Counseling service for children & teens
Kids & Teens Counseling in San Antonio, TX
At Aligned Mind Counseling, we know how tough growing up can be. Kids and teens today deal with school stress, friendship drama, family changes, social media pressure, and big emotions that aren’t always easy to put into words.
You might notice your child is more withdrawn, easily upset, acting out, or “not like themselves” — and you’re not sure how to help. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our warm, licensed therapists in San Antonio, TX offer caring counseling for children and teens. Together, we help young people feel heard, understood, and supported as they learn healthy ways to cope and grow.
Emotionally overwhelmed
Racing heartbeat
Trouble focusing
Panic spikes
Hard to talk about feelings
Feeling tense
What Is Kids & Adolescents Counseling?
Kids & teens counseling gives children, pre-teens, and teenagers a safe place to talk about what’s going on in their lives. Instead of trying to “be strong” or “just get over it,” they get to share their thoughts and feelings with a trusted adult who is there just for them.
Therapy for young people can include talking, drawing, games, activities, and other creative tools. It’s not about judging them or telling them what to do — it’s about helping them feel seen, understood, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
At Aligned Mind Counseling, we help kids and teens in San Antonio work through problems at home, school, and with friends, while building confidence and emotional skills that last.
What Is Kids & Adolescents Counseling?
Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a big event. It’s a persistent state of worry, fear, or tension that can affect your mind, body, and everyday functioning. Many people describe anxiety as a constant “buzz” in the background, a sense that something bad is about to happen, or a feeling of never being able to fully relax.
Anxiety can develop for many reasons. It may be triggered by stress, trauma, health issues, life changes, or ongoing pressure at work, school, or home. Sometimes it’s related to brain chemistry or family history. Whatever the cause, anxiety is real, common, and treatable. It is not a personal failure or something you just have to “push through.”
At Aligned Mind Counseling, we help kids, teens, and adults in San Antonio understand what’s happening beneath the surface of their anxiety and work toward meaningful, long-term relief.
Does Your Child or Teen Need Counseling?
Every child and teen has tough days, but when struggles start to impact daily life, extra support can help. You may want to consider counseling if you notice:
Big mood changes (more sad, irritable, or angry than usual)
Trouble with friends or frequent conflict at school
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy
Drop in grades or refusing to go to school
Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
Changes in appetite or energy
Clinginess, separation worries, or new fears
Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches
with no clear cause
Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless, or like they
“don’t care anymore”
Difficulty handling changes, transitions, or stressful events
Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, nausea, or dizziness
You don’t need to wait for things to “get really bad” to seek help. Counseling can support kids and teens early on, before problems become more overwhelming.
Common Challenges We Help Kids & Teens With
Our therapists support children, pre-teens, and teens with a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety
and Worries
Ongoing worries about school, friends, family, or the future. Kids and teens may feel tense, restless, or “on edge,” and struggle to relax or enjoy everyday activities.
Sadness, Low Mood,
and Motivation
Feeling down, irritable, or “numb” more often than usual. Kids and teens may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, withdraw from others, or struggle to find motivation.
Friendship Problems
and Bullying
Conflicts with peers, feeling left out, or being teased or bullied in person or online. These experiences can lower self-esteem and make kids and teens dread social situations.
Family Changes
and Conflict
Adjusting to divorce, remarriage, moving, new siblings, or frequent arguments at home. These changes can leave kids feeling confused, angry, worried, or unsure where they fit.
School Stress and
Academic Pressure
Stress related to grades, tests, homework, or performance expectations. This can lead to headaches, stomachaches, sleep problems, or a strong desire to avoid school.
Low Self-Esteem
and Confidence
An intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. It can make it hard to speak up, meet new people, attend events, or feel comfortable in groups, often leading to avoidance and overthinking.
Our Approach to Kids & Teens Counseling
We keep our approach simple, respectful, and age-appropriate, creating a personalized treatment plan for each child or teen. Our goal is to build trust first because kids and teens are more willing to open up when they feel safe and not judged.
