How To Find A Child Counselor Near Me
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.
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
Therapists to support children with 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, it may be time to consider therapy. Scheduling a session with a mental health professional like a child counselor can provide the necessary support for these emotional challenges.
Child therapist for behavioral concerns in children
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. Working with a child therapist can offer the necessary tools and strategies to help manage and improve your child's behavior.
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.
Children with divorced parents
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 and anxiety
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. Anxiety can often accompany these challenges, making it even more important to seek support. Reaching out to a therapist can help children process this stress with a compassionate professional.
Can mental health therapy work for my child?
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.
Supporting your child’s mental health with effective therapy sessions
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.
Therapists and child counselors near me
Locating a child counselor nearby can be easy. You can search online or get suggestions from your child's school or doctor. Local counseling centers and therapists often provide specialized care tailored to children's emotional and developmental needs.
Personal practice child 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.
Can an online therapist actually help?
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.
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.
How do I find child counselors or child therapists near me?
There may be various ways to find a child counselor or child therapist near you. For example, you could ask your child’s pediatrician or other medical doctor for a referral or search online for a licensed therapist in your city. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance company for a list of child therapists in personal practice that are covered by your plan.
Where can I find a cheap child therapist?
Finding a cheap or affordable child therapist might mean looking for a child psychologist who offers services on a sliding scale. You might also use your insurance company’s directory to find in-network providers or ask your employer about reimbursement programs.
How do you know if your child has behavioral issues that may indicate anxiety?
There may be many behavioral indicators of anxiety, and it could depend on the child. Some common symptoms include:
- Frequent stomach aches, headaches, and other physical symptoms
- Emotional outbursts or tantrums
- Issues with focus or attention
- Worrying constantly
- Social isolation or withdrawal
When should my child see a psychiatrist?
There could be many different signs that a child needs to see a psychiatrist, including:
- Your child’s anxiety is worsening.
- Your child’s mood is consistently low or unpredictable.
- Your child is experiencing major life challenges like a move or divorce.
- Your child is demonstrating disruptive behavior at school.
- You’re concerned about your child’s social skills.
How to explain therapy to a 6 year old?
Explaining therapy to younger children may require a different approach than you might use for an older child or teen. It could be best to use simple language and be as clear and direct as possible. You could also use an analogy, like comparing a therapist to a doctor, but for feelings rather than physical symptoms.
How do you explain to a child they are seeing a therapist?
Talking to young people about therapy may be challenging, but it’s usually best to be as open and honest as possible. Letting the child know why they’re going to therapy and what to expect when they get there can help them feel more comfortable. Be prepared to answer questions and validate your child’s feelings about attending therapy.
Seeking counseling can be scary for some children, and there might be many reasons a child doesn’t open up to a therapist right away. For example, they may just be reserved and need more time to feel comfortable talking about their feelings. They could also be embarrassed due to the stigma surrounding mental health care. It could be best to give it some time for your child to develop trust with the therapist.
Many experts agree that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment. Still, there are many other treatment options in child psychology that could be suitable for your child, including:
- Play therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
How to start a mental health counseling session with a child?
The first counseling session may involve the therapist making the child feel comfortable with them and creating an environment where they feel safe. Typically, the therapist observes the child’s behaviors and mannerisms, including both verbal and non-verbal cues. Depending on the child’s age and needs as well as the therapist’s approach, the therapist may begin asking the child open-ended questions about their lives or inviting them to interact with toys or activities in the room.
What is a child psychologist called?
Child psychologists are also known as developmental psychologists.
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