CBT Therapy Miami

CBT-Therapy-Miami

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of our core treatments for adolescents struggling with mental health challenges in the Miami area.

CBT is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps teens overcome negative thought patterns, manage their emotions, and change unhelpful behaviors.

Our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing personalized care for every teen, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Teens in our CBT Therapy program receive the educational support they need to stay on track academically while working toward their therapeutic goals. Our program is structured to allow a balance between therapy sessions and academic responsibilities, ensuring both aspects of a teen’s development are prioritized.

We integrate CBT Therapy into personalized treatment plans for every teen, tailoring our approach to their specific needs. Our licensed therapists specialize in adolescent mental health, ensuring that each teen receives expert care in a safe and supportive environment.

Our program fosters a strong sense of community for both teens and parents, where everyone feels a sense of belonging. In group settings, teens connect with others facing similar challenges, allowing them to learn from one another, practice empathy, and build essential social skills. This supportive environment is where true transformation begins.

For teens dealing with

  • Severe Depression or Anxiety
  • Trauma or PTSD
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Behavioral Issues and Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm
  • Eating Disorders
  • ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Care for parents

  • Weekly Parent Support Group
  • Weekly parent coaching call
  • Clinical support for crisis management
Our multidisciplinary team involved in the program:
  • Board-certified psychiatrist
  • Licensed therapists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Experiential therapists
  • Care coordinators
  • Certified teacher

“AWA’s clinical approach is research-based and consistent. But most significant there is a personal touch and human connection that is genuine and authentic. The team really care about these kids, and it shows in the outcomes.”

“The staff here is excellent - very experienced in working with teens and very responsive to parents. I think it’s a productive approach to therapy that involves both the parents and the kids and allows the kids to share with their peers in a safe place. It focuses on the roots of issues rather than just the symptoms.”

What CBT Therapy looks like?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to distressing emotions and unproductive behaviors. The practical and goal-oriented therapy aims to help teens develop healthier thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

CBT breaks down problems into smaller parts, addressing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with those problems. Through this process, teens learn to recognize automatic negative thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. For adolescents facing anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or trauma, CBT is a powerful tool for recovery.

CBT-Therapy-In-Miami
Teen-CBT-Therapy-Miami

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, CBT Therapy at Adolescent Wellness Academy in Miami can provide the support they need. Our expert therapists are here to guide them through their journey toward mental wellness, empowering them with the tools to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Contact us today to learn more about our CBT program and schedule a consultation.

Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

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Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 
We accept most insurance but do not take Medicaid at this time.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.