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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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Heather Crampton

Hear from Heather Crampton, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

A go-to approach for helping kids and child therapy could be parent-child interaction therapy. Parent-child interaction therapy helps parents to interact with their children and manage their behaviors.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

One of the tools that are taught in parent-child interaction therapy is The acronym, “PRIDE”:

  • Praising the child
  • Reflecting the child’s behavior
  • Imitating the child’s positive behavior
  • Describing/narrating the child’s behavior
  • Enthusiastically engaging with the child

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

A clinician will know that a child is making progress when they are motivated in session and eager to use their skills in the moment.

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

Parents can supplement their child's time and child therapy by reading child therapy books, praising their children, working on worksheets with their children, and play therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

A parent can prepare their child for the first therapy session by letting their child know that they can ask the counselor any questions they have about therapy.

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 Portage.

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 Portage, 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 Portage, 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?

Here’s the reality: if you suspect your child would benefit from speaking with a professional, you’re probably right.

After all, as the parent, you know your child best, and if you think something isn’t quite right, it’s a good idea to follow your gut. If it turns out everything is fine, no harm done. And if it turns out your child did need professional intervention, it’s better to intervene sooner rather than later.

Maybe you’re wondering why a child would need therapy—after all, what have they got to be stressed about? You might be surprised. Young people today experience many of the same stressors as adults do, but since they are not fully mature, they experience those stressors as much more immediate.

Here’s the thing: kids change as they go through the stages and phases of growing up. It’s normal. But life isn’t the way it was back in the 70s or 80s. Kids are exposed to adult concepts much earlier, they have nearly unfettered access to the internet—and the potential abuse that entails—and they’re more aware of the concerns of adults than they would have been in years past. That awareness may appear as “maturity,” but it can also create stress and confusion—and a professional Thriveworks Portage/Kalamazoo child therapist can help. Check out this article to learn more about what child psychologists do.

Children have many reasons to need to talk with a professional, including:

  • Stress: Stress is usually temporary, caused by an upcoming test or a deadline of some kind. If it goes on for a longer period of time, it can morph into anxiety. Learning healthy methods for coping with stress is important to preventing anxiety and maintaining a healthy outlook.
  • Anxiety: Anxiety is the presence of stress even when there’s nothing specific to be stressed about. Chronic anxiety can even impact physical health, and so therapy for children is important to maintaining their health across the board. Anxiety can also be caused by a chemical imbalance.
  • Depression: Depression can be chemical, but it can also be situational. In either case, a trusted professional can help the child improve their outlook in a healthy way.
  • Self-Esteem: Being a child or teenager is hard. Peers can be very critical of each other, often causing the young person to become self-critical. A neutral third party is often exactly who the young person wants to hear from—instead of parents, who the child may perceive as biased rather than honest.

Those aren’t the only reasons a child or adolescent might need help. Are you noticing any behavioral changes in your child, particularly negative ones? Have they stopped communicating as openly? What about their friendships?

Has your child’s teacher mentioned any behavioral, social, or academic concerns? Has your child experienced a trauma?

If any of the above questions resonate with you, and if you feel the challenges they are facing are having, or might soon have, a negative impact, it’s time to contact a therapist.

Therapy for Children in Portage

The main difference in the therapeutic approach to therapy for children is simple: child therapists will talk to the child in an age-appropriate way. In some cases, play therapy may be used, or the child may be encouraged to draw or write.

If something isn’t quite right with your child, even if you aren’t sure what, call a Thriveworks Portage child psychologist. Our trained professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating children, and they do so in a manner that’s appropriate to the needs and age of the individual child.

Call us. We’re friendly, we promise—and our primary goal is to help your child feel better, get back on track, and live their best life.

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 Portage therapists and counselors accept 29 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 Portage
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 Thriveworks Portage reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
This will be short since I can only type with one hand currently, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first session with Dan. He seems very patient, thoughtful, and intelligent. I look forward to working with him and letting him pick my brain to help me become a healthier and more balanced person!
Read more This will be short since I can only type with one hand currently, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first session with Dan. He seems very patient, thoughtful, and intelligent. I look forward to working with him and letting him pick my brain to help me become a healthier and more balanced person!
Portage Jun 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cassie met with my cousin for several sessions to discuss issues related to my cousin's childhood. Cassie helped my cousin assess her feelings in a balanced way . She was also very supportive, listening and providing feedback effectively without being judgmental. This was exactly what my cousin needed. A very rare technique among many counselors these days.
Read more Cassie met with my cousin for several sessions to discuss issues related to my cousin's childhood. Cassie helped my cousin assess her feelings in a balanced way . She was also very supportive, listening and providing feedback effectively without being judgmental. This was exactly what my cousin needed. A very rare technique among many counselors these days.
Portage Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rudy was professional and approachable. He was able to point out beliefs I had that were interfering with my ability to enjoy my life, but did so in a respectful manner. He was an effective therapist, with a genuine, caring approach.
Read more Rudy was professional and approachable. He was able to point out beliefs I had that were interfering with my ability to enjoy my life, but did so in a respectful manner. He was an effective therapist, with a genuine, caring approach.
Portage Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The best
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The intake coordinator Brittany was AMAZING. She listened to my needs so she could match me with a therapist that could help me. She was incredibly kind and truly listened to me in a stressful situation.
Read more The intake coordinator Brittany was AMAZING. She listened to my needs so she could match me with a therapist that could help me. She was incredibly kind and truly listened to me in a stressful situation.
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Alex helped me more than I can say! He was sensitive and patient with me and helped we work through some very difficult issues. His knowledge and communication skills guided me towards a positive outcome that gave me great peace. Thank you so much Alex for being there for me!
Read more Alex helped me more than I can say! He was sensitive and patient with me and helped we work through some very difficult issues. His knowledge and communication skills guided me towards a positive outcome that gave me great peace. Thank you so much Alex for being there for me!
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Heather has always been the person that many people go to for advice and help. When she isn't helping people at work she is helping people at our church. All of the staff at Thriveworks are great. I highly recommend Thriveworks Counseling.
Read more Heather has always been the person that many people go to for advice and help. When she isn't helping people at work she is helping people at our church. All of the staff at Thriveworks are great. I highly recommend Thriveworks Counseling.
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The experience from the persons answering the phone and emails to my counselor, Heather, have been efficient and very helpful. I'm very thankful for Thriveworks because I can count on you when I need you most.
Read more The experience from the persons answering the phone and emails to my counselor, Heather, have been efficient and very helpful. I'm very thankful for Thriveworks because I can count on you when I need you most.
Portage Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Portage is off of Milham Avenue and New Port Road. We are somewhat near a Chick-fil-A, and in the same shopping area as DICK’s, off of Gladys.

Phone number

(269) 264-4920

Languages spoken by MI 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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