Online teen therapy by secure video works well for many teens 13 to 17, especially when school days are long and the drive is far. In-office therapy is usually the better choice when there are safety concerns, no private space at home, or a teen who shuts down on a screen. Many families mix the two. Blackburn Clinical Services offers both: video for teens located in California and in-office sessions in Mar Vista, West Los Angeles. Call (888) 870 7405.
Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video for teens located in California, or in our West LA office.
How do you decide between online and in-office therapy for a teen?
Three questions settle most cases: Is there a private, quiet place at home for a full session? Is your teen safe right now? Does your teen engage on a screen? If the answers are yes, yes and yes, video is a real option. If any answer is no, start in the office, or start somewhere else entirely if safety is the concern.
| Online by secure video | In our Mar Vista office | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your teen is | A private room at home, or a parked car, anywhere in California | 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 |
| Time cost | The session itself | The session plus the drive, which can be an hour or more each way across Los Angeles |
| Privacy | Depends on the home: closed door, headphones, personal device | Built in |
| Engagement | Some teens open up more from their own room | Better for teens who multitask or shut down on a screen |
| Safety concerns | Usually not the right starting point | Preferred |
| Weekly one-on-one therapy | Yes | Yes |
| Concierge Outpatient Program | Yes | Yes |
| Family and parent-only sessions | Yes | Yes |
| EMDR, Brainspotting, ADHD and neuropsychological testing | No | Yes |
Psychiatric care can be arranged for teens who need it, whichever format they use for therapy; we explain how when you call.
When is online therapy a good fit for a teen?
- The drive would cost half a school day, as it can from Pasadena, Long Beach, the Conejo Valley or Santa Clarita.
- Your teen has a packed schedule of classes, practice and homework, and a late afternoon video slot is realistic when an office slot is not.
- Your teen feels safer starting from their own room than walking into an office.
- You live outside Los Angeles County but in California, so the office is not practical every week.
When is in-office therapy the better choice?
- There are safety concerns, such as self-harm or talk of suicide.
- Your teen cannot get a private space at home, or sessions keep getting interrupted.
- Your teen shuts down, multitasks or keeps the camera off.
- Your teen needs ADHD or neuropsychological testing, EMDR or Brainspotting, which take place in our office.
- You live on the Westside or nearby, where the office is close: see teen therapy for Westside families.
Can you mix online and in-office sessions?
Yes. Many families start in the office to build the relationship and switch to video during exam weeks or sports seasons, or start by video and come in when it helps. We will tell you honestly if we think a different format, or a different level of care, would serve your teen better.
How do you make online therapy work at home?
- Pick a private room with the door closed, and use headphones.
- Use a personal device. School-issued laptops and accounts may be managed or monitored by the school.
- Agree on a plan for the hour with siblings and parents: no knocking, no hovering.
- Never join while anyone is driving. A parked car works when the house is full.
Our online teen therapy in California page has more, and teen therapy and privacy in California explains what parents are usually told.
What if a teen needs more than weekly therapy?
The Concierge Outpatient Program is a one-on-one alternative to IOP, typically 3 to 5 hours a week with no groups, available in our office or by secure video for clients located in California. Teens typically stay in school with sessions within weekday hours. See levels of care for teens for how it compares with IOP and residential care.
When to get urgent help
Online therapy is not an emergency service. If your teen talks about suicide, has hurt themselves or you fear for their safety, call or text 988, or call 911.
Questions parents ask
Is online therapy a good option for teens?
For many teens, yes, especially when drives are long and school days are full. It is usually not the right starting point when there are safety concerns, when a teen cannot get privacy at home, or when a teen does not engage on a screen.
Where can my teen do online therapy with Blackburn?
Anywhere in California, from a private space. Our office for in-person sessions is at 12326 Venice Blvd in Mar Vista, West Los Angeles.
Which services are only available in the office?
EMDR, Brainspotting, and ADHD and neuropsychological testing take place in our office. Family and parent-only sessions are available by video for families located in California and in the office.
Can my teen switch between online and in-office sessions?
Yes. Many families mix the two, for example coming in at the start and using video during exam weeks or sports seasons.
Is psychiatric care available for teens?
Psychiatric care can be arranged if a teen needs it, coordinated with the therapist. We explain how when you call.
Get started
Call (888) 870 7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Some Saturday therapy appointments are available.
Email info@blackburnclinical.com or send a message. For an overview, see teen therapy in Los Angeles. Blackburn Clinical Services, 12326 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.