Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

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

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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 .

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 , DE 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 , DE 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?

Annica’s mom has noticed recently that she has a low self-esteem. She always apologizes for things she doesn’t need to, always says how she’s going to fail even though she’s extremely gifted, and even thinks of herself as ugly. Her mom constantly reassures her that she is beautiful and worthy, however, Annica still struggles to see herself that way.

Clay’s grandma passed away recently and he is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. He still refers to his grandma as if she is still here and can’t acknowledge that she has passed on. His mom and dad have tried explaining to him what that means and don’t know how to help him move forward in his grieving process.

Our children need to be taught how to think, not what to think.” – Unknown

Although Annica and Clay are going through completely different challenges in life, they could both benefit from the help of a child therapist. At Thriveworks Delaware Counseling, our team of child therapists have the training the expertise to help your child or teen work through a multitude of problems they face while growing up. And they are ready to start helping today. To get started, give us a call at (302) 703-0979 and one of our scheduling specialists will help you.

Child Therapy: Conversations and Tools to Help Kids

As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child go through something that you have no control over. No amount of love and care can fix all of the issues they face. While we’d like to think that it’s possible, sometimes the help of a psychologist is the little extra push they need to overcome their obstacles. Child therapy is similar to adult therapy which is designed to help kids and teens manage mental illnesses, heal from trauma, cope with changes, and more. These things are hard enough for adults, let alone the young minds of our youth. Child therapy is used to make a meaningful difference in your child’s life and help them break down what they are feeling into more manageable pieces.

Our child counselors have the training, education, and experience to work with young children, teens, and adolescents. To be able to connect with kids of all different ages and backgrounds, they use a variety of different methods and techniques. Some different methods you could expect to see be used with your child include:

  • Play therapy
  • Traditional talk therapy
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Stress management
  • Anger management
  • Family therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Coping mechanisms
  • Communication skills

Each method provides different benefits to the child. As we understand that each child and teen is unique, we are dedicated to using different methods to find what works best for them. If one thing isn’t working, there are dozens of other ways we can connect with your child on a deeper level. In addition, we will teach you and your child’s other caregivers additional tools to use in home. Better communication and understanding on both ends are essential in overcoming tough challenges.

Should My Child Receive Therapy? Signs and Symptoms

As we have briefly touched on, children and teens experience difficult situations and challenges that they have a hard time dealing with. They can benefit from working with a therapist to better manage their symptoms, understand their emotions, heal, and learn how to cope moving forward. Here are a few reasons why your child might need the guidance of a child counselor:

  • Divorce
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • ADHD/ADD
  • Learning disabilities
  • Low self-esteem
  • Bullying
  • Anger problems
  • Behavioral problems at home and/or at school
  • Trouble making friends
  • Coping with a major life change
  • Parent or parents in the military
  • Eating disorders
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Stress management

Here at Thriveworks Delaware Counseling, we are able to help kids with this list of issues and much, much more. Even if you aren’t sure what your child is dealing with exactly, we can help pinpoint their emotions and provide them with coping mechanisms. Our primary goal is to help you and your child get the help and support you need.

Work with an Online Child Therapist at Thriveworks Delaware

Our location provides two online options to our clients: telephone and video chat. Both options have great benefits such as convenience, reliability, comfort, affordability, and effectiveness. We understand that parents and kids have busy schedules. Online counseling is a great option that can fit into your schedule when and where you need it.

In addition to the benefits of online counseling, we have flexible scheduling options that include days, evenings, and weekends. We also accept most major insurance carriers and have great self-payment options available as well. To get started, visit our online booking system or give us a call at (302) 703-0979. One of our scheduling specialists can get you set up with a provider as soon as tomorrow in most cases.

Don’t wait any longer to get you and your child the help you need to start living a happy, full life again. We can’t wait to work with you.

