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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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37,445 people sought child & teen counseling help in Virginia 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, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Medical / Health Issues, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

Let us start a conversation.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +16 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe env... As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe environment for you to share. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, +2 more

As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered c... As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

As a therapist, it is my hope to work alongside my clients to discover practical solutions to life's problems.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +14 more

I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and opti... I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, +5 more

As a woman of color who is part of the LBGTQIA+ community, I am no stranger to complications and emotional trauma.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +6 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, +3 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +11 more

My job is to help you find the version of better you are seeking.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensu... As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensure your needs are met. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Military / Veteran, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +6 more

As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being th... As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being through evidence-based practices and individualized care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +12 more

As a queer-identified woman of color, I understand the importance of mental health in underserved and minority communities.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

I am an excellent nurse practitioner who not only evaluates, diagnoses and prescribes medication but I also have the patience to answer all of your qu... I am an excellent nurse practitioner who not only evaluates, diagnoses and prescribes medication but I also have the patience to answer all of your questions, as well. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +11 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +8 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve... As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve a life of peace, happiness, and success; and I am excited, humbled, and privileged to help clients on their journey. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +9 more

As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason Un... As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason University, Virginia, I understand the need to assess and treat each individual based on evidence. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

As a parent myself, I know how much you care about your child doing well and getting along in school.

Starting Child & teen counseling

What is Child & teen counseling?

Thriveworks child & teen counseling in Alexandria 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 Alexandria, VA 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?

Children, like adults, can benefit from counseling. It can help children and adolescents learn how to identify the causes of their distress, develop skills in seeking help, express emotions and improve upon their problem-solving abilities. Common stressors for children include school—excessive or difficult homework, test anxiety, peer pressure, bullying and learning difficulties. Family issues may include parents arguing, divorce, moving to a new home, welcoming a new sibling to the family, death and a major illness.

It can be difficult during the different stages of childhood and adolescence to know if your child is behaving normally or if there is a problem. If you notice a change in your child’s behavior, such as inattention, arguing or withdrawing, or emotionally like depression, anger, worry or stress, they may need help. Therapy is customized to meet the needs of the child and the family with the goal of the program to alleviate symptoms of distress, improve the child’s social and emotional resources, increase their use of effective communication skills and make the relationships in the family and community, as well as with peers, stronger.

If you or another person that knows your child (teacher, coach, school counselor) feels that your child is displaying behavior that has become concerning or dealing with emotions that are causing distractions in their life, it may be time to talk to a therapist, psychologist, or counselor at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia).

Scenarios for Seeking Child and Adolescent Therapy

There are times when it is a good idea to get your child help for mental health issues without waiting. With eating disorders, the longer a child lives with one the harder it is to recover. Getting treatment as quickly as possible can save a child’s life. If mental illness runs in the family, be aware of the increased possibility that your child may begin to develop a disorder. If you feel that your child is showing signs of a disorder, it’s important to act promptly. If you discover that your child has been hurting himself—even if they say it was only a one-time thing—it is vital to get help. Cutting is dangerous behavior that may be the child’s way of dealing with a serious mental health issue.

Some life events can cause changes to a child’s functioning in the process of adjustment. When parents divorce, a new sibling is introduced into the family or there is a change of schools, these situations can have troubling effects on a child’s behavior. It is wise to monitor your child’s behaviors that are a concern. It is a good idea to seek the help of a therapist when you are unsure, especially if the behaviors or feelings are ongoing for weeks or months.

1) Conflict between a teen and her mother. Priscilla is 15, and her mother is 39. They began family therapy together after the communication between them reached a breaking point. They fight on a daily basis, and Priscilla often refuses to listen to her mother. Sometimes she walks out of the room or leaves the house in the middle of conversations. Priscilla’s mother harps on her about doing her chores and homework, as well as her choice in friends. Her mother also expresses that she misses spending time with Priscilla. While in therapy, Priscilla says she would like her mother to stop harping on her.

The therapist provides the two with education regarding Priscilla’s stage of psychological development and gives her healthy communication strategies to use. With the assistance of the therapist, the mother and daughter outline rules for communication and negotiation. They both speak, actively listen and learn new ways of relating to each other, and their relationship becomes less stressful.

2) Mason is nine years old and runs away from his home each afternoon. His parents intervene by having him talk with police officers, his priest and teachers at school about the many dangers of running away. But, his behavior does not change. When Mason’s parents make an appointment to meet with a child therapist, the counselor gets the family history and finds that Mason’s mother works throughout the day, his father works overnight shifts and his three brothers spend much of their time away from home.

In follow-up sessions with Mason, the therapist find that he feels as if nobody pays any attention to him. When he runs away, his parents and other adults stop everything in order to search for him. He becomes the focus of everyone’s attention. The therapist explains to his parents that Mason learned that running away is an effective way to get the attention he craves. Through counseling, he and his parents develop a stronger relationship, and Mason is able to receive the attention he desires in safer, healthier ways. He no longer runs away.

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

The therapists, psychologists, and counselors at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA are professionally licensed and have credentials. They work with children and their families to help with numerous behavioral and emotional issues that prevent them from enjoying a happy family life. The therapists and counselors work with the child to find the areas in their life that are causing them distress and help them learn ways to positively deal with it. Child and adolescent therapists use techniques that include art, narrative, traditional talk, play therapy and more.

Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia) for Professional Child and Adolescent Therapy

At Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia) therapists and counselors work with children and adolescents who have emotional or behavioral problems. The earlier they get treatment, the easier it is to help them. When you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you want to ensure you choose Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA where the therapists will focus on the child’s issues, from abuse and other traumas to learning difficulties to adjusting to transitions in life.

Schedule a session with Thriveworks Alexandria, VA for child and adolescent therapy and counseling, where you won’t be placed on a waiting list. Appointments are available in 24 hours for most new clients.

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 Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
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 was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
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
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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