Who is child & teen therapy for?
Child and teen therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children (ages 5–12) and teenagers (ages 13–17) to better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate the unique challenges of growing up.
Whether your child or teen is experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, or academic difficulties, therapy can help them build confidence, strengthen resilience, and develop the skills they need to thrive.
Schedule your child's first appointment today.
Your child or teen may benefit from therapy if they are experiencing:
- Anxiety
- — Excessive worry, fears, panic, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday situations.
- Depression
- — Persistent sadness, low mood, withdrawal from activities, or loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.
- School-related challenges
- — Academic pressure, school avoidance, difficulty concentrating, or declining school performance.
- Behavioral concerns
- — Frequent anger, emotional outbursts, aggression, increased conflict at home, difficulty following expectations, or changes in eating or sleeping habits that are affecting daily life.
- Emotional regulation
- — Difficulty understanding, expressing, or managing emotions in healthy ways.
- ADHD-related challenges
- — Difficulties with attention, organization, impulsivity, or managing everyday responsibilities.
- Trauma and PTSD
- — When past or recent experiences continue to affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, or a child's sense of safety.
- Grief and loss
- — Coping with the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
- Self-esteem and confidence
- — Building confidence, developing a stronger sense of self, and navigating periods of uncertainty or change.
- Friendship or social difficulties
- — Struggling to build friendships, manage peer relationships, or feeling isolated.
- Family changes
- — Adjusting to divorce, separation, relocation, blended families, or other significant changes at home.
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- — Coping with the emotional impact of bullying at school or online.
- Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of self-harm
- — When your child is intentionally hurting themselves, expressing thoughts of self-harm, or showing signs that they may be at risk.
- Life transitions
- — Adjusting to new schools, changing friendships, adolescence, or other important developmental milestones.
If your child is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
If your family is navigating these challenges together, family therapy can provide additional support. Parents and caregivers may also benefit from individual therapy to help manage the stress that can accompany supporting a child through difficult times.
What can contribute to emotional and behavioral challenges?
Growing up brings many changes, and it's natural for children and teens to experience periods of emotional or behavioral difficulty. It's common for parents to wonder, "Is this just a phase?" In reality, emotional and behavioral challenges are rarely caused by one single event or experience.
Children's wellbeing is shaped by many factors, including their environment, relationships, developmental stage, and life experiences. Over time, these influences can affect how they think, feel, behave, and respond to everyday challenges.
Common factors that can contribute include:
- Academic pressure
- — Expectations at school, exams, or learning difficulties can contribute to stress and anxiety.
- Friendship and social challenges
- — Difficulties with peers, social anxiety, or feeling isolated can affect confidence and emotional wellbeing.
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- — Negative experiences at school or online can have a lasting emotional impact.
- Family conflict or change
- — Divorce, separation, blended families, or ongoing conflict at home can affect a child's sense of stability.
- Trauma
- — Past or recent traumatic experiences may continue to influence emotions, behavior, and relationships.
- Grief and loss
- — Losing a loved one or experiencing another significant loss can affect emotional wellbeing at any age.
- Mental health concerns
- — Anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other emotional challenges may affect daily life and development.
- Major life transitions
- — Moving home, changing schools, welcoming a new sibling, or other significant life changes can feel overwhelming.
- Medical or developmental conditions
- — Physical health or developmental differences can also influence emotional wellbeing.
At Havencrest Wellness & Counseling, we recognize that every child is unique. We take time to understand the experiences contributing to your child's challenges and work collaboratively with both young people and their families to develop practical strategies that support healthy emotional growth and resilience.
If anxiety or depression is a primary concern, you can also learn more about how we support each:
How we approach child & teen therapy
Our goal is to help children and teens better understand their emotions, build confidence, strengthen resilience, and develop practical skills that support healthy emotional wellbeing both now and into adulthood.
Because every child develops differently, therapy is tailored to their age, personality, strengths, and goals. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- EMDR therapy
- Play-based techniques
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Strengths-based therapy
- Family involvement
- Age-appropriate emotional regulation strategies
What to expect during child & teen therapy
During your child's first session, your therapist will:
- Understand your concerns, your child's strengths, and your family's goals
- Work with you to develop personalized goals that support your child's emotional wellbeing, growth, and development
- Work collaboratively with you to create a therapeutic approach that reflects your child's unique strengths, needs, and goals
- Begin introducing age-appropriate coping strategies and practical skills that can be applied at home, at school, and in everyday life
- Regularly review your child's progress throughout therapy, adapting the approach as their needs and goals evolve
Individual sessions
A safe and supportive environment for your child to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Parent consultations
Guidance, practical strategies, and ongoing support for what happens at home.
Family sessions
Where appropriate, sessions that strengthen communication, improve relationships, and work toward shared family goals.
Learn more about Family Therapy →As therapy progresses, your child will continue developing practical skills and healthy coping strategies that support emotional wellbeing, strengthen resilience, and encourage lasting positive growth.
We also offer secure telehealth appointments for appropriate cases throughout Washington.
Finding the right fit
Choosing a therapist for your child is an important decision, and finding the right fit can make all the difference. At Havencrest Wellness & Counseling, we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that's tailored to your child's unique needs and goals.
Learn more about Havencrest's approach to care on our About Us page, or explore our team to find the therapist who best fits your child's needs.
Insurance & payment
Insurance coverage for child and teen therapy varies by provider and plan. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and discuss your options before your child's first appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Children and teens experience challenges differently. If emotional or behavioral changes are persistent and affecting school, relationships, family life, or your child's overall wellbeing, therapy may help. An initial assessment can help determine the most appropriate support.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes. Parents and caregivers play an important role in the therapeutic process. Your level of involvement will depend on your child's age, developmental stage, and clinical needs, while also respecting your child's privacy and therapeutic relationship. In some situations, family therapy may also be recommended to strengthen communication, improve relationships, and support shared family goals.
Do you accept insurance?
Insurance coverage depends on your provider and plan. Our team is happy to help verify your benefits and explain your options before your child's first appointment.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact us, or read our full FAQs.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether your child is navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, grief, trauma, or the everyday pressures of growing up, Havencrest Wellness & Counseling provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to their unique needs.