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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors in Charlotte, NC offer child therapy

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

All Charlotte services

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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10,593 people sought child therapy help in North Carolina 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +19 more
Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +4 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Coping Skills, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

Change is a life-long journey requiring acceptance and commitment to motivate oneself towards change.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Coping Skills, Stress, Anxiety, Depression

As an African-American woman, with her own personal life experiences and mental health challenges, I am intentional about creating safe spaces for peo... As an African-American woman, with her own personal life experiences and mental health challenges, I am intentional about creating safe spaces for people of color at all stages of life to access quality and culturally relevant mental health care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +22 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +8 more

Everyone has a story to tell and I look forward to hearing yours.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +12 more

As a clinician who has served in children, family, relationship, and adult services for over 20 years and clinical practice for over 13 years, I under... As a clinician who has served in children, family, relationship, and adult services for over 20 years and clinical practice for over 13 years, I understand the difficulty in trying to find balance and a sense of self. My goal is to empower and teach self-preservation in a world that is not always understanding. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +22 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

As a woman of color who has experienced her own mental health challenges, I understand the unique struggle of starting your healing journey.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Carelon, +18 more
Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Anxiety, Depression

As a clinician with a background in multiple settings, I am able address a variety of clinical needs.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +20 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +18 more

As a wife and mother of 3 adopted children, one who identifies with they/them pronouns and is in a same sex marriage, I have experience with diversity... As a wife and mother of 3 adopted children, one who identifies with they/them pronouns and is in a same sex marriage, I have experience with diversity. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Stress, Women’s Issues, Divorce / Breakup, +12 more

I am a very compassionate and professional Nurse Practitioner that has treated mental health conditions and substance use for over 10 years.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Stress, Borderline Personality, Trauma / PTSD

As part of this post-COVID world, I understand how things can be chaotic and challenging.

Robin Stitt

Hear from Robin Stitt, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

View Robin Stitt's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is play therapy. I enjoy the best benefits in the expression of feelings because it allows the child to connect with the therapist when they have experienced extreme trauma

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

Art and Play Therapy allows the child to express their feelings and thoughts through art (painting, coloring, or drawing) or (cards, blocks, dolls).

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when they can express feelings verbally

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy with reading, play, or other creative activities

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can talk with a parent about the experience or make a list of questions they may want to ask the therapist during the 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 Charlotte.

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 Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte, NC 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.

Need more help deciding?

Every parent’s worst nightmare is finding out something is wrong with their child. It can be incredibly frustrating to know something is wrong, and be completely unable to help. Having a child with an emotional or psychological problem is difficult to understand, and also difficult to deal with on your own.

You and your child may have been struggling with this issue for quite some time, unable to find relief or it may be something sudden that has been completely shocking and overwhelming. Whatever situation that you find your family in, Thriveworks Charlotte’s child therapists are ready and able to step in and help.

People of every age have natural growing pains involved with getting older and becoming mature. For some, these normal struggles can become completely debilitating. Perhaps there is poor communication between you and your child and you simply worry about what is going on in their head and in their heart. We understand that you want the best for your son or daughter, and we are able to step in where your efforts have met a brick wall.

You may be so used to the sound of a slamming door in your face from your teenager, this seems like it might just be normal life. But believe us, your home does not have to be like this; your relationship with your child does not have to be like this as well.

Thriveworks child therapists are leaders in their field. They are ready and able to help with any problem that you may present in the counseling office. You may be embarrassed for your family or for your child, and feel uneasy about discussing the issues you are facing with a stranger. While we understand, we want you to know that we are professionals and will not be shocked by whatever you bring to our office.

Why Choose Counseling for Your Child?

It is never easy to come to the realization that your child needs professional help. There are many reasons why parents choose to take their child to therapy or counseling. Your child may be having trouble at school, perhaps with other kids, or with finishing their work in a timely manner. Or perhaps your child cannot sleep and is consumed with worries and fears. Maybe your teenager is sneaking around, and you are worried that he or she is not telling you the truth.

