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1,857 people sought child therapy help in Connecticut in the last year

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

Meet with an Child therapy therapists as soon as this week

3   available in  New Haven

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New Haven

As a professional with a background in treating many different age groups, I understand the complexity of how behavioral health and mental health symp

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Cristina Perera

Hear from Cristina Perera, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

I believe in order to receive the best possible therapeutic services, patients should request a therapist that specializes in child therapy. This is not my specialty but I encourage people to research and find the best match. Therapy for children can be challenging; I have met with some adults who had negative experiences which impacted their view on therapy. Ensuring the child feels safe and heard is critical.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

Finding the best therapeutic approach for children is imperative. Many tools are helpful but finding the right one is key.

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

Children will let you know clearly if they are comfortable and doing better. Listening to their feedback gives you all the information you need.

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

Parents should communicate with their children, respecting what their thoughts are in therapy, what they like or what isn't working. And encourage them to let the therapist know.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

Giving the child an opportunity to speak with the therapist and letting them know they are not being pressured to communicate. Also early on letting them know if they feel it is too much they have the option for a shorter session.

Starting Child therapy

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 New Haven.

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 New Haven, CT 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 New Haven, CT 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.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in New Haven, CT—Child Therapists, Counselors

Parents and caregivers don’t always know why their children are behaving a certain way. While you don’t want to make a big deal out of something that you don’t need to worry about, you also don’t want to wait and let something fester to the point that it leaves long-lasting, negative effects on your child’s mental wellbeing. It is better to get a second opinion and help from a licensed child therapist when you’re unsure than to leave it alone.

If your child is experiencing emotional distress, is acting differently than normal without explanation, is witnessing a divorce, or any other big life event, consider setting them up with a licensed psychologist. The child therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT have extensive experience and education in a multitude of areas surrounding children’s wants, needs, and goals. Reach out today.

What Type of Concerns Can You Help My Child With?

 We understand that every child has unique experiences and concerns. We want to help them, and you, work through these stressors. Here is just a small list of issues that we can provide guidance and support for:

  • Grief
  • Anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses
  • Lying
  • Aggression
  • ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
  • Bullying
  • School concerns
  • Behavior problems
  • Autism concerns
  • Divorce
  • Change in eating habits
  • Cries often
  • Avoids social events

Don’t see something on the list that explains what your child is going through? No worries. These are just a few of the ways we can help your child or teen. Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to tackle these issues and face future challenges head-on and confidently.

How Does Counseling Work for Children and Teens?

Child therapy is similar to regular therapy for adults. During the beginning sessions, your teen or child will discuss their feelings, emotions, concerns, and goals. There are so many different methods and techniques for child therapy. When your kid’s therapist sees that one method isn’t working, they move on to the next. Some of the methods they may try are:

  • Play therapy
  • Narrative therapy
  • Anger management tips
  • Art therapy
  • Traditional talk therapy
  • Coping mechanisms

This list could go on. A licensed child therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT will try whatever they need to break through their barriers. Sometimes the best course of treatment is working with the child, parents, or entire family. This helps the whole family unit understand what is going on and how to better communicate with each other. We offer flexible options and can arrange whatever you and your child feel is best.

Ready to Get Started? Schedule Child Therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT

If you feel like your child could greatly benefit from our help, schedule an appointment with us. You can do so by visiting our online booking portal or by calling (203) 586-4264. We have online and in-person sessions available as well as a wide range of scheduling times. We understand how hectic life can be, so we are available at convenient times for you.

You do not have to go through this alone. Let’s face these challenges together so we can help you thrive.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our New Haven therapists and counselors accept 17 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

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Self-pay costs at New Haven
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I dislike how it's difficult to see or edit your information on the website, and the fact that we can't do monthly payments instead of paying after every session is also irritating. My provider herself Marissa Ferrao is amazing and I appreciate her so much.
Read more I dislike how it's difficult to see or edit your information on the website, and the fact that we can't do monthly payments instead of paying after every session is also irritating. My provider herself Marissa Ferrao is amazing and I appreciate her so much.
Rebecca Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very easily accessible, great fit when it came to my specific provider.
Mackenzie Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The thing that I most appreciate is that I get postive feedback and with my therapist I feel he is my best friend. At first I was skeptical with a male therapist he's great and I am glad I am doing therapy now
Alicia Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I always feel as if my questions, concerns, and problems are taken seriously. When in my first session I brought up that I was interested in an ADHD assessment, a statement that had made previous providers elsewhere uncomfortable/annoyed, Elina worked with me instantly to understand why I was interested in that assessment and when we realized it would be a good course of action, immediately helped me receive the help I needed in that area. I never felt as if she was without methods or strategies to help me work through something, especially once we had a breakthrough on the root of my issues. She celebrates my successes and provides comfort and advice on the way forward with my struggles. When I have set a goal that is hard for me to stick to but I ultimately want to achieve, she is consistent in checking in on my progress and helping me adjust my approach to make a completed goal a plausible future. Additionally, for years I have been unable to dissect how to approach the issue of having imposter syndrome, I only knew how to identify it. Elina is the first person to help me breakdown what I can do to help me work past my imposter syndrome and I am extremely grateful.
Read more I always feel as if my questions, concerns, and problems are taken seriously. When in my first session I brought up that I was interested in an ADHD assessment, a statement that had made previous providers elsewhere uncomfortable/annoyed, Elina worked with me instantly to understand why I was interested in that assessment and when we realized it would be a good course of action, immediately helped me receive the help I needed in that area. I never felt as if she was without methods or strategies to help me work through something, especially once we had a breakthrough on the root of my issues. She celebrates my successes and provides comfort and advice on the way forward with my struggles. When I have set a goal that is hard for me to stick to but I ultimately want to achieve, she is consistent in checking in on my progress and helping me adjust my approach to make a completed goal a plausible future. Additionally, for years I have been unable to dissect how to approach the issue of having imposter syndrome, I only knew how to identify it. Elina is the first person to help me breakdown what I can do to help me work past my imposter syndrome and I am extremely grateful.
London Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful..
Leon Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
Read more I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
New Haven Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry New Haven is located off of Sherman Ave, just east of Monitor Square and west of the Hospital of St Raphael. We're inside the Sherman Medical Building, along with Renal Research Institute New Haven Home Dialysis and Quest Diagnostics. The closest bus stop is George St and Sherman Ave. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(203) 633-8772

Languages spoken by CT providers

  • Russian
  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET