Roaring Fork Valley Therapist for Teens

Serving teens in Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Teens Are Up Against a Lot

Teens in the Roaring Fork Valley have a lot on their plates. They are trying to navigate a world filled with unprecedented pressures, from academic demands and unreasonable social expectations to the constant bombardment of digital media. These challenges understandably lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. As a parent, you want to provide your teen with the support and guidance they need to thrive. And because teens are naturally wired to push away from their parents, you unfortunately aren’t always the best person to do that.

They Need Guidance They Can Trust

At Mountain Town Mental Health, I understand the unique challenges that teens face and am committed to providing them with the support that they deserve. I offer a safe and nurturing space where teens can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. I believe that every teen deserves compassionate guidance they can trust so they can live into their most authentic way of being in this world.

Book a Free Consultation

Curious if I might work well with your teen? Book a free consultation to see if I might be a good fit for their mental health needs.

Meet Erik

Hi, I’m Erik Wardell. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC). I have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and training in mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and grief and loss counseling.

I love being a teen therapist. Maybe because I really could have used one in my teenage years?! While I love helping all my clients, there’s something extra rewarding about helping teens navigate a stage of life that is fraught with obstacles and opportunities. Click the button below to learn more about me as a human and counselor.

Why Mountain Town Mental Health?

As a teen therapist in the Roaring Fork Valley, I specialize in providing counseling and mental health services to adolescents. I love creating a safe and supportive space where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves. All of themselves! Not just the parts that look good to everyone else.

I have a unique ability to connect with teens on a deeper level, understanding their unique experiences and challenges. By using humor and a down-to-earth approach, I strive to make therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable. My goal is to meet teens where they are at, tailoring my interventions to their individual needs and preferences. I believe that therapy shouldn't be a drag; it should be a collaborative process that empowers teens to overcome obstacles and build the lives they want for themselves.

Roaring Fork Valley Teen Therapist FAQ

How do I know if therapy is right for my teen?

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, past traumas, chronic stress/school burnout, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy might be a valuable option.

What’s your therapy philosophy?

I believe that every individual is born whole, good, and perfectly unique. However, life experiences (especially the ones on offer during our teen years) can sometimes prevent us from showing up as our true selves. My role as a therapist is to help your teen connect with their authentic self and start living their life from that place. I use a client-centered approach, focusing on your teen’s individual needs and goals.

Is therapy worth it?

Therapy can be a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. I charge a rate of $160/hour for teen counseling. While the cost may seem high, the benefits can be immeasurable. By investing in therapy, you're investing in your teen's longterm well-being alongside their current and future contentment.

How can I know you’ll work well with my teen?

The best way to determine if I might be a good fit is to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. This allows you to feel me out and us to discuss your teen's specific needs. If you don’t feel like I’m the right fit, I’m happy to recommend other local therapists that might work better with your teen.

Do you work with teenage girls, boys, and non-binary folk?

Yes, I work with all of them and have a solid track record of success with each of those populations. If your teen prefers an open-minded male therapist, I might be the guy.

What happens in a therapy session?

Therapy sessions are a collaborative process where I’ll work with your teen to create a safe and supportive space. We'll focus on understanding your teen's experiences and emotions, and develop strategies to address their challenges. The goal is to empower your teen to make positive changes in their life on their terms.

How Teen Therapy Works

Technology is a double edged sword. While I prefer work with teens in-person, I’ve learned that telehealth is also a great option for them. That’s why I offer both in-person and teletherapy services to adolescents and teens in the Roaring Fork Valley and throughout Colorado.

For in-person, I have an office in Carbondale. For teletherapy, I use a program called SimplePractice that makes therapy a seamless experience. Intake forms, therapy sessions, billing and everything else happens in one place. Both you and your teen will get access to the platform to make everyone’s lives easier.

"The greatest gift we can give our children is to help them develop the emotional tools to navigate life."