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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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Diego Riverick

Hear from Diego Riverick, Counselor (Resident In Counseling)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in therapy is helping them feel heard. I find the best benefit comes when the child believes that what they say matters and that they have agency in their life and their outcomes.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

In child therapy, I like to focus on building resilience and communication:

  • Respectful and productive expression of emotions: Learn to speak about your feelings in a way that trustworthy adults will respond to well.
  • Deep breathing and taking breaks: Learn to self-regulate to the best of your ability in an age-appropriate way both to help reduce dysfunctional emotional expression and to increase your own sense of agency and control in life.
  • Build Resilience: Engage in building a reservoir of resilience in your own unique way to be able to weather the things in life that are beyond your control without letting it control your future.

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 can express a feeling of resilience and agency in their life.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by working with their parents or any other trustworthy adults to practice the tools learned in therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first session, a child can ask their parent, guardian, or other trustworthy adult to ask them questions that direct them to knowing what their biggest concerns are and what they hope to get out of counseling.

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 Midlothian.

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 Midlothian, 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 Midlothian, 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 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?

Growing up nowadays isn’t like it used to be.  Being a kid in today’s society can be extremely difficult, due to things like social media and online gaming. Children have begun to compare their lives to others and to the characters on their favorite games.  This sets a high standard for what they feel reality should be like, triggering difficult feelings like anxiety, depression, uncertainty, low self-esteem, and more.

“Children need models rather than critics.”

–Joseph Joubert

Unfortunately, with the heavy presence of technology in the lives of children today, having a good role model can be difficult.  Children are constantly critiqued based on their online presence by their friends and peers.  This can take a toll on not only their confidence but their overall mental health.

People of all ages have growing pains and growing up in today’s society has a substantial amount of challenges.  For some, these growing pains can be completely debilitating.  And as a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see you child experience heartache and struggles.  Fortunately, though, Thriveworks Midlothian has counselors and therapists in Chesterfield, VA ready and willing to help you child through this stage of life.  We know that growing up isn’t always a walk in the park.  Our clinicians are understanding and have helped many children with many different struggles—and we are ready and able to help your child, too.

Can Counseling Help My Child?

It can be hard to come to the realization that your child needs professional help.  It is important to realize that it is a sign of a good parent to tend to your child’s every need.  Whether your child is experiencing trouble at school or with making friends, we can help your child with whatever trouble they are experiencing. There are many reasons to pursue child therapy. These may include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Autism concerns or diagnosis
  • ADHD/ADD concerns or diagnosis
  • Disruptive behavior in school
  • Violent or criminal behavior
  • Major life change, such as divorce
  • Trouble with bullying
  • Addictions to drugs or alcohol
  • Eating disorders
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Difficulties with friends
  • Emotional or psychological problems

You may have read this list and immediately related with what your child is dealing with—if you didn’t, that does not mean we can’t help.  Maybe you don’t know what your child is dealing with, that’s okay! Our clinicians can help discover the underlying issues your child is facing.

Techniques Used in Child Therapy

No two children are the same and our clinicians are well aware of that.  There are many unique ways that a child therapist can help your child overcome the problems they are facing.  A clinician at Thriveworks Midlothian can use several techniques to find what works best for your child, including:

  • Behavior modification techniques
  • Play therapy
  • Relaxation methods
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Narrative therapy
  • Teaching coping methods
  • Identifying and treating underlying medical issues
  • Identifying and treating underlying psychological issues

For most cases, a combination of methods is the best to treat the issues that a child presents in one of our offices.  At Thriveworks Midlothian, our clinicians will work with your child to find what works best and helps foster clear communication and progress.

Call Thriveworks Midlothian in Chesterfield, VA to Schedule an Appointment Today

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is the health and well-being of your children.  And if they are experiencing hardships, you can wind up feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and confused about where to turn. If you feel like you have been searching for which way to go in their path toward happiness, look no further.  Thriveworks Midlothian is willing and ready to help your child on the road to recovery.

Our clinicians are leaders in their field. They have experience dealing with the same issues your child has been dealing with for so long. At Thriveworks, we want to help. We have a no waiting list policy and we can often have an appointment for a new client within 24 hours. We also partner with a wide variety of insurance companies. We don’t want anything to keep you from getting the help your son or daughter needs.

Let us help your child start on their path toward healing.  Call Thriveworks Midlothian today at (804) 799-7944.

