Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

6,431 people sought child therapy help in Massachusetts 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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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 Watertown.

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 Watertown, MA 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 Watertown, MA 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 Watertown, MA—Counselors and Therapists for Teens and Kids 

We want to protect our kids and teens from the stressors and evils of the world but sometimes, it’s hard to avoid. Coping with death, moving to a new city, and learning how to control emotions is hard enough for adults. For young minds, it can be even harder. 

We want the best for our kids. That’s why if you are noticing that your child is acting differently or going through a challenge, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA is here to guide you and your child to your full potential. Our child therapists have the skills and experience needed to work with children and teens of all ages and understand that each situation is unique. If you believe your child could benefit from speaking with a counselor, contact us today and one of our scheduling specialists can get you started. 

Does My Child Need Therapy? 

Children are constantly growing and evolving. Their minds are adapting to the world around them and are soaking up as much information as they can. When a child is experiencing a mentally challenging problem, it can be taxing on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Children experience a multitude of stressors and child therapy can help them address and cope with those concerns. Here are some of the common issues seen in child therapy:

  • Divorce 
  • Grief and loss
  • Behavioral problems at home and in school
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse or addiction 
  • Signs of a learning disorder
  • Anger or aggression management 
  • Low self-esteem
  • Bullying 
  • ADD/ADHD 
  • Trauma 
  • Major life changes 
  • Change in appetite 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Concerns about an intellectual disability 

Child Therapy: How Does it Work? 

Our child therapists have wide ranges of knowledge and extensive experience in their field. This can ensure you that if one thing isn’t working for your little one, their therapist will have another method lined up and ready to go. Some of the methods you can expect a child counselor at Thriveworks in Watertown, MA to use are: 

  1. Traditional talk therapy 
  2. Play therapy (using play to explore hidden emotions)
  3. Narrative therapy 
  4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying negative thoughts and behaviors associated with them and replacing them with positive ones) 
  5. Music therapy 
  6. Art therapy (the use of art techniques to express emotions, oftentimes without words)

Work with a Child Therapist at Thriveworks in Watertown, MA 

Is your child behaving outside of their normal self? Did your child experience something traumatic and they are having trouble coping? Are they having a hard time coming to terms with a loss? Let us help you and your child tackle these challenges. Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to all of our clients and provide them with the support they have been searching for. 

To get started, visit our online booking portal or call our office. We have flexible scheduling options and also offer online counseling. We can’t wait to work with you! 

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 Watertown therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Watertown
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
★★★★★
For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Read more For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Lillian Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Read more The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Read more I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Erynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★☆☆
It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Read more It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Isoke Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
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Dave Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Read more I have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Read more Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Read more I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Watertown is located at the intersection of Main St and John Sonny Whooley Way, which becomes Cross St once you pass our office and continue through this intersection. We share a building with Lutheran Child & Family Services and Beaverbrook STEP, Inc.

Phone number

(617) 958-5773

Languages spoken by MA 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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