What is child therapy?
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Annapolis.
How does child therapy work?
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Annapolis, MD have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Play therapy vs. child therapy
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
How to tell if my child needs counseling
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
What type of therapy is best for children?
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Annapolis, MD is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Is child therapy conducted in person or online?
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does child therapy last?
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
How much does child therapy cost?
For talk therapy, intake sessions range from $160 to $240, and follow-ups range from $135 to $195, depending on your state. For psychiatry, intake sessions range from $255 to $375, and follow-ups range from $175 to $300, depending on your state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Need more help deciding?
Watching your child go through something difficult in their life can be extremely difficult. We want you to know that support is available — consider calling our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Annapolis, MD at (410) 498-6595 to get started today.
Should My Child See a Therapist or Counselor?
Our child therapists and counselors can help children and adolescents cope with a variety of mental issues and challenging situations, including:
- Trauma or loss
- Mental disorders like anxiety or depression
- Bullying
- Behavioral issues in school
- Moving to a new school or new town
- Autism testing and diagnosis
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis
Child Therapy: What Should I Expect?
Many therapy techniques can help children overcome obstacles in their lives, but here are some of the most common:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on helping people uncover and change unhealthy patterns of thought. CBT is effective in treating a wide variety of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders
- Play therapy: Young children often have trouble communicating their emotions to others. Play therapy helps a child express their feelings through structured play. By observing how a child plays, a trained mental health professional can make a connection and understand how the child feels.
- Family therapy: Sometimes, involving the entire family in the therapeutic process can help a child with something in their life. Family therapy focuses on helping children and their families understand how their choices impact each other.
We want you to know that support is available for your child. If your child is dealing with a difficult situation or showing symptoms of a mental health issue, consider calling our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Annapolis, MD today.
Schedule a Child Therapy Session in Annapolis, MD
Call Thriveworks Counseling in Annapolis, MD at (410) 498-6595 to schedule your first appointment. Our mental health professionals can help your child learn and grow in a healthy way.
