What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is engaging in play. I find the best benefit in play therapy and engaging in activities that can be seen as fun to a child, helping them open up and build rapport with their therapist quickly. This helps them understand that therapy doesn't have to be scary or boring â it can be fun, engaging, and rewarding to learn more about yourself! It is something they can look forward to and feel safe attending.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: Art therapy: Utilizing various art materials and activities to help children express emotions, thoughts, and experiences that may be difficult to verbalize., Play therapy: Engaging children in play activities to explore feelings, improve communication, and resolve emotional or behavioral difficulties in a supportive environment. This can involve creating scenes with miniature figures, allowing children to project and process their inner thoughts and emotions symbolically., Therapeutic storytelling: Using stories, images, and narratives to help children understand and cope with challenges, explore new perspectives, and develop problem-solving skills., Music therapy: Incorporating music and musical activities to enhance emotional expression, communication, and social interaction while promoting relaxation and stress reduction., Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for children: Teaching age-appropriate cognitive and behavioral strategies to help children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors., Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Introducing mindfulness practices and relaxation exercises to help children manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation skills.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when observable changes in behavior, emotions, or interactions become evident over time. For example: Behavioral changes: The child begins to demonstrate improved coping skills, such as using calming techniques or problem-solving strategies learned in therapy both in and out of sessions., Emotional regulation: There is a noticeable decrease in intense emotional outbursts or an increase in the child's ability to identify and express their feelings appropriately., Increased communication: The child shows greater openness and willingness to communicate thoughts, concerns, and experiences either verbally or through non-verbal means like art or play., Improved relationships: Positive changes in relationships with family members, peers, or authority figures, indicating better social skills and increased empathy., Improved self-confidence and self-esteem: The child exhibits a growing sense of self-worth and confidence in handling challenges or setbacks., Feedback from others: Caregivers, teachers, or other significant adults notice improvements in the child's behavior, emotional well-being, or academic performance., Child's own perception: The child expresses feeling happier, more secure, or more capable of managing their emotions and relationships.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement child therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing the following: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, playing with slime or sensory toys, or guided imagery exercises to help manage stress and anxiety., Keeping a journal. I encourage all of my clients to keep a journal for writing or drawing. This can provide a private space for processing thoughts, emotions, and experiences discussed in therapy., Using therapeutic suggestions or activities recommended by the therapist, such as practicing social skills, using coping strategies, or playing specific games that reinforce therapeutic goals., Reading age-appropriate books or stories that address topics related to emotions, coping skills, or personal growth. Discuss these readings with your child to deepen their understanding., Implementing homework assignments, encouraging open communication by creating a supportive environment amongst parents, teachers, or peers, and engaging in social activities with them., Engaging in healthy activities such as exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, I think it's most important for the caregiver to provide some information to their child about therapy (if it is not the child's decision). It is important as a caregiver to do some research on therapists and types of therapy/specializations you may be wanting for your child, then discuss what this may look like with them, engaging them in the process (possibly showing their therapistâs picture, bio, website, etc.) and answering their questions. Explain the âwhyâ to your child so they feel reassured that therapy is a safe space to talk about their feelings and concerns. Set realistic goals both for them and for yourself and manage expectations. Lastly, create an open-minded and supportive environment for your child to mirror.

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Leominster

Wanda Beteau She/Her

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

As a middle aged woman I understand many life issues including relationships, life changes and family dynamics....

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Salem

Constance Nkwantah She/Her

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

As a woman of African decent, I understand that navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and I am here to listen...

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Quincy

Dawn Marie DeVaux She/Her

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health and addictions. I provide a respectful and non-judgmental approach to all of my...

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Quincy

Dorcas Adeniyi She/Her

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

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

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Quincy

Liudmila Cardoso She/Her

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

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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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.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our therapists and counselors in Cambridge accept 30 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

Self-pay costs at Cambridge

Talk therapy

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

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

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★★★★★

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.

Sade Sep 2025