Teen & Young Adult
Therapy in Naperville, IL.
Finding your footing in a chaotic world — Specialized for Naperville Youth
Being a teenager or young adult today is uniquely challenging. We provide a space where you can drop the performance, be yourself, and learn real skills to manage anxiety, emotions, and the future. We specialize in working with youth aged 14 and up.
Navigating the In-Between
From academic pressure in Naperville schools to the curated perfection of social media, the weight of expectations on today’s youth is overwhelming. You're expected to have it all figured out—grades, college, career, identity—while your brain is still under construction.
We get it. Ascend Therapy isn't like talking to a guidance counselor or a parent. It's a confidential space for teens (14+) to vent, process, and figure out who you want to be, separate from everyone else's noise.
Real Skills, Not Just Venting
While having a safe space to talk is important, we believe you need more than just a listening ear. You need tools.
We teach practical, evidence-based skills to handle panic attacks before a test, manage overwhelming emotions without shutting down, and navigate complex friendships and relationships. We equip you for life beyond the suburban bubble.
Supporting Naperville Students
We understand the unique academic and social culture of our local high schools. Whether your teen is navigating the high-pressure environment of Naperville North or Naperville Central, the competitive landscape of Neuqua Valley, or the rigorous expectations of Benet Academy, we know what 'life here' feels like.
Our office on Ogden Avenue (next to Andy's Frozen Custard) is a convenient and neutral ground for students to find support. Located between Washington and Columbia St, we are easily accessible for after-school sessions, providing a quiet space with plenty of free parking and a private entrance.
Support for Emerging Independence
Challenges we address.
We specialize in helping teens (ages 14+) and young adults navigate:
Convenience for Busy Parents
We know that Naperville parents are some of the busiest in the country. Between commuting to the tech corridor and managing multiple extracurricular schedules, finding time for another appointment can feel impossible.
That’s why we offer Online Therapy as a flexible alternative. For parents who aren't located directly in Naperville or for those who simply need to save the 30-minute drive across town, our secure telehealth platform provides the same expert care from the comfort of your home. It’s easier for you, and often more comfortable for your teen (14+).
Our Approach
Real skills for real life.
We meet young people where they are, using techniques that resonate with their world.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Challenge the negative thoughts ("I'm a failure," "Everyone hates me") that fuel anxiety and depression.
DBT Skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Learn concrete skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment)
Clarify your values and take action towards the life you want, even when difficult emotions show up.
The Process
What to expect in therapy.
Connection
First, we just talk. No pressure, no judgment. We build a relationship where you feel safe being real.
Goal Setting
What do YOU want to change? Less anxiety? Better grades? Happier relationships? We follow your lead.
Skill Building
We teach you specific tools to handle the stuff that stresses you out. You practice them in the real world.
Problem Solving
Bring in the drama of the week—school, friends, parents. We help you navigate it with a clear head.
Launch
Building the confidence and resilience to launch into your next chapter independently.
Our Specialists
Meet your mentors.
Our therapists specialize in the unique developmental needs of adolescents and young adults.
Takeisha Rheams, LCPC
Specialties
Specializes in anxiety, OCD, and identity development for teens and young adults using evidence-based approaches.
Sara Banks, LCSW
Specialties
Practice owner with extensive experience helping teens and young adults build resilience and find their path.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
It depends on age and need. For minors (under 18), parents are involved in the intake and periodically for updates, but the content of sessions is confidential to build trust. For young adults (18+), therapy is completely confidential unless you request otherwise.
We can't force therapy, and it rarely works if it's forced. However, we often frame the first session as a 'meet and greet' to see if it's a good fit. Often, once teens realize we aren't there to lecture them, they are open to returning.
We generally work with adolescents ages 14 and up, as well as young adults (college age/20s). We do not currently see young children.
Absolutely. The transition to college or the pressure of high-level coursework is a major focus. We help students manage time, reduce perfectionism, and handle the social adjustment of campus life.
Yes. Confidentiality is sacred in therapy. For minors, we discuss safety issues (harm to self/others) with parents, but we do not report back on every complaint or secret. This allows the teen to have a truly safe space.
Ready to Thrive?
Navigating young adulthood is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. Find support that actually understands.