Child Counseling: When And Where To Find A Therapist For Your Child
If you're considering child counseling for your child, it can be daunting to figure out which type of therapist may work best. One specialized area to consider is pediatric counseling, which focuses specifically on the mental health needs of children and adolescents. An online search for “child counselors near me” can yield results, but a long list of child psychologists may not be beneficial if you aren't sure what would benefit your family best.
Children may experience mood swings, challenging emotions, and life transitions that cause stress. Children have mental health needs like adults and may benefit from child counseling to address family conflict, school problems, self-esteem issues, or stress. Being aware of all the child counseling services available to you can help you, as the parent, make the healthiest choices for your children.
When to reach out to a child therapist for support
Many parents may struggle to know when their child could benefit from therapy. If your child is experiencing or expressing the following symptoms, they might benefit from counseling. However, a child does not need a mental illness diagnosis or severe symptoms to see a child counselor.
Mental health concerns and signs of a mood or anxiety disorder
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40% of children experiencing anxiety and depression go to therapy. Mood and anxiety disorders can be common in children.
Consider bringing your child to counseling if they display the following symptoms:
- Frequent worrying
- Panic attacks
- A prolonged sad mood
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Social withdrawal
- Fear of social situations
- Compulsions or rituals
- Unexplained physical symptoms like shaking, headaches, or stomachaches
Emotional challenges
Children and adolescents may have trouble expressing emotions as they learn to control their emotions for themselves. However, if your child has outbursts that can't be controlled, acts destructively, frequently cries, or exhibits abnormal emotional responses, consider scheduling a session with a mental health professional like a child counselor.
Behavioral concerns
Children may have behavioral challenges at times. However, if your child's behavior is causing harm to you, themselves, or other families, it could signify an underlying mental health concern that may be addressed through therapy.
Self-esteem struggles
Many children can experience self-esteem challenges. Bullying at school or online may cause young children and teens to feel they aren't worthy of care or that they aren't beautiful. If you've tried helping your child strengthen their self-image with minimal success, a counselor specializing in adolescent issues might offer unique advice and coping skills to support them.
Trauma
According to the CDC, as of 2020, one in seven children has experienced neglect or abuse of some form. As many cases go unreported, this number is an estimate. Although many parents may not want to consider that their child has experienced trauma, childhood trauma is relatively common and may not only happen at home. Traumatic occurrences can happen publicly, at school, or through extended family outings. If your child showcases extreme fear of a particular place, person, or situation, consider having them evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
According to studies, divorce is a leading cause of childhood PTSD, as well. If you have been through a separation or conflict in your relationship, your child may benefit from discussing how it impacted them with a therapist.
Sleep or appetite changes
Changes in sleep and eating patterns can suggest mental health concerns or stress. In addition, if your child has drastically changed their eating habits, they may be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder. A child therapist educated in these types of conditions may be beneficial.
Self-destructive behaviors
Self-harm or threats of self-destructive behaviors can be dangerous for children. If you are concerned that your child's behavior is significantly harming them, they may benefit from immediate psychological intervention. Sometimes, parents opt for a residential or short-term treatment program for children experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
Life stress
Counseling may benefit children who are experiencing stress in various areas of life. For example, they might feel weighed down by family conflict, struggle to fit in at school, or feel stressed after a significant move. Reaching out to a therapist can help children process this stress with a compassionate professional.
Does counseling work?
Every session with a therapist may be tailored to the child's individual needs. Different forms of therapy might include talking, completing age-appropriate activities, creating art, playing, solving problems, or practicing new skills. Since children often learn well through imagination and play, many therapists use play therapy. Play therapy is often less intimidating than other types of therapy for children.
How long sessions last and the duration of treatment can depend on a child's needs and the parents' goals. In some cases, child therapy might be conducted with the entire family in the format of family counseling. When looking for a therapist, consider the following:
- Choose a child-friendly counselor who is qualified, experienced, and kind.
- See the counselor one-on-one to discuss your goals and observations.
- Encourage your child to practice skills learned during counseling.
- Be patient and available. Let your child talk openly to you about therapy.
- Support your child's mental health by acting as a positive role model.
Child counselors to explore in your area
There are a few ways you can find a counselor for your child, including the following.
School resources
Many schools offer mental health support free of charge for students in need. School psychologists or child therapists are often trained in the developmental needs of the age range they serve. Although school psychologists can't offer long-term care, they may support your child through bullying, academic challenges, stress, or at-home concerns.
Local counseling centers
Many towns have walk-in mental health clinics for children and adults. If you're looking for quick support, consider taking your child to one of these centers to help them sign up for therapy, like play therapy for children. This can be an effective way to find a child therapist in your area.
Personal practice therapists
You can often find one-on-one practice therapists by quickly searching online for "child therapist near me" or asking for a referral from your child's pediatrician. One-on-one practice therapists can come with a higher cost, but many accept insurance plans. It can be wise to contact the office ahead of time to ensure your insurance will cover child therapy.
Counseling options for teens and parents
Many parents may opt out of treatment for themselves or their children due to barriers to care such as cost, distance, or scheduling. However, with online therapy, these barriers can be removed. Although there may not be as many online options for young children, many platforms offer support for teens and adults. It’s sometimes easier to find qualified child counselors online, especially if there aren’t many therapists near your home or in your local area. The best child therapist for your child’s situation may be one located across the country, for instance.
Studies show that online counseling from licensed professionals is an effective alternative to in-person therapy to manage mental health conditions or stress symptoms. Online counseling services connect parents or teens with a counselor to discuss concerns, symptoms, or treatment goals. Online therapists can offer the same care as in-person providers, except for medication management or diagnosis.
If you or your child is interested in an online platform, consider signing up for a website like BetterHelp for adults or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19. If you sign your teen up for therapy, they can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions. As many teens enjoy texting, text therapy may be more enjoyable for them than in-person options. All providers through BetterHelp and Teen Counseling are licensed and vetted. To sign up and find a therapist, teens under 18 must have parental permission.
Takeaway
Regardless of the route you choose, child counseling can help your child understand how to manage distressing emotions, which can help them as they grow older. By connecting with a counselor to assist your child with their challenges, you are offering them the chance to find support and understand their mind and body early in life. Reach out to a counselor for further guidance and information on how to get started. You can find a child counselor online or in person.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a child therapist?
Child therapists exist in many cities across the US. If you're struggling to find support, consider asking your child's school counselor for a referral. If your child is homeschooled or does not have a counselor, you can also speak to their pediatrician. If your child is 13 to 19, they can also sign up for an online platform dedicated to teen therapy.
Where can I find a cheap therapist?
Health directories can help you find a child therapist that accepts your insurance or works on a sliding scale system. You might also find cost benefits online. Forbes found that in-person therapy costs $100 to $200 per session on average. However, online platforms can cost around $65 to $90 a session, saving you hundreds per month.
How do you know if your child has behavioral issues?
If your child experiences irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty following rules, or emotional control challenges, they may benefit from speaking to a child therapist. Behavioral difficulties may be caused by an underlying mental health concern or difficulty with a transition. In many cases, your child may not know how to express themselves healthily. A therapist can teach them new skills for connecting with others.
When should my child see a psychiatrist?
If your child has been diagnosed with a behavioral disorder or struggles with a condition (ADHD, Autism, etc.), children's therapy can be a great option. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that work in the mental health field to provide medication management, diagnosis, and mental health support. Children might benefit from seeing a psychiatrist if their pediatrician or therapist has suggested they try medication for their symptoms. A child psychiatrist is a specialist in child-friendly and safe medications. Note that online platforms like TeenCounseling and BetterHelp do not offer medication services.
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