Care without the wait

36 licensed therapists & providers in California. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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3,401 people sought child therapy help in California in the last year

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

Meet with a child/teen therapist as soon as this week

Huntington Beach

As a woman of color who has known both trauma and healing, I am deeply committed to helping individuals build the capacity to redi...

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Irvine

As a mental health nurse practitioner I understand that every person is unique in their own way. I strive to combine advanced cli...

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La Habra

As someone who has walked alongside countless individuals through trauma, self-doubt, and life's unexpected turns, I am passionate...

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Thousand Oaks

I understand the unique challenges of navigating life as a minority, and I bring both personal experience and professional support...

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Thousand Oaks

As someone who has walked alongside individuals, couples, and families through trauma, loss, and life transitions, I bring an empa...

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Child therapy FAQs

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 California.

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 California, CA 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 California, CA 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 accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in California accept 37 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Alignment Health Plan

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

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Self-pay costs at California
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

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist is always caring and understanding no matter what i say. I am blessed that we found each other.
Gianna Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jan has been incredible. Thank you so much
Dominique Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She is efficient, reliable, caring, and professional. I look forward to our future conversations!
Ariel Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Patrice was amazing from the start. She and I clicked and were able to be freely and truly open with one another. I appreciate all of her hard work, and her dedication to her practice. I felt comfortable and heard. Patrice provided me with techniques that I can carry moving forward to live my best life!
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Brandy Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Easy to book, convenient telehealth and works around my schedule
Dianne Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Blanca Sevilla is an amazing therapist! I always feel like I get a lot out of our sessions and I appreciate their insights so much. I have been having sessions from them for a few years now and I feel like I've come leaps and bounds from where I was before. Thank you Blanca for being the best!
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Amy Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Sara is amazing. She makes it so comfortable to talk to her
Lili Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy working with Dr Juan Perez, he's very professional, knowledgeable and is focused on helping me acquire the skills and tools that I need to reduce anxiety and incorporate mindfulness into my life.
Jessy Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 184 reviews

Where to find us

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Phone number

(628) 600-7682
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Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Swedish
  • Arabic
  • Farsi
  • Spanish
  • English
  • Tagalog
  • Armenian
  • Vietnamese
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Support Hours

Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm

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