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

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

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Jody Lynne Suda

Hear from Jody Lynne Suda, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Jody Lynne Suda's profile

What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My first approach with a teen for counseling is to listen to and gauge where the teen is at and to meet them there, getting to know them to build a solid relationship. I want a teen to feel heard first and to feel that it is a safe place to be themselves. I find the benefit of establishing a really solid relationship with the teen first is that it invites them to be more open to discussing the hard stuff later on. It also demonstrates a respect for their reasons for being there. I want the teen to be shown the benefit of counseling and have a little bit of the power to shape the direction of their sessions to work on things that they want to work on.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

I often teach teens about how to control their emotions and reactions through their being able to recognize when they are upset before they react, then control their breathing for at least 3 minutes to slow themselves down to better choose their responses. I might also work on values clarification with an adolescent so they can determine what is important to them and see how those values can shape their choices.

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

I gauge a teen's progress by their openness in counseling and their report (or even a report from a parent or school) that they are making more positive choices for themselves and are able to interact with others in a more respectful and productive way for themselves and others. It might depend on what brought the teen to counseling. Are they changing the things that they wanted to change when they entered counseling? If they are able to say they are feeling more at peace with the challenges that brought them in, there is progress.

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

Clients can participate in local activities, school activities, and volunteering to supplement their time in teen counseling and give them arenas to work out what they might be learning in counseling. They can have intentional conversations and positive interactions with others in their community and family to supplement their efforts in counseling. I always encourage journaling, as well as keeping track of their growth and things they are learning and thinking about.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

I might be different than other therapists when it comes to approach, but I suggest that a teen prepare a list of things they might really want someone to know about them and things they like to do from their perspective. A teen can also consider what they might really want to share about the challenges they might be facing or difficulties they are having and have that written down so that they can present things in session their way and won't forget or be distracted by however I might start a session. I would want to be aware of all of that as I help to shape an intake session or even a follow-up session.

Starting Child/teen therapy

Need more help deciding?

Raleigh, NC Child and Teen Counseling in Wake County

Thriveworks Counseling in Raleigh, NC has child counselors who are trained to assess behavioral challenges and to know when they warrant a closer look. Each child is an individual and will cope with difficult situations, such as divorce, trauma, parental addictions, or mental health issues, differently. Raleigh, NC counselors take individual differences into consideration when assessing a new client.

Some behaviors that may cause concern are:

  • Significant changes to sleep, either an increase or decrease
  • Noticeable and prolonged shifts in mood
  • Frequent fighting with peers
  • Excessive shyness or anxiety in new situations
  • Bedwetting or nervous habits, such as nail-biting

How Can a Raleigh, NC Child Counselor or Psychologist Help?

Raleigh, NC child counselors in Wake County have dedicated their careers to helping children and their families who are experiencing behaviors that cause disruption or worry. They are able to build a strong rapport with your child and find the best way to communicate with him or her, even if your child is very young. They use warmth, empathy, and compassion as the cornerstones of their counseling approach. Our counselors know that every child learns and processes emotions differently, but all deserve to achieve wellness in their lives.

Sometimes a child simply needs the assistance of a trained professional and a neutral environment to process what he or she is experiencing. Other times he or she may need additional counseling before resolving the maladaptive behaviors. In either case, Raleigh child counseling can be vital in helping your child overcome their difficulties and become happy, healthy children again.

Can I Talk to Someone About My Child?

Yes. Raleigh child counselors in Wake County are always happy to discuss any concerns you have about your child. Call our office today to talk to one of our trained professionals or to book a consultation.

