Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

2,103 people sought child therapy help in Illinois 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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Erin Wold

Hear from Erin Wold, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is teaching children mindfulness, thinking about consequences, and impulse control through fun activities. I believe the best benefit of play therapy is that they can learn at any age of development.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: time management, transitioning skills, communicating needs, self-soothing, skill building to increase confidence, and encouragement of independence to take personal responsibility.

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 they are no longer presenting symptoms, are able to complete tasks patiently and thoroughly, and can communicate needs to support and manage emotions independently.

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

Parents/guardians can supplement their child's time in therapy by being involved with mindful activities as a family and modeling good communication and listening, emotional regulation and self-acceptance, time management, and completion of responsibilities, as well as following through with boundary limits and expectations at home.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can write a list of three things that would make them happier.

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 Joliet.

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 Joliet, IL 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 Joliet, IL 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 take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

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 Joliet therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners IPA

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners Kane County

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners Silver Cross

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | PPO

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Choice Care (Humana)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Joliet
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

3.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★☆☆☆
I had 6 or 7 sessions with Nancy Fredricks. A lovely lady. However, I had to end my sessions with her. I started becasue I was going through a depression,which was not normal for me. I had never had councelling on my own before. I'd had marriage councelling, but never individual councelling. Nancy did not ask a lot of questions or offer much in the way of practical solutions. Also, Nancy spends a lot of time scratching her head. I'm not sure what her condition is, but it is very distracting to watch during a therapy session. I'm not saying that talking to Nancy didn't help me. But it was not offering enough of a value that I would continue on with it. I wish her a lot of success in the future.
Read more I had 6 or 7 sessions with Nancy Fredricks. A lovely lady. However, I had to end my sessions with her. I started becasue I was going through a depression,which was not normal for me. I had never had councelling on my own before. I'd had marriage councelling, but never individual councelling. Nancy did not ask a lot of questions or offer much in the way of practical solutions. Also, Nancy spends a lot of time scratching her head. I'm not sure what her condition is, but it is very distracting to watch during a therapy session. I'm not saying that talking to Nancy didn't help me. But it was not offering enough of a value that I would continue on with it. I wish her a lot of success in the future.
Linda Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★☆☆☆
Absolutely unbelievable..I would never on my life have thought that the therapist needs a therapist for her own issues with dealing with people and client feedback. I'm very disappointed with nancy Frederick. She is no where qualified to act as a financial advisor or medical doctor and give unprofessional and non solicited advice.
Read more Absolutely unbelievable..I would never on my life have thought that the therapist needs a therapist for her own issues with dealing with people and client feedback. I'm very disappointed with nancy Frederick. She is no where qualified to act as a financial advisor or medical doctor and give unprofessional and non solicited advice.
Anthony Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I'm so grateful for your help with my son's situation.. he is doing very well. He is happy after every appointment, he feels different and his mind is changing. I don't have the words to say thank you for everything...
Read more I'm so grateful for your help with my son's situation.. he is doing very well. He is happy after every appointment, he feels different and his mind is changing. I don't have the words to say thank you for everything...
Julian Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Joliet is located on Essington Rd., in the Silver Cross Professional Building. This building is right near Rock Run Trail.

Phone number

(779) 243-5677

Languages spoken by IL providers

  • Tamil
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Malayalam
  • 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 CT

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 CT

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