A teenager may benefit from a mentor if they are capable but stuck: grades slipping without a clear reason, poor follow-through, constant friction over school, or a big transition ahead. A mentor is a consistent adult outside the family who helps a teen set goals and stick to them. It is not a replacement for tutoring, therapy or medical care when those are needed.
Blackburn Mentoring offers one-on-one mentoring for teens 13 and up by video anywhere in the United States and in person in Los Angeles. If your teen is withdrawn or lonely, see would a mentor help an isolated teen? Call (888) 305-5422 for a free intro call.
Quick facts: teen mentoring at Blackburn Mentoring
| Ages | 13 and up; for high school students, a parent or guardian is involved |
| Parent role | Joining the free intro call is optional; parents get progress updates, and what is shared depends on the teen’s age and the permissions given |
| Format | One-on-one with the same dedicated mentor, by video anywhere in the United States or in person in Los Angeles |
| Between sessions | Text and phone check-ins on the steps agreed in the session |
| Session times | Early morning, evening and weekend times, scheduled in your time zone |
| Getting started | A short online assessment, then a free intro call with a member of our team; new clients are matched with a mentor within 2 business days |
| What it is not | Tutoring in a single subject, or therapy. Mentors work alongside a therapist only with written permission |
| Contact | (888) 305 5422 or the online assessment |
Signs a mentor could help
- Grades are lower than your teen’s ability, and reminders are not working
- Homework and planning have become a nightly fight
- Your teen avoids starting things, or starts but does not finish
- They have pulled back from you but still need a trusted adult to talk to
- Senior year or graduation is coming and there is no clear plan
- They want to do something (get a job, get fit, learn to drive, save money) but cannot get going
- You have tried everything a parent can do and it is starting to hurt the relationship
When a different kind of help comes first
Mentoring is about goals, habits and follow-through. Other professionals cover other needs:
- Tutor: help with specific subject content. See mentor vs. tutor.
- Therapist or counselor: anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or other mental health concerns.
- Doctor: sleep problems, attention concerns or changes in health.
- School counselor: scheduling, school resources and college planning steps.
A teen can have a mentor and these professionals at the same time; with permission, a mentor coordinates with them. If you are worried about your teen’s safety, contact a licensed professional now. In a crisis, call or text 988. For more on the differences, see mentor vs. coach vs. therapist.
The main options
- Informal mentors: a relative, teacher, coach or family friend. Free and valuable, but often not consistent or structured.
- School and community programs: many schools and nonprofits run mentoring programs. They vary in how often teens meet and what they focus on.
- Private one-on-one mentoring: a dedicated mentor, regular sessions and structured goals, chosen and paid for by the family.
Mentor, tutor, coach or therapist: a quick guide
| If the main issue is | Start with |
|---|---|
| Not understanding the material in one subject | A tutor |
| Knowing what to do but not doing it: planning, starting, follow-through | A mentor or an executive function coach |
| No direction, low motivation, constant friction over school | A mentor |
| Persistent sadness, anxiety, panic, self-harm or substance use | A licensed clinician first; a mentor can work alongside |
| College applications and essays | A school counselor or educational consultant |
The full comparison is in mentor vs therapist vs tutor vs coach.
How to bring it up with your teen
How you frame it matters. “We’re getting you a mentor because you’re failing” lands very differently from “I think it would help to have someone in your corner who isn’t me.” Present it as support for goals your teen already has, invite them to the intro call, and let them ask their own questions. Teens are more likely to engage when they have had a say.
What to ask before choosing
- How often will my teen meet with the mentor, and for how long?
- Is there contact between sessions?
- How are goals set, and how is progress tracked?
- How will I be kept informed, and what stays between my teen and the mentor?
- What happens if my teen and the mentor are not a good fit?
- How do you work with tutors, therapists or schools already involved?
Our guide on how to find a mentor covers more questions.
How mentoring works with us
Each teen gets one dedicated mentor. They set goals together, break them into weekly steps and meet by video weekly or several times a week, with text and phone contact between sessions. Sessions are 60 minutes, anywhere in the United States, scheduled in your local time zone, or in person in Los Angeles.
For high school students, a parent or guardian is always involved: you can join the free intro call, help agree the goals and get regular progress updates. Read more about mentoring for high school students and how mentoring works.
Parents in Los Angeles County can read about a teen mentor in Los Angeles, with sessions in person or by video.
Related
- How to motivate a teenager in school
- How to talk to a teen who won’t talk
- Is mentoring worth it?
- For families
- Would a mentor help? Quiz
- What age is right for a mentor?
Common questions
What age is mentoring for?
We work with high school students, college students and young adults. For high school students, a parent or guardian is always involved.
What if my teen does not want a mentor?
That is common at first. The intro call is a low-pressure way for your teen to ask questions, and the mentor match takes their style and interests into account.
Is a mentor the same as a coach?
There is overlap. Our mentors work one-on-one on goals and accountability, with a focus on practical, week-to-week follow-through.
How long does a teen usually work with a mentor?
It varies. Some families work through one semester or a transition; others continue longer. Mentoring is arranged in 30 day cycles, so you can adjust.
Can a teen work with a mentor online?
Yes. Blackburn Mentoring works with teens 13 and up by video anywhere in the United States and in person in Los Angeles. See online mentoring for teens.
How do I choose a mentor for my teen?
Decide what should change, compare free and paid options, and ask who will work with your teen, how goals are tracked, how parents are updated and what happens if the fit is wrong. The mentor checklist for parents lists every question.
Get started
Wondering whether a mentor fits your teen? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.
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Booking for a son or daughter? You can book the call yourself. Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.