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 child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 45 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

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 Boston.

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 Boston, 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 Boston, 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 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 Boston therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Boston
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 Thriveworks Boston reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Working with Samantha has been an excellent experience over the past 9 months. She is a passionate, dedicated professional who was a huge help in alleviating my anxiety and holistically improving my mental health. Her insights were clear and actionable, and improved my daily quality of life. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone who is struggling with interpersonal relationships, family issues, or anxiety.
Read more Working with Samantha has been an excellent experience over the past 9 months. She is a passionate, dedicated professional who was a huge help in alleviating my anxiety and holistically improving my mental health. Her insights were clear and actionable, and improved my daily quality of life. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone who is struggling with interpersonal relationships, family issues, or anxiety.
Boston Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr cavallaro provides excellent care. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Boston (South End) Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kimberly is one of the most passionate and compassionate social worker I have had the pleasure of working with. She is non judgmental, emphatic and has a great sense of humor. Kimberly embodies all the qualities of an amazing clinician.
Read more Kimberly is one of the most passionate and compassionate social worker I have had the pleasure of working with. She is non judgmental, emphatic and has a great sense of humor. Kimberly embodies all the qualities of an amazing clinician.
Boston Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My experience of Kimberly Wabik as a colleague was wonderful. She was extremely hard-working, went the extra mile for her clients, and was very down to earth, practical and real. To my knowledge, her clients (adolescents and adults) loved working with her.
Read more My experience of Kimberly Wabik as a colleague was wonderful. She was extremely hard-working, went the extra mile for her clients, and was very down to earth, practical and real. To my knowledge, her clients (adolescents and adults) loved working with her.
Boston Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kimberly and she is a compassionate and emphatic social worker. She is passionate, non judgmental and has a great sense of humor. She embodies all the qualities of a great clinician.
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kimberly and she is a compassionate and emphatic social worker. She is passionate, non judgmental and has a great sense of humor. She embodies all the qualities of a great clinician.
Boston Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located on Massachusetts Ave where it intersects with Columbus Ave. We share a building with Salon 428, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston.

Phone number

(617) 958-5365

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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