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What is Child Therapy & how does it work?
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Jul 30, 2024 · What is child therapy? How does it differ from regular therapy? We share counseling techniques, and worksheets for working with kids.
Oct 7, 2022 · Group Therapy for Kids: What It Is, How They Can Benefit, and When Not to Send Your Child to Group Therapy. If your child is dealing with grief, anxiety, or any other mental health...
- Katie Hurley, LCSW
Group therapy activities for teens (ages 11-17) Listed below are group therapy activities for kids you can use in your own practice. 1. Scribble Drawings. Give every teen one piece of paper and marker. Direct them to scribble in one continuous motion once you say, “Go!”.
- Overview
- Types of child therapy
- Different child therapy techniques
- The best online therapy options for children
- When does a child need therapy?
- Explaining therapy to a child
- How to find a child therapist
- Approximate costs involved with child therapy
- Frequently asked questions about therapy for kids
- Summary
•Types
•Techniques
•Online therapy options
•Comparison
•When to seek therapy
•Explaining therapy to a child
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children in the United States has a diagnosed mental, developmental, or behavioral disorder.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that although 10% of children and teenagers worldwide have mental conditions, most do not seek help or receive support.
This is backed up by the CDC, which states that just 20% of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders get support from specialized mental health professionals.
Various types of child therapy are based on theories that hold different assumptions about people, behaviors, development, and learning. Many of them are types of talk therapy.
The sections below discuss some of these in more detail.
When choosing an online therapy program, a person should check for the type of therapy they would like to try, as some programs may specialize in certain types of therapy.
Parent-child interaction therapy
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) helps parents interact with their children and manage their behaviors. It may also improve the parent-child bond. With PCIT, parents receive in-the-moment coaching from a therapist through an earpiece. A 2017 meta-analysis suggests that PCIT significantly reduces parent- and child-related stress regardless of session length, location, and issue. This is backed up by later 2019 research, which suggests that PCIT allows children and caregivers to better regulate their emotions.
Child-centered play therapy
Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a play-based intervention. It utilizes the playroom as a safe space to help children process their feelings through symbols and play. The counseling relationship can support healing and positive change, decrease negative behaviors, and improve overall functioning. CCPT allows children to explore issues using toys and the play environment, enabling them to lead their own healing.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapists teach children how thoughts cause feelings that affect behaviors. They help children identify distorted and harmful thinking patterns and replace them with more appropriate ones to improve their mood and behavior. Trauma-focused CBT is a specialized form of CBT. It helps children cope with traumatic experiences. One 2020 clinical trial found that trauma-focused CBT reduced post-traumatic stress caused by a parent’s death. Similarly, a 2021 trial found that CBT was effective in treating prolonged grief disorder in children and teenagers.
According to the American Psychological Association, online therapy can be an affordable, convenient, and accessible way to receive therapy.
Below are some online options that offer therapy to children and teenagers.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
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While occasional challenging behavior and outbursts are usual for many children, persistent or sudden changes in a child’s behavior may indicate a need to visit a mental health professional.
A child may need therapy if they experience:
•repeated displays of defiant behavior
•problems in different areas of life, such as family, relationships, or academics
•excessive worry
•persistent sadness
A parent or caregiver should try to explain therapy to a child in an age-appropriate way. For example, they may be able to offer more information depending on the child’s age and ability to understand.
Parents and caregivers may wish to describe therapists as “feelings doctors” to younger children.
If they intend to be part of the process, they can also share that therapy can help them communicate, play, and understand each other better.
With older children and teenagers, parents and caregivers can involve them in the decision-making process. Decisions may include choosing the clinic, therapist, and schedule.
Parents and caregivers can ask their pediatrician for a referral. If the child is in school, a school social worker or counselor can also offer recommendations.
Parents and caregivers can also search website directories that list psychologists by state and specialty. Some examples include:
•American Psychological Association
•GoodTherapy
The cost of therapy varies depending on location, type of therapy, specialization, therapy length, insurance coverage, and the therapist’s training and reputation.
However, costs typically range from $65–$200. Some therapists may charge up to $250 per session.
People with insurance coverage can expect copays amounting to $10–$50.
Some services offer free sessions or will reduce or waive the cost of therapy if a person cannot afford to pay full price.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Some online platforms take insurance and partner with health plans. Others may provide receipts for reimbursements. The Affordable Care Act also provides mental health coverage.
Can parents and caregivers be involved in treatment?
Yes. Therapists generally encourage parents and caregivers to actively participate in and support the child’s treatment and recovery. However, this may also depend on the child’s treatment program and their comfort level with parental involvement.
Can a child sign up without parental consent?
Allowing children to sign up for online therapy without parental consent varies per state. However, most providers require a parent or caregiver’s consent.
Many children and teenagers with mental health conditions do not seek help or receive necessary treatment. Online therapy can be an accessible and inexpensive way to receive mental health treatment.
With so many types of child therapy available, parents and caregivers should consider the child’s unique needs and those of the wider family when choosing a therapist or therapy platform.
Oct 19, 2021 · Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help children to reframe how they identify, interpret and evaluate their emotional and behavioral reactions to negative experiences.
Dec 5, 2019 · How does CBT for children work? Usually, a parent or caregiver, the child, and a therapist will discuss goals and develop a treatment plan. CBT involves a structured approach to solving...
