http://Thriveworks%20wins%20Yahoo!%20award%20for%20best%20online%20therapy%20services%20two%20years%20in%20a%20row.

1,471 people sought child therapy help in Ohio 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

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +20 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +9 more

I am a present-focused, client centered therapist with experience treating anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and... I am a present-focused, client centered therapist with experience treating anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and OCD. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Stress, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, +4 more

As someone that has struggled and watched loved ones struggle with mental health, I understand the crucial importance of taking care of our mental he... As someone that has struggled and watched loved ones struggle with mental health, I understand the crucial importance of taking care of our mental health. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Stress, Addiction, Life Transition, +5 more

As an African American cis-gender female who used to be a silent sufferer, I understand the difficulty, fear, and stigma of trusting a stranger to hel... As an African American cis-gender female who used to be a silent sufferer, I understand the difficulty, fear, and stigma of trusting a stranger to help you explore your feelings. Read more

JP Farley Corporation, Multi Plan PHCS, Oscar Health, +2 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Career, +11 more

My hope each day is to make even the smallest positive difference in someone's life, whether by offering a safe space to process difficult emotions, h... My hope each day is to make even the smallest positive difference in someone's life, whether by offering a safe space to process difficult emotions, helping create a plan to manage life’s stressors, or exploring strengths to pursue meaningful goals. If I’ve lightened even one person’s burden, I consider that day a success. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

As a woman of color, I am a culturally attuned counselor who values your unique experiences, providing support and empowerment tailored to your journe... As a woman of color, I am a culturally attuned counselor who values your unique experiences, providing support and empowerment tailored to your journey. Read more

Aetna, Compsych, First Health Network, +8 more
Medical / Health Issues, Domestic Abuse, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Stress, +8 more

As an older adult woman, I understand the unique issues of navigating life's journey.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +12 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +20 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Bipolar Disorder, +3 more

Life can take some unexpected turns and cause some hurt; it is good to talk with someone when feeling ready to heal and finding the root of why we fee... Life can take some unexpected turns and cause some hurt; it is good to talk with someone when feeling ready to heal and finding the root of why we feel hurt and learn to heal from it. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +20 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, +12 more

Therapy is weird, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, AND it is an investment in your emotions and your time. I get it, and I am here to help you figure it out... Therapy is weird, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, AND it is an investment in your emotions and your time. I get it, and I am here to help you figure it out with support and down to earth feedback. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +21 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

The key to health and happiness is balance: mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually; trauma makes it hard to know what balance is and how to bu... The key to health and happiness is balance: mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually; trauma makes it hard to know what balance is and how to build it, and I'm here to help. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO), +20 more
Bipolar Disorder, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more

I enjoy helping people find the best medication regimen to optimize their well-being.

Matthew S Harmon

Hear from Matthew S Harmon, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health (LPCC)

View Matthew S Harmon's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

A usual go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is to first work on building trust and rapport with the child. Many child therapists prefer play therapy because it allows space for a child to process thoughts and emotions through play, learn skills in a more engaging approach, and continue building rapport with the therapist.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

Typical tools taught in child therapy include communication skills, emotional regulation tools, tools for recognizing and responding to intense emotions, and problem-solving skills.

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

Signs that a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy are when the child better regulates their emotions and can more frequently respond calmly to experiences that previously elicited intense emotions. It can also be when the child can correct their own negative thoughts.

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

Clients, or parents, can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing skills learned in therapy and with parents further growing in their skills to respond to a child's emotions or behaviors.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a parent can talk to their child about what therapy is for and what to expect. Parents can also prepare by identifying concerns as well as giving positive praise to their child when speaking to the child therapist.

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 Columbus.

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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH 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.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in Columbus, OH—Therapists and Counselors

Childhood is meant to be a time of joy and carefree fun, but many children experience mental, emotional, or behavioral difficulties that disrupt this precious time. Thriveworks Columbus understands the challenges families face when a child is struggling. Our goal is to support children and their families, helping them navigate these difficulties and work towards a brighter, happier future.

Call our office in Colombus, OH at (614) 739-8926 to get started today.