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 therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Delaware

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Medicare Advantage

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware | PPO HMO

Show more
Self-pay costs at
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Amy Lake and I had a tele appointment last week and now I am here for our in-person session. The office is very. Amy is very thorough and nice.
Read more Amy Lake and I had a tele appointment last week and now I am here for our in-person session. The office is very. Amy is very thorough and nice.
Angie Nov 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had nothing but a great results seeing Emily! She has helped me walk through my problems and try different ways to work through them. She is a wonderful listener and person. I would highly reccomend Emily. I look forward to her help with my problems.
Read more I have had nothing but a great results seeing Emily! She has helped me walk through my problems and try different ways to work through them. She is a wonderful listener and person. I would highly reccomend Emily. I look forward to her help with my problems.
Theresa Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Shannon Clay is an absolute GEM! I've never know a "professional" who exuded an empathy and compassion for what they do as a profession, as Shannon does! She personifies an uncanny willingness to provide resources and a listening ear. She's never judgemental and gives the best advice! I am a better person for having met her. I pray she goes far in this business, especially in the climate we are living in nowadays!
Read more Shannon Clay is an absolute GEM! I've never know a "professional" who exuded an empathy and compassion for what they do as a profession, as Shannon does! She personifies an uncanny willingness to provide resources and a listening ear. She's never judgemental and gives the best advice! I am a better person for having met her. I pray she goes far in this business, especially in the climate we are living in nowadays!
Wilmington Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I called to make an appointment for my daughter and Kenyata was SO friendly and helpful. She answered all of my questions and was so easy to talk to. Scheduling as a first-time patient is always so difficult, but this was so easy and accomodating. If the scale is 1-5, 5 being the best, I'd give my experience a 10!
Read more I called to make an appointment for my daughter and Kenyata was SO friendly and helpful. She answered all of my questions and was so easy to talk to. Scheduling as a first-time patient is always so difficult, but this was so easy and accomodating. If the scale is 1-5, 5 being the best, I'd give my experience a 10!
Newark Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Has helped me come a long, very easy to talk to and understanding, highly recommend
Newark, DE May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve been searching for the right fit. Had almost given up after 2 unsuccessful relationships with other counselors in the last year. Thriveworks makes scheduling easy, takes my insurance (Aetna), and offers quality, invested care. For the first time, I look forward to counseling sessions and feel so much better after! Hend Salah is helping me see things differently and get my life back on track.
Read more I’ve been searching for the right fit. Had almost given up after 2 unsuccessful relationships with other counselors in the last year. Thriveworks makes scheduling easy, takes my insurance (Aetna), and offers quality, invested care. For the first time, I look forward to counseling sessions and feel so much better after! Hend Salah is helping me see things differently and get my life back on track.
Dover Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I recommend Michael Beckham without reservation. He was both a colleague of mine and a supervisor and I've known him to be an outstanding, caring clinician. Michael is highly intelligent, warm, empathetic and effective. He has a great deal of experience and is beloved by his patients.
Read more I recommend Michael Beckham without reservation. He was both a colleague of mine and a supervisor and I've known him to be an outstanding, caring clinician. Michael is highly intelligent, warm, empathetic and effective. He has a great deal of experience and is beloved by his patients.
Newark, DE Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Thompson is an excellent therapist. She really helped me when I was struggling. I’ve known her for years and she is a very kind and caring person. I highly recommend this practice.
Read more Dr. Thompson is an excellent therapist. She really helped me when I was struggling. I’ve known her for years and she is a very kind and caring person. I highly recommend this practice.
Newark, DE Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Deb Thompson is a kind, caring and thoughtful person. Very easy to talk to.
Newark, DE Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I highly recommend this practice! Super friendly staff, easy appt scheduling, great therapists with a wide range of styles and approaches. The director, Dr Thompson, is smart, and kind, and so down to earth, she really listens.
Read more I highly recommend this practice! Super friendly staff, easy appt scheduling, great therapists with a wide range of styles and approaches. The director, Dr Thompson, is smart, and kind, and so down to earth, she really listens.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Thompson provides great support and advice. She helped me through a rough time in my life and gave me the right kind of help when I needed it. I learned a ton about myself, cleaned up some past baggage that was weighing me down, and got my life back on track. I still use the skills she taught me in my relationships, at work, with my kids and I feel in control of my life. I’m not happy go lucky 100% of the time, but I’m much more relaxed and open and confident that I can handle whatever comes up. Big thanks to Dr Thompson!
