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Offered in-person & online

Child therapy in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI

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

All Grand Rapids Charter Township services

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2,474 people sought child therapy help in Michigan 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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Bethany Hintz

Hear from Bethany Hintz, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

View Bethany Hintz's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping children in counseling is finding a commonality. It's hard to talk about hard things with someone you feel like you can't relate to. I find it best to build a safe environment because if you don't connect with the person who is trying to help you with personal issues, you don't get the optimal benefit of therapy.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

In child therapy, I review the following tools:

  • Coping skills
  • Core mindfulness
  • How to identify and cope with emotions
  • How to help parents and caretakers cope with difficult behaviors and support their child

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

I know that a child is making progress in counseling when they come to therapy and are willing to openly discuss various topics, whether it's how their day went, a past trauma event, or a new hobby they learned. When a child begins to get comfortable talking about these things, they are better equipped to begin using their supports (parents, siblings, teachers, etc...) and know how to effectively gain support with what they are going through with people they trust.

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

Clients can supplement their time in therapy by practicing talking about emotions at home. I encourage parents and their children to work on normalizing emotional conversations at home. When children see their parents using this verbiage, the child is more likely to engage in these helpful behaviors as well.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first counseling session, a parent can help their child know what the purpose of counseling is. It is helpful if they know that counseling is a place to help them understand their emotions and not feel like it is a punishment or that there is something wrong with them. If a child is nervous about their first session, it can be helpful to go through their counselor's bio with them so they know who they will be meeting with. A first session is pretty heavily focused on getting to know one another, and if they have a concept of what their counselor is like, this may ease some pre-appointment nerves.

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 Grand Rapids Charter Township.

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 Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 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 Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 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?

Your Child’s Foundation for a Fulfilling Life – Therapy in Grand Rapids

When it comes to our children’s well-being and happiness, there are few measures that we won’t take. We might as well paint our vehicles yellow and throw a “taxi” sign on the roof with all the events and activities we spend our days shuttling them to: sports practice, school functions, birthday parties, trips to the park or a museum — you name it.

One thing we can forget to do, though, is to consider what it takes to establish a firm basis of emotional health that they can grow from for the rest of their lives. At Thriveworks Grand Rapids Child Therapy, we believe that children, just like adults, can benefit from meeting with a mental health professional, and so we’re here to offer our services to individuals of all ages.

Even if your child or children appear relatively happy-to-lucky, there is a lot that a counselor can help them to understand and explore that will equip them for present and future challenges.

Why Pursue Grand Rapids, Forest Hills Child Therapy?

Your child can benefit from meeting with a skilled, professional for many reasons. Maybe a teacher or school guidance counselor pointed out some potential concerns with your son or daughter. Perhaps you’ve spotted some concerns of your own, such as increased moodiness, detachment or a loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, and you’re considering what a counselor could do for your young one. While it may be difficult to face these issues, know that Thriveworks Grand Rapids Child Therapy is here for you and your child, and the sooner your son or daughter begins to confront whatever is going on, the better.

Reasons to pursue child therapy include:

  • Difficulty making friends
  • Inability to focus on schoolwork
  • Autism concerns or diagnosis
  • Violent outbursts
  • Loss of a friend or family member
  • Undue stress or anxiety
  • Eating disorder concerns
  • Lack of personal confidence

It’s important that we mention that child therapy isn’t only for healing past and present emotional wounds. It’s also a way to help them experience higher levels of personal understanding and compassion, which leads to a better understanding of others — empathy.

In other words, bringing your son or daughter to child therapy makes the world a better place. (Yes, we really do believe that.)

Child Therapy Techniques

Child therapy techniques include:

  • Play therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Talk therapy
  • Teaching relaxation and breathing techniques
  • Distinguishing between medical and psychological issues
  • Teaching methods for coping
  • Teaching interpersonal skills

Just like no two children are truly identical (even when they’re twins), no two therapy plans are exactly the same. We will tailor our methods to suit the personality and needs of your son or daughter, to make sure your son or daughter leaves each session with a rejuvenated sense of self-worth and a more positive life outlook.

Thriveworks Grand Rapids Child Therapy is Here to Help

Not only do we accept many major insurance providers, but we answer the phone when you call and will schedule the first appointment right away, often for this week, to make sure your child is given the care they need right when they need it.

Thriveworks is a growing national community that believes everyone can change for the better with the help of a caring professional — which is why we only work with the best in the industry. Our clinicians are ready to use their expert knowledge and experience to helping your son or daughter live a happy, fulfilled life.

Call us today at 616-425-2176 or click the button below to learn more about our child therapy practice!

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 Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • ASR

  • Aetna

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Grand Rapids Charter Township
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Kelly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Read more I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Grand Rapids Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Read more Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Grand Rapids May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Grand Rapids Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Read more Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Grand Rapids Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Read more Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Read more My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Grand Rapids Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Read more I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Grand Rapids Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids is located off of Kenmoor Ave SE in the same building as the Women's Health Collective and Crossmark.

Phone number

(616) 421-9387

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
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
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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