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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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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a child/teen can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
George Wanke

Hear from George Wanke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View George Wanke's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My most frequently used approach to counseling teens is to help them solve problems and validate their questions and struggles. Normalizing thoughts and feelings and validating experiences motivates me the most because teen clients value the relief they experience when plans for problem-solving are made.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I use the “Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” guidelines a lot in my work.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling?

I use EBP treatment plan goals, so my goal is for the client to make progress toward goal achievement.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement teen counseling?

Clients can use anxiety-reducing exercises like deep breathing and the 5-4-3-2-1 game and practice talking about less emotional things with others.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

I encourage teens to think about things that bother them most that they have tried to solve but haven't been able to.

Starting Child/teen therapy

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?

Child Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Child and Adolescent Counseling

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).

When to Seek Child 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.

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.

Schedule Child Therapy at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

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 right away and most new clients can meet with a provider within the same week as scheduling.

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 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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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
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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