Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

17,031 people sought child & teen counseling help in Pennsylvania in the last year

Discover how starting child & teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Sex Therapy, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Anxiety, +1 more

I will strive to assist you on your journey of self-exploration while creating a safe, genuine, and open-minded environment for growth and self-improv... I will strive to assist you on your journey of self-exploration while creating a safe, genuine, and open-minded environment for growth and self-improvement. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +3 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Stress, Relationships, Anxiety, +2 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +3 more
Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +5 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +18 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +9 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Carelon, Geisinger Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | BCBS, +7 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Career, Divorce / Breakup, +5 more

As a seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience in the counseling and child welfare fields, I am committed to providing a safe emotional and p... As a seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience in the counseling and child welfare fields, I am committed to providing a safe emotional and psychological space that is conducive to change in leading a meaningful and fulfilled life. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

Evan Csir

Hear from Evan Csir, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Evan Csir's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My approach for working with children is person centered, behavior therapy techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and the Superflex curriculum (Superflex is a superhero themed social thinking curriculum that externalizes problem behaviors and reframes them as “unthinkables” to defeat as a way to learn new skills). I find this approach works best in supporting children and their parents and caregivers in learning the necessary skills for them to be successful.I also believe that it is important to include parents so they can learn new skills and refine their existing ones. Depending on the needs of the child, it might be important to for me to consult with the school to support them with working with the child.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

When working with children, I typically teach but are not limited to the following skills:

  • Coping skills: This is teaching the child ways to regulate themselves such as breathing techniques (smell your flower, blow bubbles; square breathing), progressive muscle relaxation, grounding techniques, identifying emotions and the bodily sensations associated with them, learning to identify triggers.
  • Social skills: This is learning how to respond to friends and family in a healthy way. Includes learning how to problem solve (such as scaling a problem as a “big” or “little” deal) and increase flexibility skills, turn taking skills, learning how to be a gracious winner/loser, recognizing non-verbal cues in others, and identifying why others might feel the way they do.
  • Behavior momentum: this is teaching the child (and family) to start with easier tasks and work their way to harder things to generate momentum so they focus on their tasks. Families may already know this as “being in the zone.”
  • Parenting skills: This is supporting parents in using and learning skills so they can help their child more easily. This may include teaching them the PRIDE skills: praise, reflection, imitation, behavior descriptions, and enjoyment. Parents may also learn to use planned ignore (ignoring the child's behaviors until they engage in a desired behavior) and selective attention (ignore the unwanted behavior while emphasizing the desired behavior).

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

I know a client is making significant progress when the child and the family start to tell stories of them having “good” problems such as figuring out which birthday parties they want to attend.

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

Families can supplement their time outside of sessions is to practice their skills. Parents can also review situations with their child by telling them how they expect their child to behave, give them ideas how to respond to surprising or unexpected situations by framing it in desired behaviors (I expect you to share your toys. I expect you to explain the problem with your friend and to find me if you cannot figure out how to solve it. I want you to take 5 deep breathes when you feel mad at your friend.)

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

Prior to the initial session, parents should remind their child that they're not “bad” due to them discussing their challenges. Parents can also review how the session will probably flow so they have an idea of what to expect. If the session is in person, they can show their child where the office is located. If it is a telehealth session, they can discuss where they want the session to take place.

Starting Child & teen counseling

What is Child & teen counseling?

Thriveworks child & teen counseling in Pittsburgh 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 and adolescents can attend and benefit from therapy.

How does Child & teen counseling work?

Child & teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the child or teen'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 (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, child & teen counselors have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.

Is Child & teen counseling conducted in person or online?

Child & teen counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Child & teen counseling last?

The length of child & teen counseling at Thriveworks in Pittsburgh, PA depends on your child's needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child & teen counseling sessions will last for several months.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy and Teen Counseling—Counselors and Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

Thriveworks Pittsburgh, PA has both child therapists and teen counselors on staff. Both of these services have proven to benefit many kids and teens—if you think that your child or teen could find value too, reach out to us today. Just give our office a call and we will get you and your child in for an appointment!

