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5,871 people sought child therapy help in New Jersey in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, +4 more

As your therapist and fellow traveler on life's journey, I’m here to support you on your path toward well-being and a life filled with meaning.

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
Anger, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +6 more

As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope i... As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope in the future. Read more

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
LGBTQIA+, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +6 more

I know what it is like to feel anxious, depressed, and unsure of where to turn to for support and what that support is going to look like. I am extrem... I know what it is like to feel anxious, depressed, and unsure of where to turn to for support and what that support is going to look like. I am extremely proud of you for taking this step. You're extraordinarily brave. Read more

Aetna, AmeriHealth Administrators, AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

As a licensed therapist, I look forward to collaboratively creating therapeutic goals with you that best serve your needs and help you overcome the di... As a licensed therapist, I look forward to collaboratively creating therapeutic goals with you that best serve your needs and help you overcome the difficulties that you are facing today. Read more

Michelle Nirenberg

Hear from Michelle Nirenberg, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Michelle Nirenberg's profile

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is DBT. I find the best benefit in DBT is that many different coping skills can be taught through it. The coping skills could help with many different diagnoses and symptoms.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: 4 square breathing, weighing pros and cons, searching for 5 things of a specific color, searching for 5 things of a specific shape, counting, TIPs, worry stones, “Aaron's Putty” and journaling (I explain how journals and diaries are different), and giving clients the words to help identify genuine emotions.

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 are able to identify triggers associated with their symptoms and they can use the different coping skills as if they are second nature and there are positive results.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing the different coping skills learned in sessions, doing the assigned DBT homework, and writing down questions they may want to address during the next session.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can attend the session with an open mind and understand that the therapeutic atmosphere is a judgment-free zone. Come prepared to ask questions.

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 Toms River.

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 Toms River, NJ 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 Toms River, NJ 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 Toms River therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO

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Self-pay costs at Toms River
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

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Therapist Dr Becht is friendly easy to talk to empathetic and insightful. Appreciate his help
Marshall Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jose Desiderio is an amazing human being, full of grace, know how to listen and supportive
Patricia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Provider is great, listens to what I have to say and gives meaningful advice as to what I'm feeling. Helps me dissect what's going on in my head into tangible thoughts/actions.
Reid Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Elizabeth woods is extremely knowledgeable and provides me with lots of resources to manage my depression and anxiety.
Maureen Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Scot is great. I really enjoy coming here to see him. I've seen so much improvement in my life since I've starting seeing him. He's a great guy and a great counselor
Steven Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Becht is an amazing clinician. He is extremely knowledgeable and always knows how to articulate what I need to hear. He genuinely wants to help his patients. He is very kind and caring. One of my friends is already seeing him.
Mark Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Stacie is easy to talk with. She helps me understand my feelings and move forward. She guides me with techniques to deal with my anxiety.
Maria Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love that my sessions are done on zoom.
Barbara Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located inside Allen Street Professional Center, between Water Street and Wilsey Way. Across Allen Street, you'll find Gallipoli Wealth Management. Our building is just around the corner from Huddy Park.

Phone number

(732) 795-5217

Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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