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 Columbia.
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 Columbia, SC 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 Columbia, SC 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?
Child Therapy, Counseling for Kids – Columbia SC
When your child is struggling with a serious mental health issue, the world seems to stop. Most parents would give anything to help their child in whatever way they can. But knowing where to turn in this time of turmoil can be confusing and overwhelming. Consider Thriveworks Columbia SC as an excellent choice for your child therapy needs.
Reasons to Pursue Child Therapy
There are many reasons to pursue child therapy. These may include:
- Anxiety
- ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Trouble in school
- Addictions
- Experienced abuse or neglect
- Life transition such as parent’s divorce
- Difficulty adjusting to a new environment
- Loss of a loved one
- Autism symptoms or concerns
- Eating disorders
- Behavioral problems at school or home
- Illegal drug use
- Emotional or psychological problems
The reason you are considering therapy for your child may have popped out from that list immediately. Or perhaps the problem is a combination of several items on the list, or did not appear at all. You, as the parent, are the expert on your child. If you feel that something is just not right, or you feel seriously unsettled about something with your child, do not ignore that feeling. Reach out for help as soon as possible.
How Does Child Therapy Work?
There are many methods for working with a child that differ from working with an adult. Not every provider is skilled or experienced in working with children. Your child’s age will help determine what strategies are best for having open communication between he or she and the therapist. Our trained Thriveworks Columbia SC child therapists will be able to identify what type of therapy will be best for your child’s unique situation.
Types of child therapy include:
- Play therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Family therapy
- Talk therapy
- Teaching relaxation techniques
- Teaching stress management
- Developing coping skills
- Identifying and treating serious medical issues
- Identifying and treating serious psychological issues
There is no one else in the world exactly like your child. Your child is unique and special. There is no one child therapy technique that is right for every child. A skilled child therapist understands that and will develop a strategy that will help your child communicate in an open and clear way, no matter what their age or situation.
Scheduling Child Therapy at Thriveworks Columbia
We pride ourselves on not operating with a wait list. Appointments are available for your child within the week in most cases. Plus, we offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances.
It would be our honor to assist you and your child in this journey. Reach out today to Thriveworks Columbia to schedule.
