Counseling for school and peer pressure

School Stress Counseling for Children and Teens in Oak Brook

School stress can involve academic pressure, peer concerns, routines, transitions, confidence, family conflict, or emotional overload. Counseling can help a child or teen make sense of what is happening while keeping the work within mental health counseling rather than school testing or tutoring.

What school stress can look like

Families may notice worry, irritability, avoidance, shutdown, difficulty recovering after school, peer stress, changes in confidence, or conflict around routines and expectations.

Counseling, not school evaluation

This service is psychotherapy. It does not imply IEP evaluation, psychoeducational testing, tutoring, or academic advising.

Therapists with relevant youth experience

Amy Brink has more than 15 years as a former educator and specializes in children and adolescents. Ava Blalark has extensive experience with children and adolescents. Dr. Carla Monday is a school psychologist and LPC, while her OBCW role here remains counseling.

Parent and caregiver involvement

The structure depends on age, concern, privacy, consent, and the clinician's plan. Intake can explain how caregivers may participate.

Before you reach out

Insurance

We work with several insurance and employee assistance (EAP) plans. Participation can vary by clinician, and benefits and eligibility should be verified.

Insurance and fees

Fees

Initial intake or evaluation$250
Individual psychotherapy$200

Sliding-scale availability can be discussed through intake. If cost is a concern, please tell our intake team and we will talk through your options honestly.

What happens next

01Reach out to our intake team
02Get thoughtfully matched
03Plan your first appointment

What to expect

Finding the right therapist

We take matching seriously. The right fit between client and therapist matters, so our intake process is designed to understand your needs before suggesting someone.

Therapists for this concern

Amy Brink

LPC, NCC

Licensed clinician specializing in mental health counseling for children and adolescents, with over 15 years of experience as a former educator.

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Ava Blalark

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families, adults, and older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

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Dr. Carla Monday

Ed.D., LPC

School Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience, specializing in trauma informed interventions, women's mental health, and cultural responsiveness.

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