At Aligned Mind Counseling, our approach often includes:
We keep our approach simple, respectful, and age-appropriate, creating a personalized treatment plan for each child or teen. Our goal is to build trust first because kids and teens are more willing to open up when they feel safe and not judged. At Aligned Mind Counseling, our approach often includes:
1
Building Connection First
2
Emotion Education
3
Practical Coping Skills
4
Improving Communication
5
Family Support
7
Our Goal
Building Connection First
We start by getting to know your child or teen, their interests, and what matters to them. This might include games, creative activities, or relaxed conversation.
Family Support
When helpful, we include parents or caregivers in the process so you know how to better support your child between sessions. We may offer suggestions for routines, boundaries, and ways to respond during tough moments.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy helps kids and teens see their struggles as separate from who they are. Together, we rewrite unhelpful stories and strengthen the skills they already have.
Emotion Education
We help young people name what they’re feeling and understand that all emotions are valid — even the hard ones.
Practical Coping Skills
We teach simple tools to handle stress, calm their bodies, and deal with big feelings (like deep breathing, grounding, problem-solving, and healthy ways to express emotions).
Improving Communication
We support kids and teens in expressing themselves more clearly — at home, at school, and with friends.
Building Connection First
We start by getting to know your child or teen, their interests, and what matters to them. This might include games, creative activities, or relaxed conversation.
6
Narrative Therapy
1
Exposure-Based Techniques
2
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
3
Solution-Focused and Strengths-Based Counseling
4
Emotion Regulation and Coping Skills
5
Mindfulness and Relaxation Skills
6
Our Goal
Exposure-Based Techniques (When Appropriate)
Gently and gradually helps you face feared situations in a safe, controlled way so they feel less overwhelming over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.
Solution-Focused and Strengths-Based Counseling
Focuses on what’s working, builds on your strengths, and supports small, realistic steps toward change.
Emotion Regulation and Coping Skills
Helps you understand your emotions, respond rather than react, and build practical strategies to handle triggers and stress.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Skills
Teaches tools like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness to calm your nervous system and manage stress in the moment.
Exposure-Based Techniques (When Appropriate)
Gently and gradually helps you face feared situations in a safe, controlled way so they feel less overwhelming over time.
1
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Helps you re-author your depression story by separating yourself from the problem and uncovering your strengths, values, and your preferred narrative.
5
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supports you in making space for difficult emotions while taking meaningful actions aligned with your values.
3
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Builds awareness and self-compassion to reduce stress and emotional overwhelm.
2
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to depression.
1
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Helps you re-author your depression story by separating yourself from the problem and uncovering your strengths, values, and your preferred narrative.
4
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Encourages small, achievable steps toward positive change.
Therapy for Children and Teens
Different ages need different kinds of support. At Aligned Mind Counseling, we offer:
Children: Younger kids often show how they feel through behavior rather than words. They might act out, shut down, or seem “younger” than their age when stressed. With children, we may use play, drawing, stories, and simple tools to help them share what’s going on. We also work closely with parents or caregivers to support healthy communication and routines at home.
Pre-Teens are in a big transition — not little kids anymore, but not quite teens. They may struggle with friendships, body changes, school stress, or feeling “in between.” We help pre-teens talk about what they’re going through, manage emotions, and build confidence and social skills.
Teens face a lot: social media, identity questions, pressure to succeed, and sometimes big emotions they don’t know how to handle. They may also want more privacy or feel misunderstood. We offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens can be themselves, talk openly, and learn healthier ways to cope with stress, relationships, and life choices.
How We Involve Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a huge role in a child’s progress. We see counseling as a team effort. Depending on your child’s age and needs, we may:
Meet with parents or caregivers before or after sessions
Help you understand what your child may need from you during this season
Offer guidance on communication, boundaries, and ways to respond to behavior
Share general themes and helpful strategies (while respecting appropriate privacy for older kids/teens)
We work together with you, always aiming to support your child while respecting family values and dynamics.
In-Person and Online Sessions Available
We offer flexible options to make counseling as accessible and comfortable as possible:
In-person sessions: Kids and teens can meet with their therapist in our warm, calm office in San Antonio, TX. Our goal is to create a space where they feel relaxed, welcomed, and safe.
Online sessions: For older kids and teens, we also offer secure online sessions across Texas. This can be especially helpful for busy families, teens with tight schedules, or those who feel more comfortable meeting from home.
