Care without the wait

4 licensed therapists & providers in Maine—4 in Portland. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

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

Meet with a child/teen therapist as soon as this week

Doreen Peasley is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in both Maine and California. In her over forty years as a licensed Marriag...

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I believe that our close collaboration is the key to helping you adjust to difficult experiences and achieve a greater sense of ba...

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I specialize in meeting my clients where they're at in life....

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Through talk therapy I help individuals to discover a deeper awareness and understanding of creating passion and motivation in the...

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Monique Nickie Murray

Hear from Monique Nickie Murray, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

View Monique Nickie Murray's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My go-to approaches for helping people in teen counseling are usually motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. I prefer these approaches as I believe teens often do not feel heard or safe in speaking up.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

In teen counseling, I teach patience and grace for the teen and for others, calming techniques, as well as mindfulness and grounding. We also break down individual events if needed to see if there is any improvement that could have been made in a situation, either through the interaction or the response to the situation.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling?

I know a teen is making meaningful progress in counseling by their report and sometimes through the report of a family member or school representative.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement teen counseling?

Teens can supplement their time in counseling by utilizing the skills provided and discussed during sessions as well as completing any worksheets or activities assigned by the clinician.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

To prepare for a first teen counseling session, the teen should be assured this is a safe space for them. They should understand that information will not be shared with their caretaker unless it is a matter of their safety or the safety of someone else.

Child/teen therapy FAQs

What is child & teen counseling?

Thriveworks child & teen counseling in Portland 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 and adolescents can attend and benefit from therapy.

How does child & teen counseling work?

Child & teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the child or teen’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 (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, child & teen counselors have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.

Is child & teen counseling conducted in person or online?

Child & teen counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does child & teen counseling last?

The length of child & teen counseling at Thriveworks in Portland, ME depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child & teen counseling sessions will last for several months.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in Portland, ME—Therapy for Kids

Raising happy and successful children takes many different elements all working together towards one common goal. Drawing strengths from within your family, community, and the professional realm creates a dynamic and well-rounded team that can work to build positive core values in your youth. Child counseling is one of those fundamental elements that can foster your child’s development towards a positive identity and a positive view of their personal future. If you think your child could benefit from therapy, reach out to Thriveworks Portland today to schedule their first appointment.

Raising a Health Child

To raise a strong child there are a number of assets that are vital. Some of these include:

  • The ability to make good decisions
  • Developed interpersonal skills
  • Knowing the value of their self-worth
  • Having a sense of purpose
  • Having the confidence to plan for their future

How Can Child Counselors Help?

Child counselors are trained to capitalize on your child’s existing assets and build up those that are lacking. Whether your child is struggling with issues at school, with peers, or is exhibiting the signs of a mental health disorder, a counselor is a qualified and valuable person who is on your side to help work through the existing issues and add in strengths that can benefit your child for the years to come.

Young people who have manifested these positive assets are more likely to:

  • Succeed in school
  • Be more resilient when faced with a challenge
  • Be more empathetic towards friends
  • Work towards building a caring community
  • Avoid risky or dangerous behavior

When a child actively works towards their own positive identify they not only become more successful in reaching these goals, but they can be proud of the steps they took to get there and have the confidence to take control of their future.

Scheduling Child Therapy at Thriveworks Portland

No matter what area of life your child struggles in, a child counselor can create a plan based on your child’s unique needs to work towards these goals. Every child is already equipped with some of these assets and it is the job of the counselor to build on them to make your child successful in whatever problem they may be facing.

Our trained child therapy staff at Thriveworks Counseling in Portland, ME would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have on building positive assets in your child or to book an appointment. Plus, we offer many benefits including evening and weekend scheduling options, same-week appointments, most major insurances accepted, and more.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Portland accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Maine | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Maine | BCBS (PPO | HMO | POS)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Community Health Options

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Portland
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
★★★★★
Everything great. Nothing to improve.
Malik Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It’s very nice to be able to speak with Tyler. Very relaxed atmosphere, great communication skills. He puts you at ease
Hayley Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I felt very listened to and understood
Briannah Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Justin is a great listener and guidance provider if asked for. Highly recommend!
Kamille Jan 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist Justin is a lifesaver - truly. Ive been through some tough times while seeing him and he always knows exactly what to say to reframe my perspective and get me through my hardest moments. He gives me tools I can use when he's not around to help me navigate life, and its so obvious the moment you meet him that he truly cares about about his patients, and it shows through his work. I would take a bullet for that man because he has saved my life, probably on multiple occasions, so returning the favor would be the least I could do. You've got one of those really special employees that don't come around very often - i hope you do everything in your power to keep him as happy as he keeps his patience. Thank you for everything, Justin and Thriveworks.
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Julianna Jan 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I adore Doreen. She has helped me so much in the past and is so empathetic and understanding yet gives me information I may not necessarily want to hear, but need to hear. She is a Godsend to me.
India Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Justin is amazing! He is insightful and extremely educated in many aspects and has been an amazing support and guide in my therapy journey.
Aryana Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've been with Doreen a few years now and I've enjoyed each session very much. She's a wonderful therapist and I can't imagine working through life's journey with anyone else but her. She's direct and to the point, which is something I was looking for.
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Rowann Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 29 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

550 Forest Ave Suite 201
Portland, ME 04101

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Portland is located in the Sanborn Building near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Ashmont St, off Interstate 295. It is near Longfellow Park and just west of Back Cove. The office is in a multi-story brick commercial building. Enter through the doors to access Suite 201 on the second floor.

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Phone number

(207) 994-7555
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Languages spoken by ME providers

  • English
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Hours

Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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