Finding A Child Therapist

For many, parenting can be a meaningful and life-changing role. However, challenges can occur, and one in six children in the US has a diagnosed mental health or behavioral disorder. Seeing a child therapist can be a way to ensure your child's emotional and mental well-being is prioritized. If your child displays signs of depression, anxiety, ADHD, low self-esteem, unwanted behaviors, eating disorders, or emotional outbursts, you might benefit from seeking psychological support through a child therapist. Family therapy can be beneficial in creating a supportive environment for children while helping parents navigate these challenges together. Working with experienced therapists can ensure that both the child's and the family's needs are addressed holistically.

Why look for a child counselor or child therapist? 

There are many reasons parents make the choice to reach out to a therapist for their child.

Below are a few common issues that prompt parents to look for in a child therapist or consider therapy for their children:

• A mental health condition 
• Behavioral changes 
• A trauma history or past adverse event 
• Grief and loss 
• Difficulty adjusting to disabilities or health concerns
• Academic challenges
• Loneliness or social isolation
• A lack of interest in activities, hobbies, or social opportunities
• Frequent crying, mood swings, or emotional outbursts 
• Hyperactivity or lack of focus 
• Neurodiversity

What to consider when looking for a child therapist 

There are several areas to consider when looking for a child therapist. For example, the provider should be licensed to practice therapy in your state. To be licensed, a therapist must hold at least a master's degree. If your child might need medication, the therapist can refer them for an evaluation by a psychiatrist. It’s important to note that psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can write psychiatric medication prescriptions in most states. For children, it’s especially important to choose a therapist who specializes in child therapy and has experience addressing the specific needs of young clients. Below are several areas to evaluate when choosing the right provider for your child. 

Finding a child therapist with experience unique to your child's situation may benefit you. There are over 400 therapy modalities often used in the treatment of adults, and many of these treatment options can be used for a child as well. Consulting with therapists who specialize in child therapy can provide valuable insights into the best treatment options. Understanding which modality a therapist practices can help you make an informed decision about the type of therapy for kids best suited to your child's needs.

Price can be a factor for many parents and caregivers trying to find a child therapist, with the average cost of therapy sessions in the US at $100 to $200 per session. For many, this cost may only be doable with health insurance, and many health insurance plans partially or fully cover child therapy under medical necessity. You may be responsible for a co-pay in some cases. Shop around in your area to see the average local price for child therapy or therapists that specialize in working with children.

According to the Affordable Care Act, employer-offered insurance policies must cover mental health services, which can include therapy for children. If you have health insurance, you may have coverage for therapy sessions with a child therapist. However, many therapists do not accept insurance due to the requirements for applying for insurance panels. If you have insurance, starting with your insurance company's directory may help you find a list of in-network therapists, or you can call your health insurance company for a referral.

Look for a therapist who is available when you need them, especially for your child. If your child is on a waiting list or struggles to receive more than one or two therapy sessions a month, your child may not benefit from therapy as much as they need. Sessions once a week or every other week can be beneficial for many children. Therapists who specialize in working with children can provide the consistent support necessary for their growth and well-being.

When looking for therapists, finding someone who communicates well with you and your child can be important. The therapist may discuss some of the therapy techniques used in therapy with the child, and parents might be invited to sessions. Parents might also be invited to participate in therapy sessions, which can foster a collaborative environment between the child, parents, and therapist. Having communication upfront about what sessions and parent involvement will look like can help you prepare for your child's first session.

Where to find a child counselor near you 

When seeking your provider, there are a few ways to connect, including the following. 

Ask your pediatrician about a child therapist

Your pediatrician can be a practical resource for receiving referrals. If you're seeking counseling or therapy for your child, talk to the pediatrician about your concerns and why you think your child might benefit from support. Pediatricians often work closely with therapists and may recommend a therapist who specializes in working with children. If the pediatrician does not have a direct referral, they may know of community providers or therapy clinics that can point you toward care. In some cases, a doctor may be able to refer you to other in-network providers and therapists who are experienced in helping children.

Online directories list a vast number of therapists with bios, insurance information, and photos. Prospective clients can scroll through the list and send messages to the therapist they feel aligns with their child's needs. Many directories also have review features where you can see feedback from other parents who have used the provider's services for their child. Reading the reviews could give you valuable insight into what to expect in therapy and the techniques different professionals use. If the reviews about the therapy experience are negative, consider seeking a different provider.

If you want to search for an in-person children's behavioral therapist and live in a rural area, you may widen your search to a nearby zip code, town, or city. A quick Google search for "teen therapist near me" may help you find results. If you can't find anyone in a directory, widen your search by 25 miles to get more results. Some therapists listed in a directory may offer telehealth counseling through one-on-one practice that accepts insurance in your state if you have a government plan. 

If you want to find a counselor you are comfortable trusting, ask other parents in your life if they have any recommendations for child therapy. Child therapy is increasingly common, and someone in your community may have had a positive experience with a therapist. If so, find out about their child’s therapist and decide whether you want to contact them. You can also get referrals from school counselors, religious congregations and leaders, and scout leaders, or even therapists who specialize in working with children.

Community mental health centers

Many communities have mental health centers where you can get matched with a therapist based on your family's needs, including those of your child. Many centers have sliding fee systems for low-income families. If they do not have a therapist on staff, they might also be able to refer you to other therapists and health centers in the area. These health centers are also found in rural areas where fewer psychologists and psychiatrists are employed.

The types of mental health professionals to consider

When conducting your research, you may come across various professionals, including therapists specializing in child care. The psychological language and job titles can be confusing to understand, and reaching out to the wrong therapist and paying an appointment fee can be distressing. Consider the following job roles when seeking a child therapist or other child-focused provider.

Child counselors and therapists 

Child counselors and therapists are licensed mental health providers who specialize in helping children through various therapeutic techniques. Using approaches such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and play therapy, these therapists can address stressors, mental health concerns, and symptoms your child may experience.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the psychological forms of medical care. They attend medical school before getting a doctorate. They have a more scientific and analytic approach to mental health and are typically the only providers able to prescribe mental health medication. Psychiatrists may also collaborate with therapists, including those who work with children, to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, they can also perform diagnostic testing and sometimes offer counseling.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you or your child. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional or therapist.

Developmental psychologists 

Developmental psychologists study the changes in human development over a child's lifespan. They help a child partake in skills for healthy development. Though they often work in research or clinical settings, therapists in this field may also provide support in schools or work one-on-one with a child in therapeutic practice.

School psychologists 

Online therapists 

Online therapists are also an option for parents seeking a provider for their child. These therapists are often available through video chat or phone calls. You can contact a one-on-one practice therapist from home, who may take insurance. Attending therapy from home may allow your child to receive support from an environment that feels comfortable to them.

However, if you are seeking a more cost-effective option, there are online platforms that offer support exclusively to teens and parents. Through a platform like BetterHelp, parents can receive therapy from home to discuss their parenting concerns. Through a platform like TeenCounseling, teens aged 13 to 19 can meet with a provider with parental permission if they're under 18. 

Finding counseling for yourself or a teen child through an online platform can allow you to receive care if you live in a rural area, don't have insurance, or are looking for a cost-effective treatment option. In addition, studies show that internet-based therapy can be as effective as in-person options for many families experiencing long-term stress related to mental health challenges.