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

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

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Stephanie Skalos

Hear from Stephanie Skalos, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

A go-to approach for helping kids in therapy is to use cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefit of this is helping them learn and understand their emotions and actions.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

The following tools can be taught in child therapy:

  • Storytelling - using a story to relate to what is happening in their life
  • Play therapy - using toys to represent their thoughts/behaviors

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

A client is making progress when they are able to express their emotions in a healthy way for their age.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing different techniques outside of the therapy setting.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for child therapy, a child/family can let the child know they are coming into a safe space.

Starting Child/teen therapy

Need more help deciding?

Childhood is the time we start to discover ourselves. The time for us to learn what we’re interested in, what we’re good at, and ultimately what makes us happy. But again, it takes some time to figure that stuff out.

Kids often have a whole lot to juggle without enough hands to juggle them—that’s where child or adolescent therapy comes in. This form of counseling is made to help children better understand and manage issues that arise, from stress to mental health conditions and difficulties at home or school.

The child counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham who specialize in working with children understand how these young minds work and can break down a problem in a way that makes sense to them. If you think your child could benefit from working with a counselor or therapist—maybe they’re showing signs of a mental illness, they’re struggling to handle school stress, or they’ve recently lost a loved one—reach out to Thriveworks.

Our counselors and therapists are eager and able to help—call or schedule online to get started.

Who Can Benefit from Child Therapy?

Think about it: it’s often hard for us adults to experience, understand, and work through our feelings. Imagine how tough this must be for children and teens. Fortunately, child therapy is designed to guide them in doing so—whether it’s a 15-year-old boy dealing with the hurt from his parents’ divorce, a young girl who’s lonely at a new school, or a kid who exhibits signs of depression and anxiety. The list is never-ending, but here are common issues kids present in child therapy:

  • Moving to a new town
  • Attending a new school
  • Death of a loved one
  • Addiction in the family
  • Divorced parents
  • Mental illness
  • Abuse
  • Trauma
  • Bullying

In any case, the main goal of child therapy is to provide kids with the tools they need to manage issues that arise and better deal with stressors. The Durham counselors and therapists will dedicate their efforts to accomplish this mission and ultimately help your child live happier.

Does My Child Need Therapy?

Below is a list of signs to watch for in your child that may indicate a larger problem:

  1. A prolonged change—something that’s not just a reaction to a specific situation or a phase
  2. Behavior change that causes your child to withdraw from friends, activities, or family
  3. Aggression or deviance that leads to consequences from school or police authorities
  4. A fearful response to people or situations that he or she was not fearful of in the past
  5. Unexplained cuts, scratches, or bruises that re-occur or never truly heal

If you observe one or more of these signs in your child or teen, set up an appointment with a Durham child counselor. Our Thriveworks Durham child counselors are trained to be solution-focused and will work with your child and family to find the right strategies that work for him or her.

Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham Today

Child therapy can help kids better maneuver and enjoy life in adolescence. As we delved into earlier, it helps those suffering from the harmful effects of mental illness, divorced parents, low self-esteem, a tough move, and more.

We want you and your child or teen to get the care that they need. If child therapy is something you want to pursue or learn more about, call Thriveworks Counseling in Durham at (919) 629-3854. You can also easily schedule a session online.

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 Durham therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

