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20,925 people sought child therapy help in Virginia 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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Christel Hammett

Hear from Christel Hammett, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Christel Hammett's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is play-based cognitive behavioral therapy. I find the best benefit in using play with CBT because it allows children to work through their thoughts and feelings through play.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy:

  • Thinking, feeling, doing: Using visuals to explain CBT to children.
  • Roleplay: Using puppets, dolls, etc. to roleplay scenarios for changing negative thoughts.
  • Art - Using art to draw emotions and express thoughts.
  • Child-based journaling: Using drawing to journal emotions.
  • Relaxation skills: Using breathing skills that children can implement effectively.
  • Emotional vocabulary: Using a feelings wheel to help children increase their ability to express their emotions.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when they improve their ability to cope with strong emotions and express their thoughts and feelings to caregivers.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by using skills like journaling and relaxation outside of sessions.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can start learning emotional words to start increasing their emotional vocabulary.

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 Lynchburg.

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 Lynchburg, VA 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 Lynchburg, VA 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 and Teen Therapy – Counselors and Therapists in Lynchburg

Thriveworks Child Therapy is here to help. Our trained child therapists and psychologists will provide the utmost care with your precious treasure. We will work with your child and you to understand the source of her hurt. Our committed therapists work carefully with children of all ages to bring healing to their tender hearts. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.

How Does Child Therapy Work?

We use various forms of play therapy to get to know your child and understand his or her needs. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate in the therapeutic process. You’re never alone because our clinical team is just a phone call away.

Benefits of Thriveworks Child Therapy

Is your child in school? No problem – we have convenient after school appointment times as well as weekend sessions. Plus, there’s no need to wait weeks for an appointment. We can schedule the first visit and you can expect for your child to meet with their therapist within the week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans.

Scheduling Child Therapy at Thriveworks Lynchburg

Your child is worth the best care and support. Start the journey of healing today. Call (434) 528-3263 to schedule an appointment with a Thriveworks Child Therapist or Psychologist.

 

Child Therapy — TherapyLand™

Our Lynchburg, VA office is a TherapyLand location: A positive, empowering place for kids to get the mental health care they deserve. Equipped with sandboxes, dollhouses, easels, puppets, blocks, basketball hoops, and other tools, our play therapy rooms are designed to help kids explore and express their emotions. Learn more about TherapyLand and how it could help your child.

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 Lynchburg therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Lynchburg
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
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Read more It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Shannon Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It been comforting talking to someone who understands what you are going through.
Holly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lynn Lemmon is a wonderful therapist! I feel so comfortable with her!
Amy Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Read more Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Lynchburg Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Read more Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Lynchburg Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Read more Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Read more Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg is located on Jefferson St. in the heart of the downtown area. The James River runs directly behind our building, which we share with Zola’s Beauty Studio and Stimulus Adverstising and Web Design.

Phone number

(434) 771-0495

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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