Teen Therapy in Los Angeles
Therapy for teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Telehealth sessions throughout California, Florida, and Utah.
You Might Be Here Because...
Your teen seems anxious all the time and it's getting worse, not better
They've pulled away from friends, activities, or you
School has become a daily battle
You're walking on eggshells, not sure what will set them off
Their inner critic is so loud they can't see their own strengths
Something changed, and you can't figure out how to reach them anymore
These struggles are real, and they're exhausting for your teen and for you.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Meet Brooke Sundin, LMFT
Hi, I'm Brooke. I'm the owner and founder of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, and I've spent over ten years working with teens and families.
I'm committed to staying current on the latest research and evidence-based techniques for helping teens. But I also believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy. Your teen needs to feel safe and genuinely understood before they'll open up about what's really going on.
That's why I focus on building trust first. Once that foundation is there, I draw on approaches like CBT, ERP, and ACT to help your teen get unstuck and build skills they'll carry with them long after our work is complete. I also offer parent coaching so you have your own strategies for supporting them at home.
CREDENTIALS & TRAINING
License Number: California #124192
Additional Licenses: TPMF1613 (Florida), 14231277-3902 (Utah)
Education: MS Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Long Beach
Certifications: SPACE (Yale Child Study Center), ACT (Institute for Better Health)
Years in Practice: 10+
Modalities Used: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Play Therapy, SPACE, and more
Teen Therapy SpecialtiesAreas I Can Help With
Anxiety & OCD
The racing thoughts before a test, the rituals that keep getting longer, the avoidance that's shrinking their world. I help teens understand how anxiety shows up in teens and break free with practical strategies, including ERP for teen OCD treatment.
Self-Esteem & Inner Critic
Turning down the volume on negative self-talk and helping teens see what makes them capable and worthy. If your teen's confidence has taken a hit, I've written more about teen self-esteem and what helps.
Life Transitions
A parents' divorce, a cross-country move, switching schools halfway through the year. Big changes can shake a teen's sense of who they are and where they belong. I help them process what's shifted and find stability again, even when everything around them feels uncertain.
Depression & Low Mood
They've stopped hanging out with friends. Grades are slipping. They spend all weekend in their room. I help teens process what's going on underneath the withdrawal and find their way back to the things and people that matter.
Grief & Loss
Losing a grandparent, a friend, a pet, or the family they thought they had. Teens often grieve in silence or in anger rather than sadness. I give them space to process loss at their own pace, without being told how they "should" feel.
School Stress
The pressure to get perfect grades, build the perfect resume, and have the perfect extracurriculars. I help teens manage academic pressure without burning out or tying their entire self-worth to a GPA.
Family Conflict
The slammed doors, the silent treatment, the arguments that blow up over nothing. When things are tense at home, teens often feel unheard or caught in the middle. I give them tools to express what they need and communicate without everything escalating.
Peer Relationships
Being left out of the group chat. A best friend who suddenly turned cold. The pressure to be someone you're not just to fit in. I help teens build confidence in social situations and figure out which friendships are actually worth their energy.
Identity Exploration
"Who am I outside of what my parents expect?" "What do I actually care about?" These questions are normal and healthy. I create space for teens to explore their values and identity without judgment or pressure to have it figured out.
Your Teen's JourneyWhat Teen Therapy Looks Like
First, We Talk — Just You & Me
Before your teen and I meet, I want to understand what you're seeing and what you're hoping for. This is also your chance to ask questions and see if I feel like a good fit.
I Meet Your Teen
The first few sessions are about building trust. I'm not going to push them to share their deepest secrets on day one. We'll take it at their pace.
We Work as a Team
Sessions are 50 minutes via secure video. We might talk, do activities, practice skills, or work through exposures, depending on what your teen needs. I'll keep you updated on progress and let you know how to support them at home.
what sets us apartwhy choose Light Minds?
Trust Comes First
Teens don't open up to someone who feels like another authority figure. I earn their trust before asking them to do hard things. That foundation is what makes the real work possible.
Evidence-Based, Not Lecture-Based
I use CBT, ERP, and ACT as a teen anxiety therapist who adapts proven approaches for how teens actually think and communicate. Your teen walks away with real skills they'll use outside our sessions, not just handouts they'll lose in their backpack.
Parents Stay in the Loop
Your teen's privacy matters, and so does your peace of mind. I share general progress and give you concrete strategies to support them at home — without breaking the trust we've built.
Kind wordsWhat Parents say
★★★★★
“Brooke is a thoughtful and insightful clinician. She has helped our teen daughter rebuild her confidence and ability to handle anxiety. She's also given us tools as parents to support our daughter at home.”
— L.N.★★★★★
“Brooke is an outstanding clinician! I refer her children and teens with full trust that they will be in amazing hands. She is compassionate, wise, and determined to help. I highly recommend!”
— C.G.★★★★★
“Brooke is kind, compassionate, caring, and has significant knowledge in her field. It is great seeing her work with children and adolescents and how she has made a difference in their lives.”
— K.YouR Questions, AnsweredFrequently Asked Questions
-
Light Minds is based in Los Angeles, and all sessions take place via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. If you've been searching for therapy for teens near me, I'm licensed in California, Florida, and Utah and see teens across all three states. I'd love to connect.
-
This is very common. Many teens are skeptical at first; they don't want to be 'fixed' or told what to do. My approach is to meet them where they are and build trust before diving into the heavy stuff. Most teens warm up once they realize I'm not there to lecture them.
-
I keep your teen's privacy unless there's a safety concern. That said, I'll give you general updates on progress and let you know how you can support them at home. Finding this balance is part of what makes teen therapy work.
-
It varies. Some teens benefit from a few months of focused work; others continue longer-term. Sessions are 50 minutes, typically weekly. We'll check in regularly about progress and adjust as needed.
-
Light Minds is an out-of-network provider. I provide superbills you can submit to your PPO for potential reimbursement. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale slots. Don't let cost stop you from reaching out.
Areas We Serve
Beverly Hills • Westwood • Venice • Pacific Palisades • West LA • Playa Vista
Help Your Teen Get Unstuck
If it sounds like I could be a good fit for your teen, I'd love to connect. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. There's no pressure and no commitment. I care most that you find the right support for your family.