Questions to Ask a Prospective Teen Therapist in Birmingham, AL
Wondering how to find the right therapist for your teen? Here are some questions to help you get started.
Teenagers can be tricky to read. One moment they’re asking deep questions about the world, and the next they’re grunting from behind closed bedroom doors, earbuds in and world shut out. They may eat everything in the pantry, stay up too late, barely speak to anyone in the house, and then suddenly need you close for a hard conversation. With all the shifts that come with adolescence, hormones, identity development, friend group dynamics, and academic pressure, it’s tough to know what’s “normal” and when something deeper might be going on.
As parents, we often have good instincts. If you’re noticing big emotional swings, ongoing anxiety, social withdrawal, trouble focusing, or general signs of distress in your teen, you’re not alone, and it might be time to talk to a therapist. A good teen counselor can help your adolescent name what they’re feeling, build better emotional regulation, and work through school-related stress, identity questions, or executive functioning challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental space.
Once you’ve found a few therapists who seem like a potential fit, the next step is asking the right questions to ensure they’re a match for your teen’s needs and personality. Below are some helpful questions to guide your search.
Questions to Ask a Teen Therapist in Birmingham, AL
1. Logistics in Teen Therapy
Ask about the basic policies and procedures of the practice:
How much does a session cost?
Do you take insurance or Health Savings Accounts (HSA/FSA)?
Do you offer virtual appointments?
How long do sessions last?
Do you offer after-school or evening appointments?
What’s your cancellation policy?
Will you meet with parents separately? How is parent involvement handled?
Understanding the structure of therapy helps ensure it fits your teen’s schedule, your budget, and your expectations as a parent.
2. Qualifications of the Teen Therapist
Not all therapists are trained equally, and teen therapy requires a specific set of skills. Ask:
What licenses or credentials do you hold?
Are you a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), or another credentialed professional?
What kind of training do you have in working with teens and families?
Do you have specialized training in areas like anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, executive functioning, or school-related stress?
Look for someone who has formal education, clinical experience, and a continued commitment to learning.
3. Experience in Teen Therapy
Therapy with teens isn’t just about being relatable; it’s about understanding the unique developmental, emotional, and relational challenges they face. Ask:
How long have you worked with teens?
Do you have experience supporting teens with anxiety, identity development, peer conflict, or attention/focus issues?
How do you help teens who struggle to talk about their emotions or don’t know how to name what they’re feeling?
The therapist should be comfortable building rapport with teens who may be resistant, withdrawn, or overwhelmed.
4. Their Own Therapeutic Philosophy
It’s okay to ask potential therapists what they believe about the counseling process. You might ask:
Do you believe therapy can be effective for teens?
Have you ever been in therapy yourself, and what did you learn from the experience (if they’re open to sharing)?
What’s your approach when a teen doesn’t want to be in therapy?
How do you create a safe space for teens to open up?
Their responses can give you insight into their values and approach to building trust and accountability with clients.
Why This Vetting Process Matters
The relationship between your teen and their therapist is one of the most important predictors of success in therapy. Your child needs to feel emotionally safe, respected, and supported. Be sure to include your teen in the process. Ask what they want in a therapist and what feels important to them. Sometimes it takes a few sessions to know if it’s a good fit, but starting with the right questions makes a big difference.
Ready to Get Your Teen the Help They Need?
If you’re considering therapy for your teen in Birmingham, AL, we’d love to help. Our therapists understand the challenges adolescents face, whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, identity struggles, or pressure to perform, and we’re here to walk alongside them with care and clinical insight.
Here’s how to get started in three simple steps:
Reach out to Sparrow Counseling for a free 15-minute consultation.
Learn more about our experienced teen therapists.
Start the journey toward emotional health and resilience for your teen and your family.
Other Services Offered at Sparrow Counseling
At Sparrow Counseling, we offer in-person and online therapy in the state of Alabama. In addition to teen counseling, our team specializes in family therapy, individual counseling, co-parenting counseling, reunification therapy, blended family counseling, divorce & family mediation, discernment counseling, and more in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!
Written by Sara Hadgraft, LMFT, LPC, founder of Sparrow Counseling in Birmingham, AL. Sara holds two master’s degrees, one in Secondary Education and another in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. A former high school teacher turned therapist, she brings over 30 years of experience helping couples and families navigate life’s hardest transitions with honesty, compassion, and hope.