Blackburn Mentoring works with teens 13 and older, college students, young adults and adults. Around 13, most teens can set goals with a mentor and keep commitments between sessions. For younger children, a parent, school counselor or community program is usually a better first step. We meet clients by video nationwide and in person in Los Angeles.
Key facts
- Our youngest clients are 13. We do not work with children 12 or younger.
- There is no upper age limit. Many clients are college students, young adults in their twenties and working adults.
- For high school students, parents are involved and can get updates when needed.
- Clients 18 and older can start on their own.
- Sessions are one-on-one, by video anywhere in the United States or in person in Los Angeles.
Why does Blackburn Mentoring start at 13?
Our style of mentoring asks a young person to do some of the work. They help set goals, plan their week and follow through between sessions, with texts and calls from the mentor to keep things moving. Most teens are ready for that around the start of high school. Younger children usually need adults to set the structure for them, which is a different kind of help.
Brain science supports a gradual approach. The National Institute of Mental Health notes in The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know (2023) that the brain keeps developing into the mid to late 20s, and that the prefrontal cortex, which handles planning and decision making, is one of the last parts to mature. NIMH also notes that the teen brain is ready to learn and adapt. That is the space mentoring works in: building planning skills that are still growing, with an adult who helps without taking over.
What does mentoring look like at each age?
| Age | Common goals | How parents are involved |
|---|---|---|
| 13 to 15 | The move into high school, organization, homework habits, confidence, screen time and sleep routines | Parents help set goals, join some planning and get updates when needed |
| 16 to 18 | Grades that count for college, a first job, driving and schedules, planning life after high school | Parents stay informed while the teen takes more ownership of the plan |
| College | Managing a semester, deadlines, using campus support, recovering from a hard term | Updates go to parents only with the student’s permission |
| After college | A job search, a direction, money skills and a plan to move out | The young adult leads; parents may join a planning call if invited |
| Adults | Career moves, accountability and follow-through on personal goals | Not usually involved |
13 to 15: building the first habits
Early high school is a big change. More classes, more teachers and more independence arrive at once. A mentor helps a younger teen keep track of work, break big tasks into small steps and build a weekly routine. Sessions are practical and short on lectures.
16 to 18: more ownership
Older teens can handle bigger goals. They plan around tests, jobs, sports and applications. The mentor shifts from setting structure to coaching the teen to set it. This is also when many families start thinking about what comes after high school.
College and after: the young adult leads
From 18 on, the client is in charge of the relationship. Parents often make the first call, but the young adult decides on goals and on what is shared. Many of our clients are in this stage, including college students who are struggling and young adults living at home who feel stuck.
How do parents stay involved with a high school student?
For teens under 18, parents are part of the plan from the start. They usually complete or help with the assessment, are welcome to join the free intro call (it is optional) and agree on goals with their teen and the mentor. After that, parents can get updates when needed. The mentor also protects the teen’s trust, so day-to-day conversations are not repeated word for word. How information is shared depends on the client’s age and the permissions they give. In an emergency, call 911, or call or text 988.
Our page on progress updates for parents explains how this works in more detail.
What are good options for a child under 13?
We are not the right fit for children 12 and younger, but there are good places to start. Here are the kinds of help that usually suit younger children:
- School support. A school counselor or teacher can often spot what is going on and suggest next steps.
- Community mentoring programs. Many volunteer programs match younger children with an adult mentor for regular outings or activities.
- Youth activities. Clubs, sports, arts and faith groups give children steady adults to look up to.
- Tutoring. If the main issue is one subject, a tutor may be all that is needed.
- A pediatrician or licensed therapist. If you see signs of anxiety, low mood or attention problems, start with a medical or mental health professional.
If you call us about a younger child, we will talk through these options with you and suggest where to look. When your child turns 13, we would be glad to hear from you again.
Common questions
Do you mentor middle schoolers?
We work with students who are 13 or older, so some eighth graders qualify. Younger middle schoolers are usually better served by school support or a community program. We are happy to talk through options either way.
How involved are parents for a 14 year old?
Quite involved. Parents help set goals, can join the intro call if they wish and can get updates when needed. The teen still has a private space with the mentor, and how information is shared depends on the client’s age and the permissions they give.
Can an 18 year old start without parents?
Yes. Clients 18 and older can start on their own, and they decide what, if anything, is shared with family. Some choose to include a parent in planning, and that is up to them.
Is there an upper age limit?
No. We work with young adults in their twenties and with adults at any stage of a career. The same structure of goals, sessions and follow-up applies.
What if my 13 year old does not want a mentor?
That is common at first. Let your teen help choose the goals and ask their own questions on the free intro call before deciding. A teen who feels some control over the plan is far more likely to give it a real try.
Related guides: does my teenager need a mentor?, mentoring for high school students and does mentoring work?.
Get started
To see whether mentoring fits your teen, college student or young adult, take the five-minute assessment at blackburnmentoring.com/get-started or call (888) 305-5422. The intro call is free. Sessions are by video anywhere in the United States and in person in Los Angeles.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Last updated .
Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.