Stephanie K. Sloan, MS, LCPC, LPC

So when they suddenly seem anxious, overwhelmed, withdrawn, irritable, or just…different, you notice. Maybe homework has become a nightly battle. They’re dreading school, worrying about what other people think, struggling with friendships, putting impossible pressure on themselves, or pulling away from the people they used to talk to. And you’re left wondering: Is this normal? Am I overreacting? Is this just a phase? How do I help without making things worse? You don’t need to have all the answers. And you don’t have to wait until things get really hard to reach out. I work with middle and high school students and their parents to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, find what actually helps, and help kids feel more confident, capable, and understood. _________________________ * A Different Approach for Resistant Tweens & Teens * Let’s start with less pressure. If your child is already anxious, overwhelmed, avoiding school, or pushing back on the idea of therapy, the last thing either of you needs is another battle. Many middle and high school students are understandably hesitant about counseling, especially when they haven’t even met the person they’ll be talking to. That’s why I offer a complimentary, low-pressure 30-minute “Vibe Check.” It’s not therapy, and there’s no pressure or commitment. It’s simply a chance to meet, chat, ask questions, check out the space, and see if I’m someone they’d actually want to talk to. I tell kids upfront: “This isn’t therapy. We’re just figuring out if we’re a good fit.” And if I’m not their person? That’s okay. Your child deserves to have a say in who they work with. Vibe Checks and therapy sessions are available in my Driggs office or virtually through secure telehealth from home. _________________________ * How I Can Help * For your child: We’ll work on the things making life harder right now: anxiety, friendships, big emotions, school stress, communication, self-confidence, boundaries, and the pressure to have it all together. More than that, I want to help your child understand themselves, trust themselves, and feel capable of handling what comes next. For you: You’ll have a place to talk through what you’re seeing without judgment. We’ll work together to understand what might be underneath the behavior and find practical ways to support your child while staying connected to them. Because sometimes parenting a middle or high schooler means loving them fiercely while having absolutely no idea what to do next. You shouldn’t have to figure that out alone, either. _________________________ * Why Families Choose Smith Canyon Counseling * After 16 years as a school counselor, I’ve had a front-row seat to the real world of adolescence. I’ve seen what happens in classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, locker rooms, group chats, and social media. I know that what looks like “attitude” can sometimes be anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness, perfectionism, or something else entirely. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I combine evidence-based therapy with real-world experience supporting adolescents through the social, emotional, and academic challenges of growing up. My approach is warm, collaborative, practical, and LGBTQ+ affirming. Most importantly, I want your child to feel like they can walk through my door exactly as they are. No pretending they’re fine. No judgment. Just a place to be seen, understood, and supported while they figure out who they’re becoming. _________________________ * Let’s Talk * You don’t have to know exactly what your child needs before you reach out. I offer a free 15-minute consultation for parents in Idaho and Wyoming. We can talk about what you’re seeing, what you’ve tried, and what you’re hoping will be different. Sometimes it helps just to talk it through with someone who understands middle and high school students. _________________________ * Insurance & Affordability * Finding the right support for your child shouldn’t feel complicated, including the financial side of therapy. I’m currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming and Aetna in Idaho, with additional insurance networks in progress. If you have Aetna in Wyoming, Regence BlueShield, Blue Cross of Idaho, or PacificSource, you don’t necessarily have to wait. I’m offering $80 sessions while my credentialing is in progress. You can contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket costs. I’m happy to answer questions about my current network status. _________________________ * When I’m Not Being a Therapist * I'm happiest at home in Victor, where I live on five acres bordering the national forest with my husband, our six dogs, and a lively flock of chickens. I love being outdoors, and I’m happiest gardening, making art, reading, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. I have what many affectionately call “grandma hobbies,” and I’m completely okay with it. Give me a garden to putter around in, a creative project, a good book, my dogs nearby, and some time outside, and I’m pretty happy. I think the little things we love doing simply because we enjoy them really matter. We all need parts of our lives that have nothing to do with being productive. Often, those are the moments that make us feel most like ourselves.