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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 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 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
★★★★★
My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.
Read more My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.
Leigh Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I looked around for a therapist for a month or so I found this place and I read and reread the reviews and Lauren’s bio a few times When I finally called a few months ago the woman who took my information and answered my questions, I specifically asked if I needed a new letter for my emotional support dog would they be able to help. She assured me absolutely yes. We do it all the time Now a few months into my sessions I asked Lauren for a letter to give my landlord. Lauren informed me over 3 weeks ago she would ask her boss. 2 weeks later she told me no, her boss said no. I had to go online. A year ago my landlord did not like the online one and wanted it from a local Therapist This past week when I had my appointment with Lauren, she said she couldn’t, i asked what kind of therapist she was. Because I was told when I decided to come to your practice that I could get one, I was told I had to have a few sessions with the therapist Now on Tuesday 2/13 I asked, she told me she was meeting with her boss the next day and would tell him what I was told She said she would email me the next day, now it’s Saturday and nothing. I now am so upset that I put all this time into a therapist that isn’t qualified to write a letter, not because of her, but from some rule that I was lied to about on the onset Now I really think I need to go find a true therapist The fact I’m told to go online to get one from a stranger, while I am in therapy Makes me question your practice In sales we call it bait and switch
Read more I looked around for a therapist for a month or so I found this place and I read and reread the reviews and Lauren’s bio a few times When I finally called a few months ago the woman who took my information and answered my questions, I specifically asked if I needed a new letter for my emotional support dog would they be able to help. She assured me absolutely yes. We do it all the time Now a few months into my sessions I asked Lauren for a letter to give my landlord. Lauren informed me over 3 weeks ago she would ask her boss. 2 weeks later she told me no, her boss said no. I had to go online. A year ago my landlord did not like the online one and wanted it from a local Therapist This past week when I had my appointment with Lauren, she said she couldn’t, i asked what kind of therapist she was. Because I was told when I decided to come to your practice that I could get one, I was told I had to have a few sessions with the therapist Now on Tuesday 2/13 I asked, she told me she was meeting with her boss the next day and would tell him what I was told She said she would email me the next day, now it’s Saturday and nothing. I now am so upset that I put all this time into a therapist that isn’t qualified to write a letter, not because of her, but from some rule that I was lied to about on the onset Now I really think I need to go find a true therapist The fact I’m told to go online to get one from a stranger, while I am in therapy Makes me question your practice In sales we call it bait and switch
Donna Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I really like my therapist and she is helping me deal with a stressfull situation
Mary Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Going well
mary Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So far I have had good experiences with the clinicians and the management.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Top notch service! Excellent 1-on-1 counseling. Very pleased with her help so far!
Paul Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My experience with Thriveworks and the Counselor I was assigned to has been good so far. The Counselor is I had hoped, compassionate and intelligent. I am looking forward to continuing with her.
Read more My experience with Thriveworks and the Counselor I was assigned to has been good so far. The Counselor is I had hoped, compassionate and intelligent. I am looking forward to continuing with her.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am pleased to have someone I can tell how I am feeling that I would not express to family or friends. The medication helps me to get a better night sleep and helps me feel better the following days and to cope throughout the days that follow.
Read more I am pleased to have someone I can tell how I am feeling that I would not express to family or friends. The medication helps me to get a better night sleep and helps me feel better the following days and to cope throughout the days that follow.
Margaret Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

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
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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