Starting Teen Counseling in Missouri: Answers to the Questions Teens and Parents Ask Most
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions—for both teens and parents. At Aspire Counseling, we understand that this is a big step. Whether you're a teen thinking, "Will this even help me?" or a parent wondering what to expect, we want to make the process feel a little less overwhelming.
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear when a teenager is looking for therapy in Missouri.
How do I know if therapy is right for my teen (or me as a teen)?
If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, down, stuck, or just not like yourself lately, therapy can help. You don’t have to wait until things are "really bad" to get support. Therapy is a space to talk through what’s going on and find new ways to cope, grow, and feel more like you again.
What can I expect at the first therapy session?
At Aspire Counseling, we start with a free 20-minute consultation—either in person or online. This isn’t something every practice offers, but we believe it’s essential because the relationship between the teen and the therapist is one of the biggest predictors of whether therapy will help.
This consultation is a chance for both the teen and parent to meet the therapist, share why you're considering therapy, ask questions, and get a sense of whether it's a good fit. The therapist will also ask a few questions to make sure they believe they can be helpful.
After that, the first official therapy session is what we call an assessment session. We know—it can feel boring or even frustrating. You came to get help with something specific, and now the therapist is asking you all these seemingly random questions. But there’s a reason! This session is about creating a detailed map of your life. That way, your therapist can better understand you and help you get to where you want to go. We promise: it’s worth it.
Do parents stay in the room during therapy sessions?
Not usually. We believe it’s critical for teens to have a safe, private space to talk.
During the initial consultation, we typically include parents for part of the session to answer questions and explain things like the limits of confidentiality. But after that, therapy sessions are usually one-on-one between the teen and therapist.
That said, there are times when involving parents in therapy is helpful. For example:
If your teen is healing from trauma, part of that work might include helping them feel strong enough to share their story with you.
If your teen is working through OCD, the therapist may involve you in supporting exposure-based work at home.
Your involvement is always intentional and designed to support your teen’s goals.
Will the therapist tell my parents what I say?
In most cases, no. What you talk about in therapy is private. We only break confidentiality if we believe someone is in danger or if the law requires it. We encourage parents and teens to have open communication, but we also believe in giving teens space to explore their thoughts and feelings freely.
We do sometimes provide general updates—for example, letting your parent know you're working on managing anxiety or building self-confidence. But the specific content of sessions is kept private unless you choose to share it.
What kinds of things can I talk about in therapy?
Anything and everything. Common reasons teens come to therapy include:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Trauma
OCD or repetitive thoughts and behaviors
Grief and loss
Stress about school or friendships
Identity questions
Self-confidence or self-esteem struggles
Therapy is your space. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. You can come just as you are.
How often do I have to go to therapy?
We almost always recommend starting with weekly sessions for about eight weeks. That consistent time helps build a strong relationship with your therapist and allows you to make meaningful progress.
After that, you and your therapist will talk about what makes sense. Some people continue weekly. Others move to every other week. Some teens benefit from longer sessions or even meeting more than once a week for a while.
Because Aspire Counseling doesn’t work directly with insurance companies, we have the flexibility to individualize your care. The focus is always on what you need to meet your goals.
Can I do therapy online if I live in Missouri?
Yes! We offer online therapy to teens throughout the entire state of Missouri. Whether you live in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Columbia, or a rural town miles from the nearest therapy office, you can still work with one of our experienced teen therapists through secure video sessions.
Online therapy is a great option if you prefer meeting from home, have a busy schedule, or just feel more comfortable in your own space.
What if I don’t like my therapist?
That’s okay. Therapy is a relationship, and not every match will be perfect. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, it’s totally okay to speak up. We want you to work with someone who truly helps you feel heard, understood, and empowered.
At Aspire Counseling, we take great care to match you with the right therapist—but if it’s not the right fit, we’ll work with you to find someone who is.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
Not at all. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or label to benefit from therapy. If you’re struggling or just want some extra support, that’s reason enough to start.
Your therapist will ask some questions to better understand what’s going on and may talk with you about a diagnosis if it’s helpful. But it’s not required, and it’s not the focus. The focus is on you, your goals, and how we can help.
What do therapists at Aspire Counseling specialize in?
We specialize in working with teens who are:
Dealing with anxiety, panic, or OCD
Working through trauma or PTSD
Coping with grief or a big loss
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed
Struggling with confidence, motivation, or identity
All of our therapists use evidence-based approaches, and many have advanced training in areas like EMDR, CBT, exposure therapy, and trauma-informed care. More importantly, they genuinely enjoy working with teenagers and it shows.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
If you’re a teen in Missouri (or the parent of one) and you’re curious about whether Aspire Counseling is the right fit, reach out to us. We’re happy to answer your questions, schedule a free consultation, and help you get started on your therapy journey.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Therapy can help—and we’re ready when you are.
📞 Call us at 573-328-2288 or fill out our contact form to get started.
About the Author
Jessica Tappana, MSW, LCSW, is a therapist and the founder of Aspire Counseling. With years of experience working directly with teenagers and their families, Jessica knows just how important it is for teens to work with a therapist they actually connect with. That’s why she’s built a team of highly trained, evidence-based clinicians who genuinely enjoy working with teens. From anxiety and trauma to identity and OCD, the therapists at Aspire Counseling are here to help teens across Missouri grow, heal, and build the lives they want.