Read more Dr Thompson provides great support and advice. She helped me through a rough time in my life and gave me the right kind of help when I needed it. I learned a ton about myself, cleaned up some past baggage that was weighing me down, and got my life back on track. I still use the skills she taught me in my relationships, at work, with my kids and I feel in control of my life. I’m not happy go lucky 100% of the time, but I’m much more relaxed and open and confident that I can handle whatever comes up. Big thanks to Dr Thompson!
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
When Dr Thompson announced she was opening a Thriveworks office in Newark, I was thrilled. Over the past 20 years, I have referred many clients to Dr Thompson and found her to be sensitive, caring, ethical, and highly skilled with a wide range of clients. She was able to connect with folks who’ve had difficulty finding a good fit with other clinicians, and she seemed to know just the right approach with some of my clients who’d tried therapy in the past, but didn’t really feel at ease. Her compassion, experience, and excellent clinical skills make her my first choice when referring out; I would send my own family members to Dr Thompson.
Read more When Dr Thompson announced she was opening a Thriveworks office in Newark, I was thrilled. Over the past 20 years, I have referred many clients to Dr Thompson and found her to be sensitive, caring, ethical, and highly skilled with a wide range of clients. She was able to connect with folks who’ve had difficulty finding a good fit with other clinicians, and she seemed to know just the right approach with some of my clients who’d tried therapy in the past, but didn’t really feel at ease. Her compassion, experience, and excellent clinical skills make her my first choice when referring out; I would send my own family members to Dr Thompson.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known Dr.Thompson for many years and completely trust her professionalism and expertise. I wish she would open a Thriveworks in my town.
Read more I have known Dr.Thompson for many years and completely trust her professionalism and expertise. I wish she would open a Thriveworks in my town.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known Dr. Thompson for many years. Her compassion for and commitment to people make her an amazing clinician. She is a great listener and a professional practitioner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for care.
Read more I have known Dr. Thompson for many years. Her compassion for and commitment to people make her an amazing clinician. She is a great listener and a professional practitioner. I would recommend her to anyone looking for care.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Debra Thompson has been so helpful to our family. She is a very professional, knowledgeable, and resourceful psychologist. I can highly recommend her!
Read more Dr. Debra Thompson has been so helpful to our family. She is a very professional, knowledgeable, and resourceful psychologist. I can highly recommend her!
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Thompson is a respected colleague-she is always prepared and truly cares about colleagues and clients. I would recommend her without hesitation.
Read more Dr. Thompson is a respected colleague-she is always prepared and truly cares about colleagues and clients. I would recommend her without hesitation.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I cannot not say enough about this place! The space is beautiful, and the process of getting help is really easy and affordable. The Clinical Director, Dr. Thompson, was so kind and patient with our questions. I highly recommend you contact Thriveworks Newark, if you need a counselor.
Read more I cannot not say enough about this place! The space is beautiful, and the process of getting help is really easy and affordable. The Clinical Director, Dr. Thompson, was so kind and patient with our questions. I highly recommend you contact Thriveworks Newark, if you need a counselor.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The owner, Dr. Debra Thompson, has been so supportive and helpful! She is so perceptive and insightful. I would encourage anyone to seek services here!
Read more The owner, Dr. Debra Thompson, has been so supportive and helpful! She is so perceptive and insightful. I would encourage anyone to seek services here!
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Thompson is excellent and I would highly recommend her. She’s very kind and caring, extremely thoughtful and ethical. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
Read more Dr. Thompson is excellent and I would highly recommend her. She’s very kind and caring, extremely thoughtful and ethical. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Thompson is so warm and compassionate.  She is very easy to talk to, and really cares about people! I highly recommend her!!!
Read more Dr. Thompson is so warm and compassionate.  She is very easy to talk to, and really cares about people! I highly recommend her!!!
Newark, DE Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Phone number

(302) 703-0979

Languages spoken by DE providers

  • English

Support Hours

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm

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