Does My Child Need Therapy? Who Does It Help?

Imagine (or remember) how hard it is to work through mental and emotional challenges at a young, inexperienced age. Children experience a range of stressors and other life issues that threaten their overall wellbeing, of which a child therapist can help them address and better cope with. For example, here are common issues seen in child therapy:

  • Symptoms of a mental illness
  • Signs of a learning disorder
  • Difficulty in social situations
  • Behavioral problems
  • Grief and loss
  • Aggression or anger management
  • Divorced/divorcing parents

Here at Thriveworks Pittsburgh, our child therapists will talk with you and your child to best understand what it is they’re going through and what it is they need help with. This will likely mean one on one time with you as well as your child. Then, they will design a treatment plan best suited for your child, which again might involve your participation as well as the participation of other family members too.

Remember: Our child therapists, counselors, and psychologists have your child’s best interest in mind. We are here to help them and ensure that they live a happy, healthy life for many years to come.

Does My Teen Need Mental Health Help? How Does It Work?

Enlisting the support of an experienced teen counselor may be just what is needed to help your teen cope with the stressors in their life. Teen counseling is a great way for youth to express themselves in a safe environment and to bring a sense of normalcy to a disorder that may seem frightening.

There are a number of issues that may arise during your child’s teen years, such as:

  • Depression, including manic episodes and major depression
  • Anxiety, including test anxiety and social anxiety
  • Self-harm, including cutting and burning
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
  • Addictions, including drugs, alcohol, and gaming

These disorders can be overwhelming for a teen to deal with on their own, and it can be hard for a parent to know the best steps to take. Our teen counselors are experts in their field and advocates for your child’s wellbeing. One way a counselor can help is by creating a treatment plan and determining the underlying cause of the disorder. Causes of mental health disorders can include:

  • Past trauma
  • Substance-induced disorder
  • Stress
  • Peer pressure

When teens are in turmoil they can feel as though no one understands them and that they are the only one dealing with given issue. A teen counselor can help them correct their perception and show them there are many people on their side and many others who are going through the same thing.

Schedule Child Therapy and Teen Counseling at Thriveworks Pittsburgh, PA

If you feel like your child or teen needs or could benefit from working with a professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Thriveworks Pittsburgh has child therapists and teen counselors on our team. These professionals are dedicated to helping these young individuals live better and they’re ready to help.

To schedule a child therapy or teen counseling appointment at Thriveworks Pittsburgh, just call our office. We look forward to it.

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 Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | BCBS

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Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am so very happy with my Therapist Monica Cwynar. She is everything I could hope for since I really never did this before and didn't know what to expect. She is very understanding and easy to talk to.
Read more I am so very happy with my Therapist Monica Cwynar. She is everything I could hope for since I really never did this before and didn't know what to expect. She is very understanding and easy to talk to.
Philip Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So I don't like doing this but have to say that I'm very happy with Monica and I think we are doing good work.
Read more So I don't like doing this but have to say that I'm very happy with Monica and I think we are doing good work.
Philip Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have learned so much about myself since i started therapy at thriveworks .. I’m doing CBT and I’m improving I love my Therapist and my NP that goes over medication. I would recommend anyone to use your services
Read more I have learned so much about myself since i started therapy at thriveworks .. I’m doing CBT and I’m improving I love my Therapist and my NP that goes over medication. I would recommend anyone to use your services
Rosanne Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kate is a warm, caring and trusting person who has a way of making me feel secure with opening up to her with whatever I need to talk about.
Read more Kate is a warm, caring and trusting person who has a way of making me feel secure with opening up to her with whatever I need to talk about.
Pittsburgh Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Barb is an amazing therapist. She is compassionate and very motivated. I highly recommend her.
Pittsburgh Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services!
Read more Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services!
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica is a great person and a wonderful listener. You will be in great hands!
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services.
Read more Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services.
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Arriviste Coffee Bar, and across the street From Dark Matter Tattoo Collective. Between Ellsworth Avenue and Felix Way, we share an office building with Round Table Coffee.

Phone number

(412) 561-9950

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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