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9,797 people sought child therapy help in Pennsylvania 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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Marie MoriartyPuggi

Hear from Marie MoriartyPuggi, Licensed Associated Professional Counselor (LAPC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is making them feel comfortable and breaking down thoughts like, “I don't need this” or “I don't know why I am here.” I prefer and enjoy using games, play, and talk. I find that the best benefit is allowing children and teens to have some control by leading their sessions or play to allow them to be more comfortable with the process.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: how to better communicate and understand the various feelings that may occur in waves, self-regulating emotions and thoughts, healthy ways to communicate and express needs, increasing self-esteem, and using self-talk as a way to empower themselves.

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 behaviors and issues that were once overpowering are minimal, as they have been able to use the coping skills being taught, self-reporting, and family feedback. I like to review and get their input (if age-appropriate) on their goals and treatment as well as include family as part of the process.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by attending groups of interests and finding hobbies, clubs, or sports that have purpose and meaning for them.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for your child's therapy session, a child can use positive and encouraging thoughts on how it could be beneficial as a form of support. I find it helpful to remind them that it is a place where someone is going to support you and work with you, not against you, and encourage them to try 3-4 sessions before determining “I don't need this.”

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 Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia therapists and counselors accept 39 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Philadelphia
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
★★★★★
Rob is great! Making progress.
Brian Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working alongside Marie for years. Her work with her clients is unparalleled. She is clinically exceptional, while somehow maintaining an authenticity that makes working with her in any capacity a wonderfully positive experience. I would recommend Marie to anyone who is serious about helping themselves, and particularly those with a history of trauma.
Read more I had the pleasure of working alongside Marie for years. Her work with her clients is unparalleled. She is clinically exceptional, while somehow maintaining an authenticity that makes working with her in any capacity a wonderfully positive experience. I would recommend Marie to anyone who is serious about helping themselves, and particularly those with a history of trauma.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is the best around. So knowledgeable and supportive with her clients. She helped me through many traumatic situations without judgment. If you are looking for an amazing therapist to help you, she is who you need.
Read more Marie is the best around. So knowledgeable and supportive with her clients. She helped me through many traumatic situations without judgment. If you are looking for an amazing therapist to help you, she is who you need.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie Moriarty Puggi is a fantastic clinician. She’s very person centered and empathetic. She goes above and beyond for her clients and their families. They have shown a great deal of appreciation for the efforts she makes with her clients. They want to talk with her and engage and do the work in order to heal. Highly recommended.
Read more Marie Moriarty Puggi is a fantastic clinician. She’s very person centered and empathetic. She goes above and beyond for her clients and their families. They have shown a great deal of appreciation for the efforts she makes with her clients. They want to talk with her and engage and do the work in order to heal. Highly recommended.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is an excellent Therapist. She assisted me with various ways to change my perspective. Marie's assistant me with positive ways to view situations and how to be accountable for my behavior. Marie is very kind and personable. She made me feel important and that I should matter to me first.
Read more Marie is an excellent Therapist. She assisted me with various ways to change my perspective. Marie's assistant me with positive ways to view situations and how to be accountable for my behavior. Marie is very kind and personable. She made me feel important and that I should matter to me first.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie has an excellent communication skills. She displayed active listening skills when engaging with her clients and coworkers. Marie is dependable, accountable and reliable. Marie is a team player who goes beyond her expectations to meet the need of her consumer. Marie is non judgemental, observant and respectful. Marie is a very patient therapist.
Read more Marie has an excellent communication skills. She displayed active listening skills when engaging with her clients and coworkers. Marie is dependable, accountable and reliable. Marie is a team player who goes beyond her expectations to meet the need of her consumer. Marie is non judgemental, observant and respectful. Marie is a very patient therapist.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is a compassionate, hard working, supportive, empathetic therapist that I would recommend to clients. She offers an environment conducive for a therapeutic relationship. She works well individually and is a great team member.
Read more Marie is a compassionate, hard working, supportive, empathetic therapist that I would recommend to clients. She offers an environment conducive for a therapeutic relationship. She works well individually and is a great team member.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie Moriarty-Puggi a clinician at the Walnut St site in Philadelphia is one of the most caring, dynamic, person centered therapists that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Marie always goes the extra mile for her clients, going above and beyond to help her clients reach their maximum potential. I would recommend Marie without hesitation.
Read more Marie Moriarty-Puggi a clinician at the Walnut St site in Philadelphia is one of the most caring, dynamic, person centered therapists that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Marie always goes the extra mile for her clients, going above and beyond to help her clients reach their maximum potential. I would recommend Marie without hesitation.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Providence is located at 245 Waterman St Suite 504A, Providence, RI 02906, between Wayland Ave. and Butler Ave.

Phone number

(215) 642-8968

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • English
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
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm

Shown in ET

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