What Is Child Therapy?

Child therapy at Thriveworks Columbus is designed to help children understand, process, and manage a variety of issues, from mental illness and trauma to behavioral challenges. Each session is tailored to the unique needs of the child, recognizing that every child is different.

Children’s brains are highly adaptable, and early intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes. Our experienced counselors use a range of therapeutic techniques suited to children’s developmental stages, ensuring they receive the support they need.

Common reasons to seek child therapy include:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Unwarranted aggression
  • Persistent anxiety and nerves
  • Failing or worsening grades
  • Social isolation
  • Self-harm
  • Expression of suicidal thoughts
  • Recent changes in family (move, loss of a family member, etc.)
  • Traumatic experiences

What Does Child Therapy Look Like?

Children often lack the vocabulary and insight to articulate their emotions and experiences. Traditional talk therapy may not always be effective, so we utilize a variety of child-specific therapies, including:

  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Play therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Developing coping methods
  • Practicing relaxation techniques
  • Behavioral therapy

Our counselors are skilled in these techniques and more, providing a comprehensive approach to meet each child’s needs.

Scheduling a Session at Thriveworks Columbus

At Thriveworks Columbus, we understand that deciding to seek therapy for your child is a significant step. We are here to support you throughout the decision-making process, offering tools and recommendations to help you make the best choice for your child.

If you think your child could benefit from working with a therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Columbus today. Our therapists are ready and eager to help them live better and set them up for greater success. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and give your child the support they deserve at (614) 739-8926

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 Columbus therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

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

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • HealthSmart Accel

  • HealthSmart PPO

Show more
Self-pay costs at Columbus
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I've been seeing Ashley for years, and she has done a great job supporting me while I navigate life stressors and changes (big and small).
Emily Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kindness compassion
Belinda Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★☆☆☆
Melissa really listens, and she is able to take what I say and then make connections to either what I have said or felt. She helps me make connections to how I live my life with ADD, PTSD, trauma. She helps me make sense of the hard stuff.
Suzette Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Cecilia has been fantastic during each of our sessions, and I look forward to each appointment. I've tried therapy before but it didn't feel as targeted, or nearly as personal as my time with Cecilia. I would recommend her to anyone who finds her bio/background and areas of expertise resonate with their needs.
Read more Cecilia has been fantastic during each of our sessions, and I look forward to each appointment. I've tried therapy before but it didn't feel as targeted, or nearly as personal as my time with Cecilia. I would recommend her to anyone who finds her bio/background and areas of expertise resonate with their needs.
Justin Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Easy to use. Love virtual sessions. Melissa is wonderful. She's a good listener, has excellent insights, gives me meaningful feedback and education, and is comfortable to work with. I highly respect her skills and compassion.
Marsha Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Everything about my experience was top notch. From finding a therapist, to booking an appointment, to my actual therapist - I adore her and tremendously look forward to our sessions.
Wilma Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Donisha meets me after business hours either in person or over the phone, going on two years now. She's young enough to be my daughter, and has a different perspective on life and people and relationship dynamics than I do, and isn't reticent to call me out on bad behavior or distorted thinking. She's guided me through and past three very toxic relationships and a hostile work environment, and instills hope but not at the expense of reality.
Read more Donisha meets me after business hours either in person or over the phone, going on two years now. She's young enough to be my daughter, and has a different perspective on life and people and relationship dynamics than I do, and isn't reticent to call me out on bad behavior or distorted thinking. She's guided me through and past three very toxic relationships and a hostile work environment, and instills hope but not at the expense of reality.
Michael Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My trauma therapist does an excellent job of balancing time in sessions between helping me sort through current challenges and gently leading me back to keep digging deeper for roots of trauma responses and addressing those things.
Jill Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Columbus is located off of Northwest Blvd, just east of the intersection of Northwest Blvd and N Star Rd. Our building is shared by Schultz CPA, neighbored by Star & Northwest Auto Care, and across the street from Buckeye State Bank. The closest bus stop is Northwest Blvd & Stanford Rd.

Phone number

(614) 739-8926

Languages spoken by OH providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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