Every child is different, just like every family is different. We understand that discussing emotional issues with a 3-year-old is completely different than with a 17-year-old. The needs and abilities of each person that comes into our offices vary greatly. We are ready and able to meet you and your child where you are; and can help break down barriers to communication.

There are many reasons to pursue child therapy. These may include:

  • Autism concerns or diagnosis
  • ADHD/ADD concerns or diagnosis
  • Disruptive behavior in school
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Violent or criminal behavior
  • Life change, such as divorce
  • Trouble with bullying
  • Addictions to drugs or alcohol
  • Eating disorders
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Difficulties with friends
  • Emotional or psychological problems
  • Anxiety

After reading this list, you may know exactly what your child is facing and have a good idea of what you need help with at home. You as the parent, however, might also have a feeling that things are just not right. Your teenager may be suddenly acting differently, or you just know that your child is not at ease. Having this understanding is the first step in creating change and growth for your child.

It is normal and healthy to go through many changes during childhood. All children mature and change at different rates, and oftentimes experience communication problems as well within their family. Teenagers often have the feeling that no one understands them. Puberty can also cause teens to wonder if they are “normal.”

Many of these fears and challenges are normal parts of childhood and parenting. But sometimes, they become overwhelming. Do not ignore your parental instinct. If you feel like your child needs help, there is no other explanation that is needed.

We all can look back at childhood and adolescence and think of difficult times. Are there times that you wish someone would have been available to talk? If you look back on childhood and do not feel that way, you most likely had a trusted confidant. Giving the gift of healthy communication to your child is a huge source of strength for him or her. If your child is facing a serious trauma or difficulty at school or home, we are available to help. There is no need for you or your child to struggle in silence.

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

Dealing with kids and teenagers in counseling is completely different than dealing with adults. A trained and experienced therapist knows that, and has solutions to overcoming any communication difficulties that age can present.

There are many unique and important ways that a child/adolescent therapist can help deal with the problems of this age group. Every parent knows that talking with a toddler is very different than talking with a teenager. A trained counselor or therapist will use several techniques to find what works best for your child.

These methods of child therapy may include:

  • Traditional talk therapy
  • Behavior modification techniques
  • Play therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Teaching relaxation methods
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Narrative therapy
  • Teaching coping methods
  • Identifying and treating underlying medical issues
  • Identifying and treating underlying psychological issues

Change may not happen in the first, the second or even the third session. We do not claim to have a magic potion to make all of your child’s problems disappear (and do not trust anyone who claims that they do). We are here to walk with you, your family and your child on a journey of healing and growth.

Every child is special and unique. We recognize that, and will create a unique and specialized treatment plan for each person that walks through our doors. Thriveworks child therapists are trained professionals, ready to help.

How Do I Know Thriveworks Charlotte is Right for My Son or Daughter?

You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed and discouraged in the search for help for your child. Your teenager may be reluctant to accept help, or even to attend counseling.

In some parts of the country or in some families and cultures, there is a stigma against counseling and therapy. Do not let this stand in the way of getting help for your child. We are here to help you create the type of relationship with your child that you used to have, or have always dreamed of having with him or her. We can help your child walk throughout whatever they are facing, and find strength in doing so.

You were probably inundated with choices when you conducted the search that brought you to this page. There are many choices for help for your child; it can be very overwhelming. Thriveworks is a name you can trust. Our child therapists are leaders in their field. Our counselors have been featured in many academic journals and reputable news outlets such as CNN, The Journal of Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Today and The Boston Globe. They have experience dealing with the same issues you have kept hidden for so long or that you cannot imagine facing. They are ready to help with whatever your child is dealing with, whether big or small.

At Thriveworks, we pride ourselves on not operating with a waiting list. We understand that it may have been very difficult to convince your child to come to therapy. When you and your child are ready, we are ready. We have appointments available in the next 24 hours for most new clients. We are just a phone call or a message away. We are ready and able to help you and your child process and cope, and function and thrive in home and school.

