Anxiety and Depression
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About Anxiety and Depression
Teen Anxiety and Depression Therapy in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
Anxiety and depression in teenagers are increasingly common — and increasingly serious. The pressures of academic performance, social media, peer dynamics, family stress, and the uncertainty of adolescence can create a perfect storm for mental health challenges that, without proper support, can follow a teenager into adulthood.
Dr. Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, has specialized in teen anxiety and depression for over 35 years in Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area. She creates a confidential, non-judgmental space where teenagers can be genuinely honest — and does the deep work needed to create real, lasting change.
Key Points
Expert Support for Teen Mental Health.
Empowering Resilience
Dr. Hackman helps teenagers understand what is driving their anxiety or depression — including the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that maintain it — and develop practical tools for managing it.
Healing Space
A truly safe, completely confidential space — in person in Santa Monica or via Zoom — where teens are met with curiosity and warmth rather than judgment or alarm.
Transformative Support
Using an integrative approach that includes psychoanalytic insight, CBT techniques, and attachment-based work, Dr. Hackman tailors therapy to each teenager's unique personality and needs.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your Teen's Wellbeing Is Our Priority.
Teen anxiety and depression are treatable — but they rarely resolve on their own without support. Early intervention during adolescence can change the entire trajectory of a young person’s mental health and life.
Dr. Hackman keeps parents informed through regular parent consultations — while maintaining the confidential therapeutic relationship with the teenager that makes the therapy effective.
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Years of Teen Therapy Experience
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Serving Santa Monica Continuously
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Confidential — Always
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First Session Free If You Don't Return
FAQ
Common Questions
If low mood, withdrawal, loss of interest, or other symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are affecting daily functioning, it is worth getting a professional assessment. Dr. Hackman offers a free first session that serves as an initial consultation.
Many teenagers respond well to therapy alone. Dr. Hackman does not prescribe medication, but she collaborates with prescribing physicians when medication is part of a teen's care plan. She prefers to first give the talk therapy some time to help. Under the teenager is clearly in a crisis and seems to require medication. If that is the case, or the therapy is not enough to a psychatrist for an evaluation for possible medication, Dr. Hackman will refer you.