Adolescent Therapy at Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness

OHCAW offers a diverse range of evidence-based counseling options tailored to meet the specific needs of each person:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps teens accept difficult emotions and commit to positive actions that align with their values. At OHCAW, ACT supports adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem by teaching mindfulness and self-compassion. Teens learn how to manage distressing feelings without being overwhelmed by them, thereby improving their ability to cope with life’s challenges. This approach encourages emotional growth, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose.

ACT is particularly beneficial for young people who feel stuck in negative thought patterns or who are searching for meaning during their teen years. In our Columbus, Ohio center, we help adolescents discover personal strength through acceptance, empowering them to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and effective forms of adolescent therapy for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. OHCAW’s therapists use CBT to help teens identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts that contribute to emotional distress or behavioral concerns. Through structured sessions, teens develop coping skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and improve emotional regulation.

CBT helps most teenagers recognize how their thoughts influence their actions and emotions, promoting better communication, focus, and confidence both in school and at home. Our compassionate therapists guide each teen through a supportive, collaborative process that fosters long-term healing and personal growth.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps teens manage overwhelming emotions, reduce self-harm behaviors, and strengthen interpersonal skills. At OHCAW, DBT combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation techniques to help adolescents find balance between acceptance and change.

This therapy is especially effective for young people struggling with behavioral issues, mood swings, or difficulty managing relationships with peers or authority figures. Through group and individual sessions, teens develop the tools to manage stress, communicate more effectively, and make informed decisions. In our Columbus program, DBT empowers adolescents to lead fulfilling lives built on emotional stability and self-respect.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR therapy helps teens process and recover from traumatic experiences, anxiety, or painful memories. At OHCAW, our trauma-trained clinicians use EMDR to support adolescents in a safe, supportive environment. The therapy helps reprocess distressing memories so that they no longer cause overwhelming emotional reactions.

This approach is especially beneficial for teens who have experienced trauma, abuse, or loss, or who are struggling with PTSD symptoms. Over time, EMDR can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and restore a sense of safety and control. At our Columbus, Ohio center, EMDR offers a powerful path toward healing, helping young people find peace, confidence, and hope for the future.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, conversation-based therapy that encourages teens to explore their motivations for change. Rather than telling adolescents what to do, our therapists at OHCAW use MI to help them uncover their own reasons for improving mental health, relationships, or habits involving drugs or alcohol.

MI is particularly helpful for teenagers who may feel uncertain about therapy or resistant to treatment. By fostering open dialogue and empathy, our therapists help teens strengthen self-awareness, build confidence, and take ownership of their goals. This empowering, judgment-free process supports lasting change that comes from within.

Family Therapy

Family therapy at OHCAW strengthens communication and understanding between teens and their loved ones. Our family therapists guide parents, siblings, and caregivers in exploring how their relationships and interactions impact a teen’s emotional health.

In these sessions, families learn new ways to talk about mental health concerns, resolve conflict, and rebuild trust. By addressing both individual and shared challenges, family therapy fosters empathy and connection, creating a foundation for healing and growth.

At our Columbus, Ohio center, we help families learn to support one another through the ups and downs of adolescence, fostering a home environment that encourages stability, respect, and love.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides teens with a supportive space to connect with peers facing similar mental health concerns. Under the guidance of experienced therapists, adolescents learn communication and coping skills while building healthy relationships and emotional resilience.
OHCAW’s group sessions help young people improve interpersonal skills, practice self-expression, and gain perspective from others who truly understand their struggles. By spending time with peers who share similar experiences, teens learn they’re not alone—and that healing can happen through community and shared growth.

Our group therapy program in Columbus, Ohio, complements individual sessions and reinforces progress through encouragement and connection.

Psychotherapy and Psychiatry

At OHCAW, we take a holistic approach that integrates psychotherapy and psychiatry to provide comprehensive support for mental health issues. Psychotherapy offers a safe space for teens to talk openly about their feelings, challenges, and goals, while psychiatry focuses on evaluating and managing symptoms when medication may be beneficial.

This collaborative care model ensures that every adolescent receives the personalized treatment they need, whether addressing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Our therapists and psychiatrists collaborate to guide each teen toward balance, confidence, and lasting healing in a compassionate, family-centered environment.

Person-Centered Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy at OHCAW emphasizes empathy, respect, and self-discovery. Our therapists believe that each teen has the capacity to grow and thrive when given the right guidance and support. In these sessions, adolescents are encouraged to explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals at their own pace.

By building trust and understanding, therapists help teens strengthen self-awareness and develop a deeper sense of identity. This approach is particularly beneficial for young people who struggle to feel heard or understood by adults. Within our supportive environment in Columbus, teens learn to embrace their authentic selves and realize their full potential.

Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy at OHCAW is designed to help teens heal from distressing experiences such as abuse, loss, or witnessing violence. Our clinicians specialize in trauma-informed care, using evidence-based methods like EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance.

In a nurturing, safe space, teens learn to process their experiences without fear or shame. This therapeutic process focuses on empowerment, resilience, and emotional regulation, helping adolescents rebuild trust and regain control over their lives. At OHCAW in Columbus, Ohio, trauma therapy provides a compassionate path toward recovery and hope.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies complement traditional approaches by encouraging comprehensive healing. These therapies aim to help the mind, body, and spirit and acknowledge how they connect. The  holistic therapies we provide include:

• Meditative therapy
• Mindfulness meditation therapy
• Art therapy
• Music therapy

Our therapy options are designed to provide a safe and supportive space for adolescents to explore their emotions, heal from past traumas, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. We believe in a personalized approach, and our therapists work closely with each adolescent to determine the most effective therapy techniques for their unique situation.