Blackburn Clinical Services offers affirming one-on-one therapy in West Los Angeles for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 17, and family sessions for parents who want to understand and support their teen. Some teens come to us because of anxiety, depression or stress at school, and their identity is one part of their life among many. Others are questioning, thinking about coming out, or coping with rejection or bullying. Parents come too, sometimes with questions they do not feel they can ask anyone else.
Looking for an affirming therapist for your teen? Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Therapy takes place in our office at 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, or by secure video for clients located in California.
Why affirming support matters
The Trevor Project’s 2024 national survey of more than 18,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 found that 39 percent had seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half of those who wanted mental health care were not able to get it. It also found that young people with access to affirming spaces, and those living in accepting communities, reported lower rates of suicide attempts (The Trevor Project).
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to respond to a teen’s disclosure with affirmation and support, notes that teens who feel loved and accepted have a much easier time, and recognizes that acceptance can be a process for parents that may take time and support of their own (AAP HealthyChildren).
Who this page is for
- LGBTQ+ teens, and teens who are questioning, who want a therapist they do not have to educate or explain themselves to.
- Parents whose teen has just come out and who want to get the first months right.
- Parents who love their teen and are struggling with their own feelings, worries or beliefs, and want a private place to work through them.
- Families where a teen is dealing with bullying, isolation or a school or friend group that does not feel safe.
What therapy at Blackburn looks like
- One-on-one therapy. Your teen meets with a therapist, in our office or by secure video for clients located in California, who respects their identity, name and pronouns, and works on whatever brings them in: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships or stress. See anxiety treatment and depression treatment.
- Your teen leads. Therapy is not about steering a teen toward or away from any identity. It is a place to explore and to feel more at home in themselves.
- Family sessions. When your teen is ready, parents can join to talk openly, repair strain and plan how to handle relatives, school and community. See family services.
- Parent-only sessions. Parents can book parent-only sessions about their teen, on how to respond, what to say and how to handle their own worries, and can also book their own therapy.
- Psychiatry. Psychiatric care can be arranged when a teen needs an evaluation or medication for anxiety, depression or other concerns.
- Weekday sessions. Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, scheduled within those hours around school.
What parents can do now
- If your teen comes out to you, thank them for telling you and tell them you love them. You do not need all the answers in that moment.
- Ask before sharing with others. Let your teen decide who knows and when.
- Use the name and pronouns your teen asks for, and correct yourself simply if you slip.
- Take bullying seriously, online and at school, and stand up for your teen.
- Watch for signs of anxiety, depression or isolation. Our guide to teen depression signs can help.
- Get support for yourself if you need it. Your teen benefits when you have a place to process your own feelings.
Your teen’s school
We share information with your teen’s school only with written permission. For guidance on how school pressure can add to stress, see therapy for private school students.
When to get urgent help
If your teen is in danger right now, call 911. If your teen talks about wanting to die, is harming themselves, or you are worried they might, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time of day. LGBTQ+ young people can also reach The Trevor Project’s trained counselors 24/7 by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting START to 678678 (Trevor Project help).
Questions
Is your therapy LGBTQ+ affirming?
Yes. Our therapists respect each teen’s identity, name and pronouns. Therapy follows your teen’s lead and never tries to change who they are.
My teen just came out. Do they need therapy?
Not necessarily. Many LGBTQ+ teens are doing well and simply need support at home. Therapy can help if your teen is anxious, depressed, isolated or facing bullying, or if you as a parent want guidance.
Can parents come to sessions?
Yes. Family sessions are available when your teen is ready, and parents can also book parent-only sessions about their teen or their own therapy. Your teen also has one-on-one time with their therapist.
Will you tell me what my teen says in therapy?
Teens need privacy to speak openly. We explain at the start what stays between your teen and their therapist and what parents will hear. Safety concerns are always shared.
What if I am struggling to accept my teen’s identity?
You are not alone, and it is better to work through those feelings with a professional than with your teen. Parent sessions give you a private place to do that while staying connected to your teen.
Get started
Questions about your teen? We are glad to talk. Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
You can also email info@blackburnclinical.com or contact us. Parents usually make the first call; your teen does not need to be on the line. More guides: therapy for private school students.