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 Raleigh therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Community Health Options

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Raleigh
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I love my therapist and psychiatrist
John Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful She is a pro. I know because I’ve had a lot of therapists. I’d give Thriveworks 6 stars if I could
Read more Very helpful She is a pro. I know because I’ve had a lot of therapists. I’d give Thriveworks 6 stars if I could
Alfred Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My online visits with William have been a God-send! His style is relaxed, but attentive. I highly recommend ThriveWorks for your counseling needs.
Read more My online visits with William have been a God-send! His style is relaxed, but attentive. I highly recommend ThriveWorks for your counseling needs.
Jody Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Had bad fall last year and I was feeling sad, depressed and angry cuz now I couldn't go to see my auntie mom like I was doing two or three times a year.  Now I have to be home I broke my wrist in two places now I have doctors and doctors and doctors and x-rays and all this other stuff going on and I felt like I didn't have my life, didn't have a life right then and I know I would get better but it was taking too long so that was infecting me mentally and so I found the Thriveworks card at my pain doctors office and I gave him a call and immediately they set me up with an appointment.  I've had three or four appointments now.  I'm starting to feel better because I live by myself, I'm 71, and I needed someone to talk to so y'all set me up with a very nice lady.  I learned out to do Zoom and a couple meetings of course, but I'm feeling better  as time goes on.  I still have to have another surgery but at least I'm closer to being able to traveling again right now I can even walk a half a block so thank you Thriveworks for being there for me.  I don't know how ling I need you but I'm glad you're there.  My person is kind to start phone she allows me to talk, she gives me feedback, and I'm just so grateful to have had her during this holiday as well so I've also recommended a couple other people to try Thriveworks right at my doctor's office and they seem interested.  Thank you Thriveworks
Read more Had bad fall last year and I was feeling sad, depressed and angry cuz now I couldn't go to see my auntie mom like I was doing two or three times a year.  Now I have to be home I broke my wrist in two places now I have doctors and doctors and doctors and x-rays and all this other stuff going on and I felt like I didn't have my life, didn't have a life right then and I know I would get better but it was taking too long so that was infecting me mentally and so I found the Thriveworks card at my pain doctors office and I gave him a call and immediately they set me up with an appointment.  I've had three or four appointments now.  I'm starting to feel better because I live by myself, I'm 71, and I needed someone to talk to so y'all set me up with a very nice lady.  I learned out to do Zoom and a couple meetings of course, but I'm feeling better  as time goes on.  I still have to have another surgery but at least I'm closer to being able to traveling again right now I can even walk a half a block so thank you Thriveworks for being there for me.  I don't know how ling I need you but I'm glad you're there.  My person is kind to start phone she allows me to talk, she gives me feedback, and I'm just so grateful to have had her during this holiday as well so I've also recommended a couple other people to try Thriveworks right at my doctor's office and they seem interested.  Thank you Thriveworks
Jean Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ava has been a joy to collaborate with. Great insight and very professional. As a DSS Social Worker My kids enjoy their sessions with Mrs. Ava and she is able to connect with my kids like no other therapist.
Read more Ava has been a joy to collaborate with. Great insight and very professional. As a DSS Social Worker My kids enjoy their sessions with Mrs. Ava and she is able to connect with my kids like no other therapist.
Raleigh Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known Mrs. Ashley Barber-Brown for 18 years now and I can honestly say that she is truly an amazing person. Besides her strong will to work hard and take care of her family, Ashley is also compassionate and undoubtedly dedicated to making sure that she helps others. Her selflessness, loyalty and authentic personality are just some of the many attributes that I admire about her.
Read more I have known Mrs. Ashley Barber-Brown for 18 years now and I can honestly say that she is truly an amazing person. Besides her strong will to work hard and take care of her family, Ashley is also compassionate and undoubtedly dedicated to making sure that she helps others. Her selflessness, loyalty and authentic personality are just some of the many attributes that I admire about her.
Raleigh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ava Baker is a wonderful therapist, she is patient, kind and I feel very comfortable talking to her. I think she is an asset to your company.
Read more Ava Baker is a wonderful therapist, she is patient, kind and I feel very comfortable talking to her. I think she is an asset to your company.
Raleigh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★
Caitlyn Dowdy is attentive and thoughtful with her words. She helps bring focus to your goals and offers a safe place to constructively discuss feelings and needs.
Read more Caitlyn Dowdy is attentive and thoughtful with her words. She helps bring focus to your goals and offers a safe place to constructively discuss feelings and needs.
Raleigh Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Raleigh is located at 8406 Six Forks Rd Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27615, next to Spherion

Phone number

(919) 642-4857

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • Hindi
  • Russian
  • Urdu
  • English
  • Punjabi
  • Creole
  • French
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 ET

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 ET

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