Adolescence can be a complex stage of growth, even for teens who come from high-resource or high-achieving families. Despite having access to opportunity and support, many teens still experience emotional distress, anxiety, and pressure to succeed. Dr. Rebecca Payne, a compassionate and experienced adolescent psychologist in Santa Monica, CA, specializes in helping teens from privileged backgrounds navigate the unique emotional challenges that often come with high expectations.
Teens in high-resource families often face pressures that are less visible but deeply impactful. They may struggle with identity, self-worth, or the need to meet family or societal standards of excellence. Common reasons parents seek therapy with Dr. Payne include:
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Chronic anxiety, perfectionism, or burnout from academic and extracurricular demands
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Feelings of isolation despite strong social or family networks
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Low motivation or loss of direction despite outward success
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Depression, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome
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Family communication struggles or conflict about independence and responsibility
Dr. Payne provides a safe, judgment-free environment where teens can process their feelings, explore personal values, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness. Therapy sessions are collaborative and tailored to the teen’s personality, learning style, and family dynamics.
For parents, Dr. Payne offers guidance on fostering emotional balance and independence within high-achieving households. She helps families reframe success, not as constant achievement, but as personal fulfillment, emotional health, and meaningful connection. Through family sessions, Dr. Payne encourages open communication and empathy, strengthening trust between parents and teens.
Located in Santa Monica, CA, Dr. Payne’s practice serves families who value education, growth, and emotional wellness. She understands that privilege does not shield a young person from stress or insecurity, and that proactive mental health support is one of the most important investments parents can make in their teen’s future.
If your teen appears anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed by expectations, Dr. Rebecca Payne offers a space for healing and growth. With individualized therapy, your teen can learn to balance ambition with authenticity and cultivate a grounded sense of self, ready to face life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
Contact Dr. Payne today at (213) 761-8555 to schedule a no-cost 15-minute consultation. She is verified on Psychology Today.