Care without the wait

50 licensed therapists & providers in New Jersey—5 in Toms River. 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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609 people sought child therapy help at Toms River in the last year

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

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

As a licensed therapist, I look forward to collaboratively creating therapeutic goals with you that best serve your needs and help...

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As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...

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As someone who has faced many challenges and adversities in life, I know how important it is to feel safe and supported, and I am ...

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I strive to create a strong and collaborative therapeutic relationship where my clients can feel safe and supported....

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I believe that life is a journey and my role is to provide guidance and support to help you find your way....

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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.

Child therapy FAQs

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 insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Toms River accept 31 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Open Access Plus New Jersey

  • Clover Health Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

View more
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The whole process was really easy and every person I spoke to in the process was very kind and helpful.
Dacota Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listens to me and I feel she is very helpful
Kaley Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Very caring and compassionate
Ken Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Staci listens well and helps me make decisions . She’s compassionate and relatable.
Marisela Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy and appreciate my therapist Sharon Ryan
Briana Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have enjoyed my time with my Therapist whom has helped me greatly over come the issues I was having.
Betty Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I absolutely love Lyndsey so much. I love her vibe and her energy. She makes me feel seen and heard and I couldn’t ask for a better therapist
Sofia Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The honesty and positive feedback that he gives me. I feel very comfortable opening up to him.
Scarlett Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 68 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

10 Allen Street Suite 4-B
Toms River, NJ 08753

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located near Allen Street and Main Street, off Route 37. It is near the Ocean County Courthouse and Huddy Park.

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Phone number

(732) 795-5217
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Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • Italian
  • English
  • Spanish
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Hours

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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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