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2,474 people sought child therapy help in Michigan 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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Crystal Smith

Hear from Crystal Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Crystal Smith's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

When working with kids in therapy, I like to use a combination of psychoeducation and play. Kids respond best in a relaxed environment, so we make having fun a priority! Through a combination of play and skill building, kids learn the tools necessary to improve emotion regulation, improve coping skills, and process the events that are contributing to difficulty. I also believe in including parents or caregivers at the end of a session so that they can reinforce the skills at home to help the child make as much progress as possible.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach kids about emotion regulation and coping skills utilizing CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness activities.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy when functional change occurs. The family will report about progress such as improvements in desired behaviors and reduction in problematic or harmful behaviors. When this occurs, the client's self-esteem improves as well.

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

It is helpful for caregivers to work with the client outside of therapy to practice the skills that are learned in sessions. Through repeated exposure to a new skill, the child gains competency and masters that skill, which will improve the outcome of therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for the first child therapy session, it is helpful to talk with your child about why they are attending. Make sure they understand that the role of the therapist is to be a safe, supportive person who is here to help the child feel better.

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 Sterling Heights.

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 Sterling Heights, MI 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 Sterling Heights, MI 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.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapists in Sterling Heights, MI—Macomb Therapy for Kids

If your child or teenager appears to be struggle—or has outright told you they are struggling—consider scheduling an appointment with a child therapist at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb, MI.

One of our Detroit child therapists can help kids and teens feel more confident, enjoy school, get treatment for a mental illness, better grieve the loss of a loved one, and more. They can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life.

Call today to book an appointment at (586) 203-3931 or schedule online.

What Is Child Therapy Like?

Therapy is unfamiliar territory, which can make it scary. But how do you conquer your fear of the unknown? You explore it. Many people who decide to explore therapy are relieved that they did and only wish they gave in sooner. You don’t have to be afraid of therapy and neither does your child. Here are a few approaches to child therapy:

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The goal of CBT is to help people understand and identify negative thoughts, of which contribute to harmful mental health problems like stress and anxiety. For example, a teen can create a lot of stress for him or herself by putting themselves down every time they don’t do as well on a test as they had hoped.
  2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is often used to help kids learn emotional regulation. It is especially useful when it comes to children and teens who have trouble understanding and control their emotions, as well as those who aren’t equipped with the right tools to manage stress.
  3. Play Therapy: Play therapy is also effective for many kids in therapy. It utilizes play and art therapy techniques to help kids explain and work through personal issues, such as their parents divorcing or getting bullied at school.

Schedule a Session with a Detroit Child Therapist at Thriveworks Sterling Heights

Are you considering or looking into Detroit therapy for children? To schedule a child therapy appointment at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb, MI and near Rochester, give us a call at (586) 238-4265.

We offer flexible options for scheduling, including evening and weekend sessions. Additionally, we partner with many different insurances, to best ensure that you have access to the mental health services your child needs.

Call today at (586) 203-3931 and a scheduling specialist will get you all set up.

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 Sterling Heights therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • ASR

  • Aetna

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Sterling Heights
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Efficient reminders, easy to utilize and caring, effective care from my therapist.
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really needed someone to talk to and didn’t know where to turn. An internet search came up and I found Thriveworks. Best decision I ever made was calling to schedule an appt. The staff is friendly, respectful and discreet. I appreciate Thriveworks so much. Therapy has helped me tremendously. I highly recommended this place.
Read more I really needed someone to talk to and didn’t know where to turn. An internet search came up and I found Thriveworks. Best decision I ever made was calling to schedule an appt. The staff is friendly, respectful and discreet. I appreciate Thriveworks so much. Therapy has helped me tremendously. I highly recommended this place.
Latasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
My overall experience has been as expected when dealing with behavior healthcare. There is no real care for the patient and their needs. I spent an hour on the phone with a call center rep from the billing department who said I had no insurance on file, then proceeded to transfer me to the correct department who said I did. I have been without medication that was prescribed on Monday. When I received a call back from the psychiatrist, it seemed that your company forgot to send it over. That is unacceptable behavior when it comes to dealing with any customer.
Read more My overall experience has been as expected when dealing with behavior healthcare. There is no real care for the patient and their needs. I spent an hour on the phone with a call center rep from the billing department who said I had no insurance on file, then proceeded to transfer me to the correct department who said I did. I have been without medication that was prescribed on Monday. When I received a call back from the psychiatrist, it seemed that your company forgot to send it over. That is unacceptable behavior when it comes to dealing with any customer.
George Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marya is such a good listener and is very sincere. Always feel as if we accomplish something. She has given me permission to call or text whatever needed and she responds in a very timely manner. I plan to continue working with her. She’s great.
Read more Marya is such a good listener and is very sincere. Always feel as if we accomplish something. She has given me permission to call or text whatever needed and she responds in a very timely manner. I plan to continue working with her. She’s great.
Gary Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It's a wonderful experience working with Cornelia Golden. She presents a healthy balance of comfortability and professionalism. She listens with the intent to hear what is being said and yet hear what's not being said. Cornelia has a very calming presence and I feel both confident in her counseling skills and that my concerns are professionally cared for. She is a very capable counselor. Clients will greatly benefit from working with her. I am happy to write this review for Ms. Cornelis Golden.
Read more It's a wonderful experience working with Cornelia Golden. She presents a healthy balance of comfortability and professionalism. She listens with the intent to hear what is being said and yet hear what's not being said. Cornelia has a very calming presence and I feel both confident in her counseling skills and that my concerns are professionally cared for. She is a very capable counselor. Clients will greatly benefit from working with her. I am happy to write this review for Ms. Cornelis Golden.
Sterling Heights May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Amazing listener. I dont know what I would do without her. She has helped me through so much in my life. I'm so grateful for her genuine kindness.
Read more Amazing listener. I dont know what I would do without her. She has helped me through so much in my life. I'm so grateful for her genuine kindness.
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dana is an awesome therapist, listens to you and gives you great solutions, I highly recommend her and wouldn’t see anybody else
Read more Dana is an awesome therapist, listens to you and gives you great solutions, I highly recommend her and wouldn’t see anybody else
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dana, is awesome very understanding , kind, no matter my issues she always helps me to figure it out , I highly recommend her!!
Read more Dana, is awesome very understanding , kind, no matter my issues she always helps me to figure it out , I highly recommend her!!
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Sterling Heights is located at the corner of Utica Road and Triangle Drive. We currently share a building with DAS Architects, among other businesses. Across the street, on the opposite side of Utica Road, is the Sterling Estates neighborhood and La Grand Blvd.

Phone number

(586) 203-3931

Languages spoken by MI 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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