Childhood and adolescence are seasons of incredible growth—but they can also bring unique challenges. When young people struggle with emotions, behaviors, or big life changes, it can feel overwhelming for them and their families.
At The Mending Place PLLC in Houston, Texas, Dr. Leann V. Smith and her team provide compassionate, culturally conscious mental health care to help children and teens thrive. Whether your child is facing anxiety, mood changes, social difficulties, or trauma, we’re here to support their journey toward healing, confidence, and balance.
Call The Mending Place PLLC or request an appointment online today to learn more about how we can help your child or teen feel understood, empowered, and resilient.
At The Mending Place PLLC, we offer therapy services tailored for children and adolescents who are navigating:
Anxiety and worries
Depression and mood changes
Attention challenges (including ADHD)
Behavior issues
Social difficulties and bullying
Identity exploration and cultural stressors
Family changes like divorce, grief, or relocation
Trauma and significant life events
We provide both individual therapy and group therapy options, depending on what best fits your child’s needs.
Therapy for children and teens at The Mending Place PLLC is designed to be engaging, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.
For younger children, therapy often focuses on supporting the parenting unit. We help parents understand their child’s emotional world, learn effective strategies for responding to behaviors, and create nurturing environments where children can thrive. Sometimes sessions involve play or art activities to help younger kids express themselves, but our primary work is often with parents as partners in their child’s healing.
For teens therapy may include talk therapy, creative activities, or skill-building exercises that help them explore emotions, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies. Teens are encouraged to share openly in a safe, nonjudgmental space while learning tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Across all ages, we collaborate closely with parents and caregivers because your insight and support are vital for lasting change.
Consider seeking therapy if your child or teen is:
Seeming unusually sad, anxious, angry, or withdrawn
Struggling academically or socially
Having frequent emotional outbursts
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Avoiding activities they used to enjoy
Showing changes in eating or sleeping habits
Talking about harming themselves or others
It’s never too early to seek help if you’re concerned. Therapy can be a proactive way to build emotional skills and resilience—even before problems feel “big.”
Therapy can help children and teens:
✅ Understand and express their feelings in healthier ways
✅ Reduce anxiety, depression, and stress
✅ Improve self-esteem and confidence
✅ Develop problem-solving and coping skills
✅ Strengthen relationships with family and peers
✅ Navigate identity, cultural, and social challenges
✅ Heal from trauma and difficult experiences
At The Mending Place PLLC, we believe every young person deserves a safe space to feel heard, understood, and supported as they grow.
Yes, therapy for children and teens is confidential, but there are some important exceptions. As therapists, we’re required by law to keep your child safe. If your child shares information about being harmed, harming themselves, or harming others, we must take steps to protect them.
For teens, we strive to balance confidentiality with involving parents when it’s helpful. We discuss these limits clearly so both you and your child know what to expect.
The first step is a Roadmap Session—an extended appointment where we gather a full understanding of your child’s experiences, strengths, and challenges. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels right for your family.
If you’re ready to take the next step, call The Mending Place PLLC or request an appointment online today. We’re here to help your child thrive.