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

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Durham
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 Thriveworks Durham reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Mindi Perry has extensive education, experience, techniques, etc. Mindi was my supervisor a few years ago. She would help me as we did Family Therapy and I was learning from her. I never left a session without being amazed. She cares deeply for the well-being of others, she does not judge, and she is the best listener I have ever met! She is truly authentic and genuine which is why you will feel completely at ease within moments of meeting her. She’s kind and funny but not at anyone’s expense. Simply put, she’s just a great human. You will be glad you have her in your corner.
Read more Mindi Perry has extensive education, experience, techniques, etc. Mindi was my supervisor a few years ago. She would help me as we did Family Therapy and I was learning from her. I never left a session without being amazed. She cares deeply for the well-being of others, she does not judge, and she is the best listener I have ever met! She is truly authentic and genuine which is why you will feel completely at ease within moments of meeting her. She’s kind and funny but not at anyone’s expense. Simply put, she’s just a great human. You will be glad you have her in your corner.
Durham Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I worked with Abena Bediako as a Victim Advocate when she was the contract CIT clinician at our local police department. She is very knowledgeable in every aspect of therapy and crisis intervention. She is tremendously receptive to your needs and ideas, and always provides great insights when problem solving. Abena is very easy to work with and always encouraged my creativity in developing community outreach projects that addressed the needs of special populations within our community. Abena is a wonderful person to work with and makes you comfortable in addressing problems by encouraging you to be part of the solution.
Read more I worked with Abena Bediako as a Victim Advocate when she was the contract CIT clinician at our local police department. She is very knowledgeable in every aspect of therapy and crisis intervention. She is tremendously receptive to your needs and ideas, and always provides great insights when problem solving. Abena is very easy to work with and always encouraged my creativity in developing community outreach projects that addressed the needs of special populations within our community. Abena is a wonderful person to work with and makes you comfortable in addressing problems by encouraging you to be part of the solution.
Durham Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Madina has been so helpful to me in working through anxiety! She’s very straightforward, and has allowed me to see patterns that have really impacted how I’m living in the world, and to start to challenge them. I can honestly say that I have changed more in the year I’ve been seeing her than in decades of previous therapy experiences. She is an exceptional mental health professional!
Read more Madina has been so helpful to me in working through anxiety! She’s very straightforward, and has allowed me to see patterns that have really impacted how I’m living in the world, and to start to challenge them. I can honestly say that I have changed more in the year I’ve been seeing her than in decades of previous therapy experiences. She is an exceptional mental health professional!
Durham Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Anthony has been the most helpful counselor I’ve met. I’d definitely refer friends and family to him.
Read more Anthony has been the most helpful counselor I’ve met. I’d definitely refer friends and family to him.
Durham Dec 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Lundy proved to be everything I had heard about her abilities to connect, relate and counsel individuals who had been broken during life's journey. She maintained her professionalism throughout our sessions even when I was a total wreck. She was a Godsend and I thank her for all she has done to help me.
Read more Dr. Lundy proved to be everything I had heard about her abilities to connect, relate and counsel individuals who had been broken during life's journey. She maintained her professionalism throughout our sessions even when I was a total wreck. She was a Godsend and I thank her for all she has done to help me.
Durham Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have had the pleasure of working alongside Giles Christman. Giles is an outstanding therapist, which his clients can attest to- but what I'd like to provide feedback on is what clients don't see. Giles goes above and beyond to identify resources for each client's need(s), including assisting the client in overcoming any barriers in accessing those resources. Giles exemplifies a holistic, compassionate therapist- I highly recommend him to assist you on your wellness journey.
Read more I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have had the pleasure of working alongside Giles Christman. Giles is an outstanding therapist, which his clients can attest to- but what I'd like to provide feedback on is what clients don't see. Giles goes above and beyond to identify resources for each client's need(s), including assisting the client in overcoming any barriers in accessing those resources. Giles exemplifies a holistic, compassionate therapist- I highly recommend him to assist you on your wellness journey.
Durham Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been speaking with Dulcie for a few months now and i have found her advice and coaching to be extremely helpful. Since I have started working with Dulcie i have found myself to be able to identify situations and reasonably work through them in a better manner. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of life guidance.
Read more I have been speaking with Dulcie for a few months now and i have found her advice and coaching to be extremely helpful. Since I have started working with Dulcie i have found myself to be able to identify situations and reasonably work through them in a better manner. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of life guidance.
Durham Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
"Dr. Dee" listened and helped me through what I felt was the most difficult time in my life...divorce. Her guidance and words of encouragement inspired me to continue to be strong and move forward. Thanks for much Dr. Dee!
Read more "Dr. Dee" listened and helped me through what I felt was the most difficult time in my life...divorce. Her guidance and words of encouragement inspired me to continue to be strong and move forward. Thanks for much Dr. Dee!
Durham Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Durham is located off Fayetteville Road, in the Sutton Station shopping center, next to Regional Pediatrics. We currently share a building with Nantucket Grill and Bela Trio Day Spa. Parking is located in front of the building and around the complex.

Phone number

(919) 642-4903

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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