced clinicians who meet regularly to discuss cases, so clients benefit from the insight of an entire clinical team.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Will my teen actually talk to a therapist? Many teens are hesitant at first. A good therapist takes time to build trust and lets teens open up at their own pace. Teens often find it easier to talk to someone outside the family.
Will I know what my teen talks about in therapy? Privacy helps teens feel safe enough to open up. Your teen’s therapist will explain how confidentiality works, including its limits around safety, and how parents will be kept informed.
Is online therapy good for teens? For many teens and young adults, yes. Telehealth can fit more easily around school, sports and busy schedules, and some teens feel more comfortable talking from home.
How long does therapy take? It depends on the person and their goals. Some teens feel better after a few months, while others benefit from longer support. Progress is reviewed together along the way.
Can young adults in college use telehealth? Telehealth is available to clients located in New Jersey. Ask during your free consultation about scheduling around school breaks.
Visit Our Short Hills, NJ Office or Connect by Telehealth
In-person and telehealth sessions are available through our Short Hills office, serving families in Millburn, Springfield, Maplewood, South Orange, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Livingston, Florham Park, Westfield, Cranford, Whippany, Berkeley Heights, Union, Scotch Plains, Morristown, New Providence and Mountainside.
Learn more about individual therapy and family therapy at Light Street Psychotherapy.
Contact: (973) 544-8617 | Book a free consultation with Alyssa