Practical support for teens and the people who care about them

Adolescence can bring big emotions, changing relationships, and increasing expectations. Sometimes, those challenges become difficult for teens—and their families—to manage on their own.

You may notice your teen withdrawing, feeling overwhelmed, struggling at school, or reacting in ways that lead to more conflict at home. Your teen may want things to feel different but feel unsure how to make that happen.

At the DBT Institute of Central Illinois, we provide therapy for adolescents ages 12–18. We help teens understand their emotions and behavior, build practical coping skills, and work toward a life that feels meaningful to them. We offer in-person appointments in downtown Bloomington, serving Bloomington–Normal and surrounding communities, as well as virtual therapy for teens located in Illinois.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation  

When might therapy help your teen?

Teens do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Sometimes, the first step is simply recognizing that what they are doing now is not helping them feel or function better.

Adolescent therapy may be helpful when your teen is experiencing:

• Anxiety, persistent worry, or difficulty handling stress

• Depression, low motivation, or withdrawal from activities and relationships

• Intense emotions that are difficult to manage

• Impulsive behavior or difficulty tolerating frustration

• Frequent conflict with parents, siblings, or peers

• School stress, avoidance, or difficulty following through on responsibilities

• Low self-esteem or difficulty expressing their needs

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts that require assessment and treatment

• Difficulty coping with change or painful experiences

We work with teens and caregivers to understand what is happening, identify treatment goals, and determine the appropriate level of support.

How we help

Our approach is warm, collaborative, and active. We want teens to feel understood while helping them practice new ways of responding to difficult situations.

Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and principles, we help teens learn to:

• Recognize emotions and understand what influences them

• Get through difficult moments without making things worse

• Respond more effectively to urges and impulses

• Communicate needs and navigate disagreements

• Build and maintain relationships

• Develop more flexible thinking

• Take steps toward goals, even when motivation is low

Therapy goes beyond talking about what happened during the week. We help teens explore patterns, practice skills, and apply what they are learning at home, at school, and in their relationships.

Therapy options for adolescents

Individual and DBT-Informed Therapy

Individual therapy gives teens space to explore their concerns and work toward personal goals with a clinician. DBT-informed therapy incorporates skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness into treatment tailored to the teen’s needs.

This option may be appropriate for teens who would benefit from individual support without participating in every component of a comprehensive DBT program.

Learn more about DBT-informed therapy. 

Comprehensive Adolescent DBT

Some teens need a more structured approach, particularly when intense emotions and harmful behaviors interfere significantly with daily life.

Comprehensive adolescent DBT combines individual therapy, a weekly multifamily skills group, between-session phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team. Teens and caregivers learn skills together, helping families build a shared understanding and more effective ways of responding.

Explore our comprehensive adolescent DBT program. 

Parent Coaching

Supporting a struggling teen can feel exhausting and confusing. Parent coaching helps caregivers understand behavior patterns, respond to emotional escalation, set clear expectations, and reinforce effective behaviors.

Parents also learn how to balance validation with consistent limits and care for their own well-being.

Learn more about parent coaching. 

Working together with parents and caregivers

Parents are important partners in adolescent treatment. The level of caregiver involvement depends on the teen’s needs and the type of treatment.

We work to give teens space to build a trusting therapeutic relationship while helping caregivers support progress outside of sessions. At the beginning of treatment, we discuss privacy, communication, safety, and how caregivers will be involved.

In comprehensive adolescent DBT, at least one parent or guardian participates in the multifamily skills group with the teen. Learning together helps families practice the same skills and approach challenges with a shared language.

Common questions about teen therapy

Does my teen have to want therapy?

Some teens are ready to begin, while others feel hesitant, frustrated, or unsure. We take time to understand their perspective and identify goals that matter to them. A consultation can help you discuss your teen’s willingness to participate and possible next steps.

Does every teen need comprehensive DBT?

No. Individual therapy, DBT-informed therapy, and comprehensive DBT offer different levels of support. We help families determine which approach fits the teen’s needs and treatment goals.

Can we participate virtually?

We offer virtual adolescent therapy for teens located in Illinois, along with in-person appointments at our downtown Bloomington office. We can discuss which format is appropriate during the consultation.

Do you accept insurance?

Our practice accepts several insurance plans and offers self-pay options. Coverage and fees depend on the clinician and services provided.

Visit our Rates & Insurance page for details. 

Take the next step

You do not have to know exactly what your teen needs before reaching out. We can help you explore the concerns bringing you to therapy and discuss whether our services may be a good fit.

Together, we work toward meaningful, lasting change—and a life worth living.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation

You can also call 309-861-9793 or email info@dbtici.com for more information.