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 Midlothian therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • 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)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Midlothian
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I love my counselor. She's been very helpful in me navigating the grief of losing my mother and other family issues. I highly recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I love my counselor. She's been very helpful in me navigating the grief of losing my mother and other family issues. I highly recommend Thriveworks!
Kristina Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have known Dena Wentz for many years. She is a compassionate and insightful advocate for everyone she encounters. She fully listens to you when you talk and is perceptive enough to take each individual's life situation into context. Instead of using a "one size fits all" approach, Dena truly works to understand each person's unique position and how that affects her or him on a larger scale. With Dena, I always feel appreciated and supported!
Read more I have known Dena Wentz for many years. She is a compassionate and insightful advocate for everyone she encounters. She fully listens to you when you talk and is perceptive enough to take each individual's life situation into context. Instead of using a "one size fits all" approach, Dena truly works to understand each person's unique position and how that affects her or him on a larger scale. With Dena, I always feel appreciated and supported!
Midlothian Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have worked with Mrs. Dena Wentz for over a decade. During this time, she has always been an extremely stable positive force in our clinic. Her sense of fairness and common sense is beyond reproach and she keeps us all grounded in our approaches to various patient care circumstances. She often makes us stop and think about where the patient is coming from when we are frustrated with a patient's lack of compliance or adherence to recommended therapies. She is the kind of person you want to listen to your difficulties and concerns because she is such a caring and empathetic person. She will then make significant efforts to provide you with solutions. She is also a very thoughtful cheerleader and motivator for our team and makes sure to mark our achievements and our professional acknowledgments. She has frequently been there for me when I have struggled to work with patients and helped facilitate the communication channels I need to accomplish my role. I highly value my relationship with Dena we all are fortunate to have her on our team!
Read more I have worked with Mrs. Dena Wentz for over a decade. During this time, she has always been an extremely stable positive force in our clinic. Her sense of fairness and common sense is beyond reproach and she keeps us all grounded in our approaches to various patient care circumstances. She often makes us stop and think about where the patient is coming from when we are frustrated with a patient's lack of compliance or adherence to recommended therapies. She is the kind of person you want to listen to your difficulties and concerns because she is such a caring and empathetic person. She will then make significant efforts to provide you with solutions. She is also a very thoughtful cheerleader and motivator for our team and makes sure to mark our achievements and our professional acknowledgments. She has frequently been there for me when I have struggled to work with patients and helped facilitate the communication channels I need to accomplish my role. I highly value my relationship with Dena we all are fortunate to have her on our team!
Midlothian May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Giovonni is a wonderful person- professionally and personally! She cares for her clients with so much positive energy, while also meeting them where they are. I am grateful to know her as a professional & wish her all the best!
Read more Giovonni is a wonderful person- professionally and personally! She cares for her clients with so much positive energy, while also meeting them where they are. I am grateful to know her as a professional & wish her all the best!
Midlothian Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Stephen Handley is such a great guy to work with. He is consistently helpful and caring throughout all of our conversations. I highly recommend him for anyone but especially adolescents and young men. He has helped me tremendously.
Read more Stephen Handley is such a great guy to work with. He is consistently helpful and caring throughout all of our conversations. I highly recommend him for anyone but especially adolescents and young men. He has helped me tremendously.
Midlothian Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. CAMILLE BRENKE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE GOOD. HER CHOICE OF MEDS HAS BEEN BETTER THAN ANY DOCTOR I HAVE SEEN. ALSO VERY NICE AND KIND.
Read more Dr. CAMILLE BRENKE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE GOOD. HER CHOICE OF MEDS HAS BEEN BETTER THAN ANY DOCTOR I HAVE SEEN. ALSO VERY NICE AND KIND.
Midlothian Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It is such a pleasure to write a review for Erica Stewart. She truly has a heart for people. She serves others with an unselfish heart and listens without judgment. She has helped me tremendously through the years and I know she will continue to help others through their journey.
Read more It is such a pleasure to write a review for Erica Stewart. She truly has a heart for people. She serves others with an unselfish heart and listens without judgment. She has helped me tremendously through the years and I know she will continue to help others through their journey.
Midlothian Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Erica Stewart, LCSW is an outstanding clinician. I have had the opportunity to see her work in action over many years while serving as a fellow clinician in the community. She is skillful and talented in many area including the field of counseling. More importantly - she cares about those she provides services to in counseling. She has a warm, caring and positive demeanor/nature and is one who has always gone beyond the call of duty to be of assistance to others. She has worked with many populations and helped clients and persons in the community to reach their personalized goals regardless of one's situation, culture, race or socio-economic status. Regardless of who you are - if you are seeking caring, skillful and compassionate services to help you during a time of difficulty, Ms. Stewart is an outstanding option to turn when seeking services. She is an asset to the great Thriveworks Midlothian Team. Ms. E. Stewart, LCSW is highly recommended with a 5+*, A+ rating.
Read more Ms. Erica Stewart, LCSW is an outstanding clinician. I have had the opportunity to see her work in action over many years while serving as a fellow clinician in the community. She is skillful and talented in many area including the field of counseling. More importantly - she cares about those she provides services to in counseling. She has a warm, caring and positive demeanor/nature and is one who has always gone beyond the call of duty to be of assistance to others. She has worked with many populations and helped clients and persons in the community to reach their personalized goals regardless of one's situation, culture, race or socio-economic status. Regardless of who you are - if you are seeking caring, skillful and compassionate services to help you during a time of difficulty, Ms. Stewart is an outstanding option to turn when seeking services. She is an asset to the great Thriveworks Midlothian Team. Ms. E. Stewart, LCSW is highly recommended with a 5+*, A+ rating.
Midlothian Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Midlothian is located on Village Mill Dr, just off of the Midlothian Turnpike and west of Midlothian Mines Park and Stonehenge Golf and Country Club. We're currently sharing a building with Two Men and a Truck, and are neighbored by Christine W. Seliskar, M.D., FAAP, Padgett Properties - Real Estate Sales & Property Management, and Capital Ale House. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(804) 537-2024

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Hindi
  • Urdu
  • English
  • Dutch
  • Tagalog
  • Filipino
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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