Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

2,103 people sought child therapy help in Illinois 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 IL providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
Danielle Jacobson

Hear from Danielle Jacobson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Danielle Jacobson's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

I use play therapy. I believe it is the best way to meet children where they are and reach them at a level that is easiest for them.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: mood regulation, how to talk about feelings, and autonomy.

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

I would know a child is making good progress by collecting data from the child and their caregivers.

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

Clients can practice skills they learned in therapy to supplement the work we are doing together.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for therapy, I encourage the caregiver to practice with the child, asking/answering questions while playing a game together.

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 Chicago.

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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners IPA

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners Kane County

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | HMO - Essential Health Partners Silver Cross

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | PPO

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

  • Choice Care (Humana)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Chicago
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
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a phenomenal resource and their counselors are so helpful; I am doing so well because of them and the affordability of pertinent care.
Read more Thriveworks is a phenomenal resource and their counselors are so helpful; I am doing so well because of them and the affordability of pertinent care.
Kara Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
David is an excellent listener and truly listens actively when you are speaking. He has clinical skills that can help anyone open up and displays empathy with a focus to help you improve and identify goals to work towards full potential. Dave provides a solution focused approach that helps you create better problem solving skills. I would recommend David as a clinician as he has a passion to help others!
Read more David is an excellent listener and truly listens actively when you are speaking. He has clinical skills that can help anyone open up and displays empathy with a focus to help you improve and identify goals to work towards full potential. Dave provides a solution focused approach that helps you create better problem solving skills. I would recommend David as a clinician as he has a passion to help others!
Chicago Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dave is passionate and works hard to help his clients! He has the needed experience to help you.
Read more Dave is passionate and works hard to help his clients! He has the needed experience to help you.
Chicago Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
David Fletcher Janzen is a wonderful and engaging listener. I have benefited from his patience and direct feedback when he provided weekly supervision. He has the passion to develop others and promotes in depth reflection, independence and increased insight. David relates well and is a kind individual willing to provide advise and help to those seeking. I highly recommend David in the role as a therapist!
Read more David Fletcher Janzen is a wonderful and engaging listener. I have benefited from his patience and direct feedback when he provided weekly supervision. He has the passion to develop others and promotes in depth reflection, independence and increased insight. David relates well and is a kind individual willing to provide advise and help to those seeking. I highly recommend David in the role as a therapist!
Chicago Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chicago is located on N Michigan Ave, near the intersection of Michigan and E Lower Wacker Dr and on the south side of the Chicago River. Our office is right next to Starbucks and Blackhawks Store, and our building neighbors the Chicago Architecture Center and Quantum Crossings. The closest bus stop is directly in front of our building at Michigan & E. Wacker.

Phone number

(630) 454-0672

Languages spoken by IL providers

  • Vietnamese
  • 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 CT

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 CT

0 photos