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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a child/teen can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

No current openings

All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
George Wanke

Hear from George Wanke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My most frequently used approach to counseling teens is to help them solve problems and validate their questions and struggles. Normalizing thoughts and feelings and validating experiences motivates me the most because teen clients value the relief they experience when plans for problem-solving are made.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I use the “Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” guidelines a lot in my work.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling?

I use EBP treatment plan goals, so my goal is for the client to make progress toward goal achievement.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement teen counseling?

Clients can use anxiety-reducing exercises like deep breathing and the 5-4-3-2-1 game and practice talking about less emotional things with others.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

I encourage teens to think about things that bother them most that they have tried to solve but haven't been able to.

Starting Child/teen therapy

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Child and Adolescent Counseling

It can be difficult during the different stages of childhood and adolescence to know if your child is behaving normally or if there is a problem. If you notice a change in your child’s behavior, such as inattention, arguing or withdrawing, or emotionally like depression, anger, worry or stress, they may need help. Therapy is customized to meet the needs of the child and the family with the goal of the program to alleviate symptoms of distress, improve the child’s social and emotional resources, increase their use of effective communication skills and make the relationships in the family and community, as well as with peers, stronger.

If you or another person that knows your child (teacher, coach, school counselor) feels that your child is displaying behavior that has become concerning or dealing with emotions that are causing distractions in their life, it may be time to talk to a therapist, psychologist, or counselor at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia).

When to Seek Child Therapy?

There are times when it is a good idea to get your child help for mental health issues without waiting. With eating disorders, the longer a child lives with one the harder it is to recover. Getting treatment as quickly as possible can save a child’s life. If mental illness runs in the family, be aware of the increased possibility that your child may begin to develop a disorder. If you feel that your child is showing signs of a disorder, it’s important to act promptly. If you discover that your child has been hurting himself—even if they say it was only a one-time thing—it is vital to get help. Cutting is dangerous behavior that may be the child’s way of dealing with a serious mental health issue.

Some life events can cause changes to a child’s functioning in the process of adjustment. When parents divorce, a new sibling is introduced into the family or there is a change of schools, these situations can have troubling effects on a child’s behavior. It is wise to monitor your child’s behaviors that are a concern. It is a good idea to seek the help of a therapist when you are unsure, especially if the behaviors or feelings are ongoing for weeks or months.

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

The therapists, psychologists, and counselors at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA are professionally licensed and have credentials. They work with children and their families to help with numerous behavioral and emotional issues that prevent them from enjoying a happy family life. The therapists and counselors work with the child to find the areas in their life that are causing them distress and help them learn ways to positively deal with it. Child and adolescent therapists use techniques that include art, narrative, traditional talk, play therapy and more.

Schedule Child Therapy at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

At Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia) therapists and counselors work with children and adolescents who have emotional or behavioral problems. The earlier they get treatment, the easier it is to help them. When you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you want to ensure you choose Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA where the therapists will focus on the child’s issues, from abuse and other traumas to learning difficulties to adjusting to transitions in life.

Schedule a session with Thriveworks Alexandria, VA for child and adolescent therapy and counseling, where you won’t be placed on a waiting list. Appointments are available right away and most new clients can meet with a provider within the same week as scheduling.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My view with Dr. Young was a real eye opener.
Randy Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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