Support through changes and transitions for kids, teens, and young adults
Major transitions like a divorce, a move, a new school, or a loss can turn life upside down. Our licensed clinicians help kids, teens, and young adults work through big changes, and help you support them at home.
Clinically reviewed by Amy Kranzler, PhD
- Licensed, specialized therapistsTrained in evidence-based care for kids, teens, and young adults
- Fully virtualVisits that fit around your schedule
- Evidence-based skillsStrategies for the moments that matter
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When does a hard change need extra support?
Big changes are hard for everyone. Most people feel sad, worried, or unsettled for a while, then slowly find their footing.
Sometimes the reaction is stronger or lasts longer than expected, and it starts to affect school or work, sleep, friendships, or behavior. Clinicians call this an adjustment disorder.
It’s common, usually short-term, and responds well to support.
Normal adjustment or time for support?
Normal adjustment
- Upset feelings that come and go
- Gradually eases over weeks
- Can still enjoy friends and activities
- Keeps up with school, work, and routines
Time for extra support
- Starts within a few months of the change
- Stronger or longer-lasting than you’d expect
- Gets in the way of school or work, sleep, friendships, or family life
- Not easing, or getting worse, over time
Changes we help with
Any big change can shake someone’s sense of what’s steady. These are the ones families bring to us most often.
- Divorce or separationTwo homes, new routines, and shifting family relationships. Kids often wonder whether it’s their fault.
- Moving or a new schoolLeaving friends and familiar places behind, and finding a new sense of belonging.
- Loss and griefThe death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, or pet.
- Family changesA new sibling, a blended family, a parent’s illness, or a parent away for work or deployment.
- Big transitionsStarting high school or college, moving out, a breakup, or a first job.
Signs to watch for
Some distress after a big change is expected. These signs are concerning when they are intense, long lasting, and start to get in the way of daily life.
Feelings
- Sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness
- Worry about what comes next
- Anger or irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Missing how things used to be, and feeling stuck there
Body and sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Changes in appetite
- Stomachaches or headaches
- Low energy or tiredness
Behavior
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Acting out or breaking rules
- Falling behind at school or work, or not wanting to go
- Going back to younger behaviors, like clinginess
- Taking risks they wouldn’t before
How it can show up at different ages
Kids
Younger kids may go back to earlier behaviors, or quietly worry they caused the change.
- Bedwetting or baby talk again
- Clinging at drop-off
- Asking the same questions about what’s happening
Teens
Teens may seem angry or distant instead of sad, or take on too much responsibility.
- Spending more time away from home
- Grades slipping after a move or divorce
- Acting like everything is fine when it isn’t
Young adults
Transitions like college, a first job, or moving out can hit harder than expected.
- Feeling lost or lonely after a move
- Trouble keeping up with new responsibilities
- Grief that resurfaces at milestones
Is it adjusting, or something more?
Sometimes a big change brings anxiety or depression to the surface. You don’t need to have it figured out. Our clinicians will help you understand what’s going on and what will help.
Helping your child through a big change
You don’t need perfect words. A few steady habits make a real difference while your child adjusts.
Explain what’s happening in simple, honest words
Share what will change and what will stay the same, at a level they can understand.
Keep routines as steady as you can
Predictable meals, bedtimes, and school mornings help kids feel safe.
Make it clear it’s not their fault
Kids often quietly blame themselves for things that happen.
Make room for every kind of feeling
Sadness, anger, relief, and even excitement can show up, sometimes all at once.
Keep adult conflict away from kids
Avoid asking them to carry messages or take sides.
How we help
Our approach draws on evidence based strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy and is focused on support and skills to help you thrive.
Therapy for you or your child
Focused, often short-term therapy helps kids, teens, and young adults name what they’re feeling, cope with stress, and solve the new problems the change brings.
- Put feelings into words
- Cope with stress and sleep problems
- Practical steps for the new routine
Guidance for parents
Parents learn how to talk about the change, what reactions to expect, and how to support their child while managing their own stress.
- How to talk about the change
- What reactions to expect
- Support for your own stress
Support through grief
For anyone grieving a loss, therapy makes room for sadness and memories while helping them keep moving forward.
For young adults 18 and older, care is one-on-one with their therapist and does not include parent involvement.
What parents are saying
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
“I have seen a huge improvement in the way my daughter communicates, manages her emotions, and behaves since she started her weekly sessions. I am so grateful to see such a positive impact with her and within a short period of time. Tried other solutions and none worked. Thankful for Handspring services helping our family."
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Every aspect has been great so far. The onboarding process was quick and easy - everyone was so professional, responsive, and compassionate. Our child was quickly matched with a therapist with a suitable personality, style, and approach. Additionally, the parents’ needs are being addressed as well - the option to have that support is invaluable!”
“We were so happy with the care our son received. There has been such a change in him over the past year and we are so grateful! Morgan was able to connect with him so well and teach him so many skills that he now uses every day. Thank you all so much for everything you have done!”
“My daughter had such a positive experience with Handspring. Christine was amazing with her and my daughter felt very comfortable talking to her. My daughter’s self confidence and attitude have improved drastically since starting Handspring. Thank you so much!”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“Natasha was extremely patient and kind, but also very clear and honest with my daughter when speaking to her. She also handled dealing with myself and my ex extremely professionally and was always available to help when I had any concerns outside of my daughter’s appointment.”
“Michael built a great relationship with my son early on in the sessions, therefore my son felt extremely comfortable speaking to him and opening up about his feelings. Michael was kind, fun and gave excellent coping techniques. My son is much more open and vocal with his feelings and uses Michael’s techniques when he’s upset or getting frustrated.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
Get started with therapy fast
Your first consultation is free, then insurance covers the sessions after that with a nominal copay.
Start with a free consultation
Meet with our clinical services team to discuss what brings you here and get matched to one of our licensed therapists. No waitlist, available within 48 hours.
Meet your therapist for an assessment
Meet with your therapist so they can form an accurate diagnostic assessment and develop an effective treatment plan.
Begin treatment within a week
With remote sessions, flexible scheduling, and length of treatment tailored to your needs, this is high-quality care that’s made to fit your life.
Questions parents ask
Don’t see your question? Talk to our care team.
How long does it take to adjust to a big change?
It varies. Many people feel unsettled for a few weeks or months, then find their footing. If things aren’t easing after a few months, or are getting worse, it’s a good time to talk with someone.
Should I tell my child about a big change before it happens?
Usually, yes. Kids cope better with honest, age-appropriate information and time to ask questions. If you’re separating, telling them together when possible, and making clear it’s not their fault, helps.
My child doesn’t seem upset. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. Some kids process change quietly, or later on. Keep the door open, watch for changes in sleep, school, or behavior, and check in from time to time.
Is this the same as trauma?
No. Most life changes are stressful but not traumatic. Events like accidents, violence, or abuse can be traumatic and may need a different kind of treatment. Our Trauma & PTSD page covers those.
Can you support me as a parent, too?
Parents are part of treatment, with guidance on how to support your child through the change. Parents can also receive their own one-on-one therapy to support their own transition.
Ready to talk it through?
A free consult with our care team is the first step. We’ll listen to what’s going on and help you decide what comes next.
Sources
- Sacks V, Stafford R, Vivrette R. Several adverse childhood experiences declined modestly, 2018–2023. Child Trends, 2026. Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), 2022. Adjustment disorders.