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 Jackson.
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 Jackson, MS 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 Jackson, MS 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?
Do you think your child could benefit from working with a licensed mental health professional? Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Jackson, MS, today to get started.
One of our team members can help you schedule your first appointment at (601) 202-9114.
Should My Child Work With a Therapist or Counselor?
Sometimes, children have trouble expressing their emotions. Child therapy can help children and teens address their concerns and alleviate their issues.
There are many situations where a therapist or counselor could benefit a child, adolescent, or teen, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
- Death in the family
- Learning disabilities
- Bullying
- Substance abuse
- Anorexia or bulimia
- Autism diagnosis and therapy
- Trouble making or keeping friends
These aren’t the only situations where a mental health professional can help your child. Contact us even if you’ve noticed a change in behavior but don’t know the cause –– we can help identify and diagnose the issue. Child therapists and counselors can use a wide variety of talk therapies to help children, teens, and adolescents overcome their problems.
Child Therapy: What to Expect
Generally, treatment will be unique to every child’s situation. Your provider will meet with you and your child to ask why you decided to start working with a mental health professional. They’ll use this information to create a treatment plan that will be implemented over future sessions.
Many different therapeutic methods can be used in child therapy, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on helping its participants recognize and change cognitive distortions –– negative patterns of thought and emotion. CBT aims to help people change learned behaviors and live healthier lives.
- Family therapy: Sometimes, sessions involving the entire family can help a child or teen cope with their issues. For example, family therapy can be helpful in treating ADHD –– parents can learn how to respond to behavioral outbursts in a way that doesn’t reinforce the behavior. In addition, family therapy excels at helping family members understand their relationships and improve communication skills.
- Play therapy: Young children often have trouble communicating their emotions. Play therapy allows a mental health professional to make a connection with a child and help them express how they feel through the experience of structured playtime.
These are just a few of the many different therapeutic methods that can be used for children, teens, and adolescents. Each child’s experience with therapy or counseling will be unique, taking their problems and needs into consideration.
Do you think therapy or counseling could help your child cope with a problem in their life? Consider calling our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Jackson, MS, to set up their first appointment.
Schedule a Child Therapy Appointment in Jackson, MS
Check with your insurance provider before you schedule your first appointment to see if your plan includes mental health coverage –– we accept most major health insurance plans to make treatment more affordable.
Compassionate, caring professionals from Thriveworks Counseling in Jackson, MS, can help your child overcome their issues and thrive. Call our office today to get started at (601) 202-9114.
Child Therapy — TherapyLand™
