Care without the wait

121 licensed therapists & providers in Massachusetts. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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23,778 people sought child therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a child/teen therapist as soon as this week

Quincy

I provide a safe and compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported, drawing from an authentic understanding of...

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Lexington

People who want to climb Mt. Everest and make it back safely often hire a highly skilled guide—frequently one of the famous indige...

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Lexington

As a young woman who has allowed self-esteem, confidence, and anxiety to get in the way of life, I understand how difficult it can...

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Quincy

As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...

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Worcester

As a clinical sport psychologist, I value taking into account the role of biology and sociology in mental health and wellness....

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Child therapy FAQs

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 Cambridge.

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 Cambridge, MA 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 Cambridge, MA 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?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Cambridge accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

View more
Self-pay costs at Cambridge
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I recommended thriveworks to a friend and she booked an appointment. She told me the provider she got (not mine) jumped very quickly into intake questions without any greeting and it made her feel uncomfortable. She switched providers after that.
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Lukas Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I work with Christian Hansent, and the experience has been amazing. Christian has genuine empathy and compassion coupled with detailed knowledge of scientific principles and a drive to improve the lives of his clients. This is my first experience going to therapy and my only regret is that I didn't find Thriveworks sooner. Thank you!
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Halie Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Liz does an incredible job of hearing my concerns and providing me with feedback that is both validating and challenging. She's the best!
Sara Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was really struggling mentally and you were able to get me in very quickly, matched me perfectly with someone who has been amazing! I have come a long way in a year thanks to Thriveworks and especially my therapist, Rayla Johnson!
Mikael Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist Rayla, was fantastic. She was realistic, easy to chat with and I’m glad I had her to guide me through the past year and a half. I’m sad to be ending because of insurance BS, but the tools and convos we’ve shared will be a great guide for me. Rayla relates your problems to her own life so you don’t feel alone and she listens to what you really care about.
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Knocks Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like how easy it is to navigate Thriveworks - from the variety of providers to the flexibility of hours. I enjoy working with Liz the most, there's a level of understanding that she brings to our sessions that facilitates healing. I'm grateful that Thriveworks allowed me to meet with many different folks before deciding who aligns the most with my current needs.
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Kenedi Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alice is fantastic. I always feel supported and like it was well worth me sharing and talking with her.
Anabel Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Professional and thought invoking. Feels like you are getting good results from therapy.
Calib Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 92 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

929 Massachusetts Ave Suite M03
Cambridge, MA 02139

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located near Massachusetts Ave and Hancock St, off Main St. It is close to Harvard University and near the Cambridge Public Library.

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Phone number

(617) 764-9202
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Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
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Hours

Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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