Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

20,417 people sought child therapy help in Texas in the last year

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

No current openings

All TX providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!
Blaine Stephens

Hear from Blaine Stephens, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Blaine Stephens's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

As a play therapist, the go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is utilizing expressive arts and play therapy techniques. The preference lies in this approach because it allows children to communicate and process their emotions and experiences in a natural and non-threatening way. Through play, children can express themselves creatively, explore their inner world, and develop coping strategies. The best benefit is found in using play therapy because it fosters a therapeutic relationship built on trust and rapport, which is essential for facilitating emotional healing and growth in children. Additionally, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate means for children to address and resolve conflicts, trauma, and other psychological challenges they may be facing.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

In child therapy, the following tools are taught:

  • Expressive arts: Encouraging children to express themselves through various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, or sculpting.
  • Play therapy techniques: Utilizing toys, games, and role-play to help children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
  • Relaxation techniques: Teaching children relaxation exercises like deep breathing or visualization to manage stress and anxiety.
  • Cognitive-behavioral strategies: Introducing age-appropriate techniques to challenge negative thoughts and develop coping skills.
  • Social skills training: Providing guidance on effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution to improve interpersonal relationships.
  • Narrative therapy: Assisting children in constructing empowering narratives to reframe their experiences and build resilience.

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

A client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when:

  • They demonstrate improved emotional regulation and coping skills in challenging situations.
  • There is an increase in their ability to verbalize and express their thoughts and feelings.
  • They exhibit greater confidence and self-esteem in their interactions with others.
  • Progress is observed in their behavior and functioning at home, school, or social environments.
  • They develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences, leading to positive changes in behavior and attitude.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy with:

  • Engaging in activities that promote self-expression and emotional processing, such as journaling or creative arts.
  • Practicing relaxation techniques taught in therapy, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, during stressful moments.
  • Incorporating cognitive-behavioral strategies learned in therapy into their daily routine, such as challenging negative thoughts or using coping skills.
  • Encouraging open communication with caregivers or trusted adults about their experiences and feelings outside of therapy sessions.
  • Participating in social activities or group settings to practice newly acquired social skills and build peer relationships.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can:

  • Talk with a parent or caregiver about any questions or concerns they may have about therapy.
  • Bring any relevant information or materials provided by the therapist, such as intake forms or consent documents.
  • Think about what they would like to discuss or work on in therapy, such as specific emotions or challenges they are facing.
  • Pack any comfort items or special toys they may want to bring to the session to help them feel more at ease.
  • Approach the session with an open mind and willingness to participate in activities or discussions as guided by the 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 McKinney.

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 McKinney, TX 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 McKinney, TX 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.

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 McKinney therapists and counselors accept 42 insurance plans

  • APEX Memorial Hermann

  • ARIA | Covenant Management Systems

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter by Superior Health Plan

  • Auto Club Enterprises (Employers Health Network)

  • Baylor Scott and White Health Plan

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas HMO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Buist Byars and Taylor (Employers Health Network)

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage

Show more
Self-pay costs at McKinney
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

Thriveworks McKinney has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Texas.

4.5 Thriveworks McKinney reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry McKinney is located in the same building as Center of Pelvic Excellence, Genesis Back & Neck, Landry Odom of Allstate Insurance, and Peggy S, Breeding CPA PLLC Tax Services. We are near the intersection of S Stonebridge Drive and Cascades Drive. We are also near the intersection of S Stonebridge Drive and S Custer Road, and near this intersection is a plaza which contains Texas Pediatric Dentistry, Play Street Museum McKinney, Sweet Art Bakery and Cafe, All About U hair Salon, Stonebridge Cleaners, and Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry.

Phone number

(469) 949-3896

Languages spoken by TX providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in CT

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

0 photos