When a teenager is struggling, parents need support too. At Blackburn Clinical Services, parents are involved from the start of their teen’s care, and we offer family sessions alongside a teen’s one-on-one therapy, plus parent-only sessions about your teen, so you understand what is happening and can work on what happens at home. You can also call us before your teen is ready, just to talk through what you are seeing. Therapy takes place in our office in Mar Vista, West Los Angeles, or by secure video for clients located in California, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Parents can call on their own to talk through what is going on at home.
Who this is for
Parents and guardians of high school students (ages 13 to 17) who are worried, worn out or unsure what to do next: a teen who is anxious and avoiding school, withdrawn and low, using substances, in constant conflict with you, or coming home from a program away. Families at private and independent high schools can feel pressure to look as if everything is fine. You do not have to.
What parents often carry
- Worry that does not switch off, especially at night or when your teen is out
- Second-guessing: too strict or too soft, pushing too hard or not enough
- Conflict between parents about what to do, sometimes across two households
- Guilt or shame, and a sense that other families do not have this problem
- The rest of the family, including siblings who get less attention
None of this means you have failed. It means you are carrying a lot, and you deserve somewhere to put it down.
How Blackburn supports parents
Parents involved from the start
Parents are involved at the start of their teen’s care. You share what you have seen, ask your questions and hear how we will work with your teen. We explain our approach to privacy and parent involvement at the first appointment. See what to expect at a first teen therapy appointment.
Family sessions
Family sessions bring parents and teens together with the therapist, alongside the teen’s individual therapy. Families often use them to work on:
- Talking without the same argument repeating
- Rules, phones, curfews and consequences that both sides understand
- Rebuilding trust after lying, substance use or a crisis
- School pressure, grades and expectations
- Getting both parents on the same page, including across two homes (see teens and family transitions)
- The return home and back to school after a program away (see coming home from residential or wilderness)
Support for you as an adult
Blackburn provides outpatient therapy for adults as well as teens. You can book parent-only sessions to talk with a therapist about your teen, and if you are struggling with anxiety, low mood or stress of your own, you can book your own therapy. Our family services page describes other ways we support families.
When weekly therapy is not enough
For teens who need more, the Blackburn Concierge Outpatient Program is an individualized, one-on-one alternative to a traditional IOP, with no groups and no hour requirements, typically 3 to 5 hours a week of focused therapy. Psychiatric support and medication management can be included as needed.
Talk with us about your family. Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with flexible scheduling within those hours.
What parents can do this week
- Pick one calm, regular time to connect, such as a drive, a meal or a walk, with no agenda.
- Agree with your co-parent on one or two priorities instead of fighting every battle.
- Notice and name what is going well, even small things.
- Write down what you are seeing so you can describe it clearly when you call. The 2 minute parent checklist can help.
- Look after the basics for yourself: sleep, a friend you can be honest with, and time away from the problem.
- Save 988 in your phone and your teen’s phone.
Related guides
- Therapy for private school students in Los Angeles
- My teen won’t go to therapy: how to help a reluctant high schooler
- Teen therapy and privacy in California
- Teen depression: signs parents of high schoolers miss
- Help for parents of a struggling college student
When to get urgent help
Blackburn is an outpatient practice, not a crisis service. If your teen talks about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. Parents can call 988 for guidance too. If your teen is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. See if your teen talks about self-harm or suicide.
Two more guides for parents: levels of care for teens: weekly therapy, concierge outpatient, IOP or residential and our mental health glossary for parents of teens.
Questions parents ask
Can I call Blackburn if my teen is not ready to start therapy?
Yes. Parents usually make the first call, and you can call on your own to talk through what you are seeing at home. Call (888) 870 7405, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
What are family sessions?
Family sessions bring parents and teens together with the therapist, alongside the teen’s individual therapy. Families use them to improve communication, agree on rules at home, rebuild trust and plan for school.
Are parents involved in their teen’s therapy at Blackburn?
Yes. Parents are involved at the start, and family sessions keep parents part of care. Your teen also has one-on-one time with the therapist, and we explain our approach to privacy at the first appointment.
Can I get therapy for myself at Blackburn?
Yes. Blackburn provides outpatient therapy for adults as well as teens, so you can book your own therapy. You can also book parent-only sessions to talk with a therapist about your teen.
Where and when do sessions happen?
In our office at 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, or by secure video for clients located in California, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with flexible scheduling within those hours.