Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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.

No current openings

All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Hear from our clinicians

What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

Taylor: My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is to meet them where they are at mentally. I find the best benefit in using play therapy techniques because children don't always use their words to communicate and older children often talk more when engaged in play.

Karen: My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is CBT. I find the best benefit in CBT and psychoeducation skills because children need immediate skills to handle their emotional responses and specific interventions to understand their emotions, learn what they are, and learn how to de-escalate from heightened responses. Children also benefit from learning how to express what they are feeling before the situation escalates.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

Taylor: I teach the following tools in child therapy:

  • Anger management techniques
  • Emotional regulation
  • Coping skills
  • Problem-solving techniques

Karen: I use tools such as games, art, and other interventions to explore emotions with children. I also like scenarios that help children listen to stories and think about how they would handle a situation. I also work with children to help them learn coping and relaxation skills, such as 5 finger breathing. On telehealth, I use different interactive interventions while working with children.

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

Taylor: I know a child is making meaningful progress in child therapy when they begin to open up about their emotions and are able to identify them.

Karen: I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when they are better able to verbally express their emotions and thoughts through words rather than acting out with negative behaviors.

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

Taylor: Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by engaging in more open discussions about feelings with their parent(s) and complete any “homework” assigned in therapy such as writing a list of positive affirmations to say to yourself in the morning.

Karen: Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by journaling at home. I find for children, having a journal where they can write or express themselves with pictures or other types of art is very helpful. I also send parents home with activities to try with the child over the week such as having children identify the emotion we worked on in session throughout the week.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

Taylor: To prepare for child therapy, a parent and child can discuss what therapy is going to be like and remind the child that it is a safe space to open up about their feelings.

Karen: To prepare for their first child therapy session, a parent can prepare their child by explaining the purpose of therapy and ensuring the child knows that therapy is to help them learn and feel safe to express their feelings.

Starting Child/teen therapy

Need more help deciding?

Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA for Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling

Watching your child wrestle with issues that are causing them strife and interfering with their happiness can be distressing to the parents and family. Some children are not able to verbalize what they feel, while others do not feel comfortable talking about their problems. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is productive at school, enjoying friendships and experiencing the many fun activities that are available to them.

If your child has an issue that is keeping them from a happy and healthy life, it is a good idea to contact a therapist. The experienced therapists, counselors, and psychologists at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling will work with your child for depression, stress, grief and loss, addiction, acting out at home and school and many more issues.The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA are professionally licensed and have years of experience in the field. Reach out today to get started.

Reasons to Seek Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling

There are a variety of issues that bring children and their families to therapy, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • School Adjustment
  • Family Conflict
  • Parental Conflict
  • Parenting
  • Temper Tantrums
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Stress
  • Grief and Loss
  • Post Traumatic Stress
  • Bullying and Being Bullied
  • Addiction
  • Acting Out at Home and School
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

Child/Adolescent Therapy Techniques

The counselors and therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as play, activities, art and more to work with the child or adolescent in therapy/counseling. It is important that the appropriate therapy is used for the different stages of development. Young children may not be able to verbalize their issues, but they feel comfortable with using toys or drawing. Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA uses some of the following methods for child and adolescent therapy:

  • Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced- based treatment for children and adolescents who have been greatly impacted by trauma.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in the treatment of issues, such as anxiety and depression.
  • Play Therapy is ideal for children who are not yet able to communicate their feelings and emotions. They learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.

Scheduling Child Therapy at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

The therapists, counselors, and psychologists at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA have professional licenses and credentials and are well-versed in the many issues that children and adolescents experience, including divorce, major illness and psychological disorders. The therapists and counselors provide a trusting and secure environment for the child and parent, making it conducive to working together toward a healthy and happy life.

Therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA have an understanding of the physical, mental and behavioral development of children and adolescents and are experts in the specific issues they face. Call Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 317-4315 for child and adolescent therapy and counseling. We offer evening and weekend sessions, provide same-week appointments to new clients, and accept most major insurances.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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