Discover how starting teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
2 therapists available in Providence
I believe in the power of stories—the ones we are told and, most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves. Sometimes, we need a cha...
About
I believe in the power of stories—the ones we are told and, most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves. Sometimes, we need a change in perspective to understand ourselves better.
Rasheed Akinfolarin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 8 years of experience providing counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. Rasheed began his career in residential care, where he saw first-hand the impact mental health issues have on individuals and their families and the importance of having open and honest conversations regarding mental health and its impact on our lives. He has experience working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions, among other issues.
Rasheed graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has also received post-graduate training in trauma-informed care and multidimensional family therapy while working in residential and outpatient settings. Rasheed works to provide a strength-based and person-centered approach to support you in reaching your goals.
Rasheed's goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where you can become better acquainted with your strengths and find alternative ways to face life's challenges. Rasheed would like to congratulate you on taking the first step in changing your story and defining the person you want to become. If you'd like to work together with Rasheed, reach out to schedule your first session today. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." – Carl Rogers.
Education and training
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With over 20 years in human services and 4 years in clinical practice, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges individuals ...
With over 20 years in human services and 4 years in clinical practice, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face at different stages of life.
Melissa Clement is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience specializing in supporting adults 18 and over, including veterans, who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. Melissa creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Her compassionate, client-centered approach emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and collaboration as she walks alongside individuals on their healing journey.
Melissa earned a Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College. Her approach integrates solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and a strength-based lens to foster resilience. Melissa meets clients where they are, celebrates progress, and creates a supportive space for personal growth and lasting change.
Melissa understands how overwhelming life can feel and how difficult it is to take that first step toward healing. She meets every client with compassion and care, offering support through anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck. Her goal is to provide a safe, affirming space where your experiences are valued and your voice matters.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach when working with teenagers is to put them in the driver's seat of their sessions. Some might find it difficult to get teenagers to engage in counseling, but I love working with teenagers because they have so much to say! When teenagers can have a supportive, nonjudgemental space to process feelings, learn new skills, and explore their values as they transition to adulthood, I believe it gives them the resilience to face all of the challenges that come with that transition!
In teen counseling, I enjoy helping teens learn strategies such as:
I know a teen is making meaningful progress in counseling when they share experiences of self-validation, empathy, and mindfulness for others' experiences, and share times when they were able to understand their symptoms and find a coping strategy to apply towards them.
Teens can make the most of what they learn in counseling by having some way to document their progress and experiences, whether it's a dedicated journal or something as quick as the notes app on their phone! Having a go-to “coping strategy kit” that's accessible can also help them feel prepared. In the world of social media, teens also have great access to different resources and supports that validate their experiences and make them feel less alone. It can encourage and motivate teens to continue to work towards their goals.
To prepare for counseling, teens can identify two or three areas where they want to see changes or improvements. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! An ongoing dialogue is one of the most valuable things to help a clinician understand you and help you work towards your goals.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Providence have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Providence, RI offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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