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 child therapist may work best. One perspective to consider is to ensure that you choose a child therapist with a background in pediatric counseling, focusing specifically on children's and adolescents' mental health needs. 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 fit 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 therapy or 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 therapy or counseling. However, a child does not need a mental illness diagnosis or severe symptoms to see a child counselor.
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 therapy 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 can support your child
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 child therapy. Scheduling a session with a mental health professional like a child counselor can provide the necessary support for children with these emotional challenges.
Behavioral concerns for a child
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 child therapy. Working with a child specialist through therapy can offer the necessary tools and strategies to help manage and improve your child's behavior.
Self-esteem
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 through therapy.
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.
Child of divorce
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 therapy 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 among children. In addition, if your child has drastically changed their eating habits, they may be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder. A adolescent 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 therapy intervention. Sometimes, parents opt for a residential or short-term treatment program for children experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available.
Stress and anxiety
Counseling may benefit kids who are experiencing stress in various areas of life. For example, some kids 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 therapy. Reaching out to a therapist can help children process this stress with a compassionate professional.
Can mental health therapy work for my child?
Every therapy 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 therapy sessions last and the duration of treatment can depend on a child's needs and the parents' goals. In some cases, 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 qualified to treat issues that your child manages
- Inform your child about how to do therapy, being open-minded
- See the counselor one-on-one to discuss your therapy goals and observations.
- Encourage your child to practice skills learned during therapy or counseling.
- Be patient and available. Let your child talk openly to you about therapy.
- Support your child's mental health and therapy journey by acting as a positive role model.
Local child therapists
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 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 therapy support, consider taking your kid 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 therapist in your area.
Adolescent therapists nearby
Locating a convenient adolescent counselor can be easy. You can search online or get suggestions from your child's school or doctor. Local counseling centers and children 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" or asking for a referral from your 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 therapy.
Counseling options for teens & 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 counselors online, especially if there aren’t many therapists close to your home or in your local area. The best 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 among children. Online counseling services connect parents or teens with a counselor to discuss concerns, symptoms, or goals for therapy. Online therapists can offer the same care as in-person providers, except for medication management or diagnosis.
If you're 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 you 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 counselor online or in person.
How do I find counselors or therapists?
There may be various ways to find a counselor or adolescent psychotherapist close to where you live. For example, you could ask your pediatrician or other medical doctor for a referral or search online for a licensed adolescent therapist in your city. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance company for a list of adolescent therapists in personal practice that are covered by your plan.
Where can I find a cheap counselor?
Finding a cheap or affordable therapist might mean looking for a adolescent 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 individual. Some common symptoms in children include:
- Frequent stomach aches, headaches, and other physical symptoms experienced by a child
- Emotional outbursts or tantrums of a child
- The child is having issues with focus or attention
- The child is worrying constantly
- Social isolation or withdrawal
When should my kid see a psychiatrist?
There could be many different signs that a child needs to see a psychiatrist, including:
- The anxiety of your child increasing in frequency or intensity in a short period of time.
- The mood of your child 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 the social skills of your child.
How to explain therapy to a 6 year old?
Explaining therapy to younger kids may require a different approach than you might use for an older kid 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 young person they are seeing a therapist?
Talking to children about therapy may be challenging, but it’s usually best to be as open and honest as possible. Letting them 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.
Why won't my daughter talk to a therapist?
Seeking adolescent counseling can be scary for some children, and there might be many reasons they don’t open up to a therapist right away. For example, they may be reserved, need more time to feel close to the therapist, and take time to feel comfortable talking about their feelings. Some children could also be embarrassed due to the stigma surrounding mental health care. It could be best to give your kid some time to develop trust with the therapist.
What is the most effective therapy treatment for kids and adolescents?
Many experts agree that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for children and adolescents. However, many other treatment options in adolescent psychology could be suitable, 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 adolescent counseling session may involve the therapist making them feel close and comfortable with them and creating an environment where they feel safe. Typically, the therapist observes the behaviors and mannerisms, including both verbal and non-verbal cues. Depending on their age and needs as well as the therapist’s approach, the therapist may begin asking them open-ended questions about their lives or inviting them to interact with toys or activities in the room.
What is a child psychologist called?
They may be known as adolescent psychologists or developmental psychologists. The right therapist can help you identify and address concerns, and teach you tools and strategies to navigate challenges as they arise.
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