It would be our honor to walk with you and your son or daughter on this journey of healing.

Call Thriveworks Child Therapy at 980-581-3061 or send us a message here.

Child Therapy — TherapyLand™

Our Charlotte, NC office is a TherapyLand location: A positive, empowering place for kids to get the mental health care they deserve. Equipped with sandboxes, dollhouses, easels, puppets, blocks, basketball hoops, and other tools, our play therapy rooms are designed to help kids explore and express their emotions. Learn more about TherapyLand and how it could help your child.

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 Charlotte therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Charlotte
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
★★★★★
I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Read more I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Jennifer Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Clarissa is a true professional and I love working with her!
Charlotte Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Patricia shows her professionalism by having a positive attitude, using time effectively, and providing excellent service. Dr. Patricia's communication is wonderful when showing her active listening skills. Dr. Patricia shows compassion because she is passionate about what she brings to this field.
Read more Dr Patricia shows her professionalism by having a positive attitude, using time effectively, and providing excellent service. Dr. Patricia's communication is wonderful when showing her active listening skills. Dr. Patricia shows compassion because she is passionate about what she brings to this field.
Charlotte Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Gabrielle is an amazing therapist. She is very empathetic to her clients and their needs. She can help you through what ever you are going through. Schedule with her! You will not be disappointed.
Read more Gabrielle is an amazing therapist. She is very empathetic to her clients and their needs. She can help you through what ever you are going through. Schedule with her! You will not be disappointed.
Charlotte Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Clair Crow professionally and can attest to what an incredible therapist she is! She has a calm demeanor and creates safety with her clients. She balances that safety and care with clear boundaries. I highly recommend her and have often referred clients to her for her expertise.
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Clair Crow professionally and can attest to what an incredible therapist she is! She has a calm demeanor and creates safety with her clients. She balances that safety and care with clear boundaries. I highly recommend her and have often referred clients to her for her expertise.
Charlotte Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Mrs. Matson for close to a year now and I can say with certainty that she's a great counselor to go to for help with emotional regulation and understanding, grief management, and processing trauma in healthy and beneficial ways. Her use of meditation techniques to get to the root of my emotions and habits have helped me understand so much about myself and why I operate the way I do. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone just starting out looking for a good counselor, or anyone looking for a friendly empathetic professional who listens well and draws from a wealth of information to provide really quality services.
Read more I've worked with Mrs. Matson for close to a year now and I can say with certainty that she's a great counselor to go to for help with emotional regulation and understanding, grief management, and processing trauma in healthy and beneficial ways. Her use of meditation techniques to get to the root of my emotions and habits have helped me understand so much about myself and why I operate the way I do. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone just starting out looking for a good counselor, or anyone looking for a friendly empathetic professional who listens well and draws from a wealth of information to provide really quality services.
Charlotte Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have seen Dr. Daniel Stillwell for a year for individual and couples counseling and I trust him immensely. He is a skilled, authentic, and highly competent professional. I’ve also referred him to others and they described the same. Thriveworks staff have been very helpful with insurance and appointments.
Read more I have seen Dr. Daniel Stillwell for a year for individual and couples counseling and I trust him immensely. He is a skilled, authentic, and highly competent professional. I’ve also referred him to others and they described the same. Thriveworks staff have been very helpful with insurance and appointments.
Charlotte Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Adriana Blanco is wonderful. I never felt any judgement from her during our sessions. She is compassionate, firm and extremely knowledgeable. I could not see myself opening up as much with another counselor, thank you for putting her in my path.
Read more Adriana Blanco is wonderful. I never felt any judgement from her during our sessions. She is compassionate, firm and extremely knowledgeable. I could not see myself opening up as much with another counselor, thank you for putting her in my path.
Charlotte Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Charlotte is near the corner of Park Road and Woodlawn Road. We are across the street from Starbucks and Exxon. Sharonview Federal Credit Union is the building next to our office.

Phone number

(980) 217-6901

Languages spoken by NC 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 ET

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 ET

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