This stretch of life is harder than people admit

The years between finishing school and having a life that feels like yours are genuinely hard, even when nothing is obviously wrong. Everyone around you seems to have a plan; you have a job you’re not sure about, friends scattered across a few states, and a quiet “am I doing this right?” running underneath. Therapy really can help here, and at 18 and up, it’s entirely yours. I meet you where you are.

What we work on

Things folks your age bring in

The big transitions

Staying in the valley or leaving. College pressure, or the weight of having skipped it. First real jobs, first real rent, the first winter where you run your own life.

How you’ve been feeling

Anxiety that got louder after high school ended. Depression that snuck in with the freedom. Things from growing up that you finally have enough distance to look at.

The people in your life

Figuring out your relationship with your parents now that you’re an adult. First serious relationships, and breakups. Feeling lonely in a town where everyone knows you but nobody really knows you.

The practical stuff

Therapy that fits a life that’s still moving

By video if that’s easier

In person in Whitefish, or telehealth from anywhere in Montana, your apartment in Missoula, your lunch break, your parked car. Moving around the state doesn’t have to end our work.

Completely confidential

At 18 and up, no one gets anything, not your parents, not anyone, unless you say so. Even if they’re paying. Even if you’re on their insurance (ask me how statements work; there are options). If I believe you are a risk to yourself I will work with you to call your loved ones and come up with a plan. If there is concern that you are a risk to others, I will have to reach out to the proper authorities.

Workable on a first paycheck

Call our office to find out if we accept your insurance, or if you qualify for sliding scale.

I’m functional. Is this serious enough for therapy?

Functional but running on fumes is one of the most common things I see at your age. You don’t need a crisis to deserve support, and wanting your life to feel better is reason enough. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

I’ve never done therapy. What happens first?

You will call the Meadowlark Counseling and Neurofeedback office and, if desired, Jill will set you up for a consultation with me. During the first scheduled full session we will do an intake, which entails your health and mental health history and other information that will inform a diagnosis (required for both insurance and treatment planning). The first session can take from half an hour to an hour and a half, and will entail me taking notes on my computer. After the first session I will not be on my computer, and our sessions will range from 30–60 minutes.