Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

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

No current openings

All AK providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
Cecilie Cody

Hear from Cecilie Cody, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Cecilie Cody's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

I like to approach child therapy with an engaging attitude and a sense of humor to put the child and their guardians at ease. I use curiosity and empathy to develop a better understanding of the child's experience and what their relationships are like with others.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I feel it's really important to teach healthy self-esteem and practice emotional regulation when talking about distressing emotions or events. We can use art-making, storytelling, and play therapy to learn and practice these skills.

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

I see meaningful progress when the child is more trusting and open during sessions, they are asserting themselves appropriately with care providers, and their behaviors are improving in the home and school setting.

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

Children and their guardians can practice new routines, establish a reward system that involves quality time with each other, and complete any simple homework assignments that might be given.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

A child client can bring any drawings or a favorite toy to the session as a means of introduction and to help with any anxiety. The client is encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about the things that are bothering them.

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 Anchorage.

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 Anchorage, AK 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 Anchorage, AK 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.

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 Anchorage therapists and counselors accept 20 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Medicare AK

Show more
Self-pay costs at Anchorage
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I had a wonderful experience with my practitioner. She was a real professional and helped me tremendously. I will recommend to friends and family.
Read more I had a wonderful experience with my practitioner. She was a real professional and helped me tremendously. I will recommend to friends and family.
Heather Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr. Sjofn Weisner gives skilled and compassionate service.
Anchorage Jun 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Noel is compassion and empathy for her clients situation, demonstrate her dedication to guiding them through their struggles so that they can find their way to a healthier situation. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that appreciates the differences and embraces culture that is important to grow and develop.
Read more Noel is compassion and empathy for her clients situation, demonstrate her dedication to guiding them through their struggles so that they can find their way to a healthier situation. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that appreciates the differences and embraces culture that is important to grow and develop.
Anchorage May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Highly recommend Jennifer Morton who works at Thrive Works! She is respectful and trustworthy.
Anchorage May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am former senior law enforcement officer in western Alaska. I found Behavioral Health Services could absolutely benefit people everywhere. Especially, in remote areas of Alaska. Jenifer Morton has experience and training to assist clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, chemical dependency, PTSD or Trauma related issues just as a few. Alaska needs more professionals with Jennifer Morton’s experience.
Read more I am former senior law enforcement officer in western Alaska. I found Behavioral Health Services could absolutely benefit people everywhere. Especially, in remote areas of Alaska. Jenifer Morton has experience and training to assist clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, chemical dependency, PTSD or Trauma related issues just as a few. Alaska needs more professionals with Jennifer Morton’s experience.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr.Sjofn Weisner is caring and professional. She is easy to talk to and listens whole heartedly.
Read more Dr.Sjofn Weisner is caring and professional. She is easy to talk to and listens whole heartedly.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Sjofn Weisner is a very kind and caring therapist. She helped me figure out my feelings of being stuck and helped me make decisions that have effectively directed my life in a more positive direction. I've lost weight, started running, I got out of a bad relationship and now am in a good and caring relationship. I'm understanding that i can make better choices in life. This has been thanks to her guidance and genuine understanding and support. She is fully committed to assisting me in achieving my goals with enthusiasm and optimism.
Read more Dr Sjofn Weisner is a very kind and caring therapist. She helped me figure out my feelings of being stuck and helped me make decisions that have effectively directed my life in a more positive direction. I've lost weight, started running, I got out of a bad relationship and now am in a good and caring relationship. I'm understanding that i can make better choices in life. This has been thanks to her guidance and genuine understanding and support. She is fully committed to assisting me in achieving my goals with enthusiasm and optimism.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Sjofn Weisner worked to help me reframe my perspective and access a deeper part of myself that I didn't realize was there. I completed two sessions with Sjofn and was amazed by my results. Sjofn has a very warm, caring, and personable demeanor that radiates through her services. I will definitely continue to see Sjofn for my future sessions.
Read more Dr. Sjofn Weisner worked to help me reframe my perspective and access a deeper part of myself that I didn't realize was there. I completed two sessions with Sjofn and was amazed by my results. Sjofn has a very warm, caring, and personable demeanor that radiates through her services. I will definitely continue to see Sjofn for my future sessions.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Anchorage is located at 670 W Fireweed Ln Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503 — right across from where G Ct. intersects with Fireweed. Currently, we share a building with Easterseals Alaska and IDEA Homeschool Anchorage. And next door to the left (if you’re looking at our office) is Storio Specialty Car Storage, PHALANX Academy, and Alaska Textiles.

Phone number

(907) 885-6457

Languages spoken by AK providers

  • English
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in AKST

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in AKST

0 photos