Start with the problem, not the provider. If your teen does not understand the material, a tutor fits. If they understand it but do not get the work done, a mentor or executive function coach fits. If mood, anxiety, sleep, withdrawal or substance use are part of the picture, start with a licensed therapist or your teen’s doctor. If the question is which colleges or schools to apply to and how, that is the job of the school counselor or an admissions consultant. Many Los Angeles families end up with two of these at once; the mistake is hiring all four before anyone has named the real problem.
This guide compares the four, explains what your public school already offers at no cost, and shows where Blackburn Mentoring fits.
The four side by side
| Tutor | Mentor or coach | Therapist | Admissions consultant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Teach a subject | Planning, routines, follow through | Treat emotional and mental health concerns | Help choose and apply to schools or colleges |
| Fits when | Grades fall because the content is hard | The student knows the content but misses work, deadlines or sleep | Mood, anxiety, behavior or substance use are getting in the way | A specific application season is coming |
| State licensed in California | No | No | Yes | No |
| Typical rhythm | Weekly or before tests | Weekly, with check ins between | Weekly or as the clinician recommends | Heavier in junior and senior year |
| Free version at school | Teacher office hours, tutoring centers | Advisory, some counseling support | School counselors and district mental health services vary | The school counselor |
Start with the question you are actually asking
- “Why is my smart kid failing?” Usually a follow through problem, not a content problem. Look at missing assignments before grades. A mentor or executive function coach is often the first step. See mentor vs tutor.
- “They just do not get algebra.” A tutor. Add a mentor only if the work also is not getting done.
- “They are not themselves.” Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, friends or school refusal call for a licensed clinician or your teen’s doctor first. If your teen talks about wanting to die, call or text 988 or call 911.
- “Where should they apply?” The school counselor first, then an admissions consultant if you want more time and attention. See mentor vs educational consultant.
- “They have a plan but never follow it.” A mentor. This is the core of what we do.
What your Los Angeles public school already offers
Los Angeles County has 80 school districts, according to the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and services vary by district and school. Two things are true almost everywhere. First, counselors are stretched: California averaged 464 students per school counselor in 2022 to 2023, against a recommended 250, according to American School Counselor Association data reported by the California School Boards Association. Book a meeting early and bring specific questions. Second, if you suspect a learning disability or ADHD is affecting school, you can ask the district in writing to assess your student; see our IEP and 504 plan guide.
For free and low cost options across the county, see free education resources in Los Angeles and how to work with your school counselor.
How to check who you are hiring
In California, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, professional clinical counselors and educational psychologists are licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and psychologists and physicians have their own state boards; you can verify a license online before a first appointment. California does not license tutors, mentors or independent admissions consultants the way it licenses therapists, so ask any of them about training, experience, how they measure progress and how they communicate with parents.
When two kinds of help make sense
Common pairings: a tutor for one hard class plus a mentor for the overall week; a therapist for anxiety plus a mentor for routines, with the family’s permission for the two to coordinate; a mentor through junior year plus an admissions consultant for senior fall. The risk with several providers is that nobody owns the whole picture, so decide who the student checks in with each week. See mentor vs coach vs therapist for how roles divide.
Where Blackburn Mentoring fits
A Blackburn mentor works with one student every week on planning, starting work, estimating time, following through and getting back on track after a slip, in person in Los Angeles or by video. Mentors are not tutors, therapists or admissions consultants, and they never promise grades or admissions. When a family wants it, the mentor helps the student prepare for meetings with teachers, counselors and other providers. If therapy or psychiatry is what your family needs, Blackburn Clinical Services offers outpatient therapy in Los Angeles (psychiatric care can be arranged).
How to start
- Take a short assessment. Tell us about your student and the goals. It takes about five minutes.
- Have a free 20 minute intro call. For high school students, a parent is welcome to join. We talk through fit, schedule and how your student would meet.
- Meet the mentor. New clients are matched with one mentor within two business days.
- Start the plan. Regular sessions by video, or in person in Los Angeles, with check ins between them.
Related
- Mentor vs tutor
- Mentor vs coach vs therapist
- Mentor vs educational consultant
- Academic coach vs mentor
- Executive function coaching in Los Angeles
- IEP and 504 plan guide
- Education guides
Common questions
What is the difference between a tutor and a mentor?
A tutor teaches a subject. A mentor helps with everything around it: planning the week, starting work, keeping deadlines and following through. If your teen understands the material but still falls behind, a mentor is usually the better first step.
Should we see a therapist or a mentor first?
If mood, anxiety, sleep changes, withdrawal, self harm or substance use are part of the picture, start with a licensed therapist or your teen’s doctor. A mentor can be added later for routines and follow through. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Do we need an admissions consultant in Los Angeles?
Not always. Start with the school counselor and book time early, since counselors carry large caseloads. Some families add a consultant for more time and attention during junior and senior year.
Can a mentor work alongside a tutor or therapist?
Yes. With the family’s permission, the mentor can coordinate with other providers so the student hears one consistent plan.
Are mentors licensed?
No. California does not license mentors, tutors or independent admissions consultants the way it licenses therapists. Ask any provider about training, experience and how they measure progress.
Get started
Not sure which kind of help your teen needs? 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 20 minute intro call.
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Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.