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1,471 people sought child therapy help in Ohio 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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Matthew S Harmon

Hear from Matthew S Harmon, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health (LPCC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

A usual go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is to first work on building trust and rapport with the child. Many child therapists prefer play therapy because it allows space for a child to process thoughts and emotions through play, learn skills in a more engaging approach, and continue building rapport with the therapist.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

Typical tools taught in child therapy include communication skills, emotional regulation tools, tools for recognizing and responding to intense emotions, and problem-solving skills.

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

Signs that a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy are when the child better regulates their emotions and can more frequently respond calmly to experiences that previously elicited intense emotions. It can also be when the child can correct their own negative thoughts.

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

Clients, or parents, can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing skills learned in therapy and with parents further growing in their skills to respond to a child's emotions or behaviors.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a parent can talk to their child about what therapy is for and what to expect. Parents can also prepare by identifying concerns as well as giving positive praise to their child when speaking to the child therapist.

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 Columbus.

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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH 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.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in Columbus, OH—Therapists and Counselors

Childhood is meant to be a time of joy and carefree fun, but many children experience mental, emotional, or behavioral difficulties that disrupt this precious time. Thriveworks Columbus understands the challenges families face when a child is struggling. Our goal is to support children and their families, helping them navigate these difficulties and work towards a brighter, happier future.

Call our office in Colombus, OH at (614) 739-8926 to get started today.

What Is Child Therapy?

Child therapy at Thriveworks Columbus is designed to help children understand, process, and manage a variety of issues, from mental illness and trauma to behavioral challenges. Each session is tailored to the unique needs of the child, recognizing that every child is different.

Children’s brains are highly adaptable, and early intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes. Our experienced counselors use a range of therapeutic techniques suited to children’s developmental stages, ensuring they receive the support they need.

Common reasons to seek child therapy include:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Unwarranted aggression
  • Persistent anxiety and nerves
  • Failing or worsening grades
  • Social isolation
  • Self-harm
  • Expression of suicidal thoughts
  • Recent changes in family (move, loss of a family member, etc.)
  • Traumatic experiences

What Does Child Therapy Look Like?

Children often lack the vocabulary and insight to articulate their emotions and experiences. Traditional talk therapy may not always be effective, so we utilize a variety of child-specific therapies, including:

  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Play therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Developing coping methods
  • Practicing relaxation techniques
  • Behavioral therapy

Our counselors are skilled in these techniques and more, providing a comprehensive approach to meet each child’s needs.

Scheduling a Session at Thriveworks Columbus

At Thriveworks Columbus, we understand that deciding to seek therapy for your child is a significant step. We are here to support you throughout the decision-making process, offering tools and recommendations to help you make the best choice for your child.

If you think your child could benefit from working with a therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Columbus today. Our therapists are ready and eager to help them live better and set them up for greater success. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and give your child the support they deserve at (614) 739-8926

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 Columbus therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • HealthSmart Accel

  • HealthSmart PPO

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Self-pay costs at Columbus
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I feel like my therapist is working well for me. She has given me some things to do and some things to think about.
Read more I feel like my therapist is working well for me. She has given me some things to do and some things to think about.
Winston Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Being a person who doesn’t like to share their dirt with strangers , I’m finding it very easy to talk with my counselor freely about the issues that I’m dealing with. I highly recommend their services.
Read more Being a person who doesn’t like to share their dirt with strangers , I’m finding it very easy to talk with my counselor freely about the issues that I’m dealing with. I highly recommend their services.
James Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Emerson prep for and EMDR use is being tested and seems to be making a difference - and we've just started. Thanks!
Read more Emerson prep for and EMDR use is being tested and seems to be making a difference - and we've just started. Thanks!
Richard Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Prior to coming to Thriveworks I only had counselors through my universities. Entering the real world of counseling was stressful, but Thriveworks made it easy! At Thriveworks I have found it easiest find a counselor with availability, ease of payment so that it doesn't feel transactional, and a good fit. My counselor has been phenomenal with seeing me for who I am being open to my different identities and even helping me make sense of my experiences because of them. Real world counseling doesn't seem so scary anymore
Read more Prior to coming to Thriveworks I only had counselors through my universities. Entering the real world of counseling was stressful, but Thriveworks made it easy! At Thriveworks I have found it easiest find a counselor with availability, ease of payment so that it doesn't feel transactional, and a good fit. My counselor has been phenomenal with seeing me for who I am being open to my different identities and even helping me make sense of my experiences because of them. Real world counseling doesn't seem so scary anymore
Ahjah Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I enjoy the sessions very much.Todd is great at what he does.Very knowledgeable.
Robert Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy my councilor and she is easy to talk to.
Suzanne Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am honored to recommend Jerome Rivers as a fellow clinician. He is one of the most diligent and proficient counselors that I know. I admire his ability to meet the client where they are whether it’s being silly or serious. You will be drawn to his genuineness and you should be excited to begin a new therapeutic journey with him, trust the process!
Read more I am honored to recommend Jerome Rivers as a fellow clinician. He is one of the most diligent and proficient counselors that I know. I admire his ability to meet the client where they are whether it’s being silly or serious. You will be drawn to his genuineness and you should be excited to begin a new therapeutic journey with him, trust the process!
Columbus Sep 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nick is a great therapist. He listens and provides practical guidance to overcome emotional challenges. He helped me through a very difficult time
Read more Nick is a great therapist. He listens and provides practical guidance to overcome emotional challenges. He helped me through a very difficult time
Cleveland Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Columbus is located off of Northwest Blvd, just east of the intersection of Northwest Blvd and N Star Rd. Our building is shared by Schultz CPA, neighbored by Star & Northwest Auto Care, and across the street from Buckeye State Bank. The closest bus stop is Northwest Blvd & Stanford Rd.

Phone number

(614) 739-8926

Languages spoken by OH 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

Shown in ET

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 ET

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