We’ll work with you to decide which option is the best fit for your child or teen.
Insurance and Discount Program
We accept most major insurance plans and also offer a discount program for those paying out of pocket. Our team will help you understand your benefits and find the most affordable way to get the care you need. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Superbill, and Optum:
Why Choose Aligned Mind Counseling?
When you’re searching for “child counselor in San Antonio” or “teen counseling near me,” you want a place that feels safe, friendly, and trustworthy. Here’s what sets Aligned Mind Counseling apart:
Accessible, Affordable Support
Insurance accepted, sliding scale options, and discount program
Therapy Made for You
Personalized treatment plans tailored for your kid or teen
Experienced, Caring Professionals
Licensed therapists experienced in working with kids, pre-teens, and teens
Flexible Sessions
In-person, online, and phone options for flexibility
All-Ages Support
Support for kids and teens of all ages
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Your San Antonio Therapy Home
Located in San Antonio, TX, with online counseling available across Texas
What Clients Say
Local kids/teens Therapists
Serving San Antonio and Nearby Areas
Aligned Mind Counseling proudly provides kids/teens therapy across San Antonio, TX and surrounding communities, including but not limited to Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Helotes, Leon Valley, and nearby areas. Through online sessions, we also serve clients throughout the state of Texas.
San Antonio
Downtown
Alamo Heights
Terrell Hills
Shavano Park
Hollywood Park
Castle Hills
Selma
Live Oak
Schertz
Universal City
Converse
Kirby
Windcrest
Stone Oak
Timberwood Park
Cross Mountain
Grey Forest
Helotes
Leon Valley
Balcones Heights
Fair Oaks Ranch
Highlands
Harlandale
South San Antonio
Inner West Side
United Southwest
Meadow Village
Adams Hill
Rainbow Hills
Big Country
Solana Ridge
Pearsall
South Side
Mission Del Lago
Bookside
South Central
Lower Southeast Side
Pecan Valley
Lakeside
Losoya
Von Ormy
Macdona
Mission San Jose
Brooks City Base
East Side
Woodbridge At Montr Viejo
San Antonio
Downtown
Alamo Heights
Terrell Hills
Shavano Park
Hollywood Park
Castle Hills
Selma
Live Oak
Schertz
Universal City
Converse
Kirby
Windcrest
Stone Oak
Timberwood Park
Cross Mountain
Grey Forest
Helotes
Leon Valley
Balcones Heights
Fair Oaks Ranch
Highlands
Harlandale
South San Antonio
Inner West Side
United Southwest
Meadow Village
Adams Hill
Rainbow Hills
Big Country
Solana Ridge
Pearsall
South Side
Mission Del Lago
Bookside
South Central
East Side
Lower Southeast Side
Pecan Valley
Lakeside
Losoya
Von Ormy
Macdona
Mission San Jose
Brooks City Base
Woodbridge At Montr Viejo
FAQ
If you notice ongoing changes in mood, behavior, sleep, school performance, or friendships — or if your child seems overwhelmed and you’re concerned — counseling can help. You don’t need to have everything “figured out” before reaching out.
Yes, in most cases. The level of involvement depends on your child’s age and needs. We usually involve parents or caregivers regularly, especially with younger children, while also respecting appropriate privacy for older kids and teens.
This is very common. We can help you find language to introduce counseling in a gentle way, and our therapists are skilled at helping young people feel more at ease once they arrive.
Sessions might include talking, games, drawing, problem-solving, and learning simple coping tools. For teens, sessions may look more like a relaxed conversation where they can share freely. We adjust our approach to each child’s age, personality, and comfort level.
Yes. We take privacy seriously. For older kids and teens, we encourage open communication with parents but also protect their right to have a safe, private space, with certain safety-related exceptions that we explain up front.
Every situation is different. Some kids and teens benefit from short-term support, while others may need more time. We’ll check in with you regularly about progress and goals.
You can begin by scheduling a free consultation. We’ll talk briefly about what’s going on, answer your questions, and suggest next steps.
Contact Us
Contact us to schedule a free consultation, ask questions, or learn how our caring therapists can support your journey.
