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2,911 people sought child therapy help in Colorado in the last year

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

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Kayla Thompson

Hear from Kayla Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is child-centered, creative, and collaborative, with a focus on promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and positive growth in children.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy:

  • Attachment-based interventions: For children who have experienced trauma or attachment difficulties, I incorporate attachment-based interventions into play therapy to promote healing and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Through play, children can explore themes of attachment, trust, and safety in a supportive and nurturing environment.
  • Parent involvement: I involve parents in the therapeutic process by providing support, guidance, and education on how to best support their child's emotional and behavioral needs. I offer parent consultations, psychoeducation, and parenting strategies to help parents create a supportive home environment for their child's growth and development.
  • Trauma-informed care: I use a trauma-informed approach in play therapy to create a sense of safety and predictability for children who have experienced trauma. I prioritize building trust, promoting empowerment, and fostering a sense of agency in children's healing journey.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when the child experiences improvements in their relationships with family members, peers, and other significant individuals in their life. They demonstrate greater empathy, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills in their interactions with others.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement child therapy?

Parents can supplement their time in child therapy by providing emotional support to their clients. Be available to listen, validate, and support your child's emotional needs. Offer comfort, reassurance, and encouragement when they are experiencing distress or facing challenges.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, parents or caregivers can have an open and age-appropriate conversation with the child about what therapy is and why they will be attending. This helps the child understand the purpose of therapy and reduces anxiety about the process. Also, if the child has comfort items such as a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal, encourage them to bring these items to the therapy session. Having familiar objects nearby can provide a sense of security and comfort.

Starting Child therapy

What is child therapy?

Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Colorado Springs.

How does child therapy work?

Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Colorado Springs, CO have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.

Play therapy vs. child therapy

Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.

How to tell if my child needs counseling

It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.

What type of therapy is best for children?

Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Colorado Springs, CO is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.

Is child therapy conducted in person or online?

Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does child therapy last?

The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.

How much does child therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

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 Colorado Springs therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | GHI BMP

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | PPO - HMO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Colorado Springs
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

4.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★
Excellent therapist who listens deeply and engages in thoughtful caring dialogue . With helpful analysis and suggestions .
Read more Excellent therapist who listens deeply and engages in thoughtful caring dialogue . With helpful analysis and suggestions .
Sreedevi Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I feel heard, and understood. I have trust in my therapist that she is guiding me into take the right path and actions towards me healing old wounds and trauma from the past
Read more I feel heard, and understood. I have trust in my therapist that she is guiding me into take the right path and actions towards me healing old wounds and trauma from the past
Sharon Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
So far my experience has been wonderful the therapists are awesome
Kasha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Since day one Marie has been so nice and understanding of all my issues with anger. She has helped me so much to take a step back and analyze issues and approach them in a very calm manner and retrain my brain to deal with anxiety issues that lead to anger. She has helped a ton in putting forth effort to better my marriage and other relationships with family. I couldn’t thank her enough for all her help in the last couple of months and in the future! Love her!! Definitely recommend her!
Read more Since day one Marie has been so nice and understanding of all my issues with anger. She has helped me so much to take a step back and analyze issues and approach them in a very calm manner and retrain my brain to deal with anxiety issues that lead to anger. She has helped a ton in putting forth effort to better my marriage and other relationships with family. I couldn’t thank her enough for all her help in the last couple of months and in the future! Love her!! Definitely recommend her!
Colorado Springs Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have met several therapist and none have came close to helping me navigate the world in the way that Mrs. Marie has. I am forever grateful for having this amazing opportunity to learn from this truly amazing therapist!
Read more I have met several therapist and none have came close to helping me navigate the world in the way that Mrs. Marie has. I am forever grateful for having this amazing opportunity to learn from this truly amazing therapist!
Colorado Springs Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I really love [Marie Whatlay], she is really helping me with my attitude, my thought process, thinking before I speak and everything else along with what I need . Just wish it could be in person.
Read more I really love [Marie Whatlay], she is really helping me with my attitude, my thought process, thinking before I speak and everything else along with what I need . Just wish it could be in person.
Colorado Springs Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Linda was fantastic! She is kind, knowledgeable, real, and easy to work with. I loved that she was experienced in lgbt and interracial counseling. I would recommend her to anyone!
Read more Linda was fantastic! She is kind, knowledgeable, real, and easy to work with. I loved that she was experienced in lgbt and interracial counseling. I would recommend her to anyone!
Loveland Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was fortunate enough to work with David Fletcher-Janzen. Dave is such a good listener and so kind and compassionate. I have known Dave for many years and have the utmost respect and admiration, not just for his professional expertise, but also for the kind, empathetic and caring human being that is Dave. Dave works hard to help his clients and is passionate about his professional calling. He is highly skilled and has many years experience in his field. I wouldn't consider going to anyone else.
Read more I was fortunate enough to work with David Fletcher-Janzen. Dave is such a good listener and so kind and compassionate. I have known Dave for many years and have the utmost respect and admiration, not just for his professional expertise, but also for the kind, empathetic and caring human being that is Dave. Dave works hard to help his clients and is passionate about his professional calling. He is highly skilled and has many years experience in his field. I wouldn't consider going to anyone else.
Lakewood Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Colorado Springs can be found off of Mark Dabling Blvd at the end of the Pike's Peak Research Center, just past Adobe Hospice. Our building is located just west of Pulpit Rock Park, and we share a building with Helix Semiconductors, First Affirmative Financial, SocialSEO, and others. The closest bus stop to us is 5510 N Nevada. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(719) 257-7199

Languages spoken by CO providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

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Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in MT

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