Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

6,431 people sought child therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

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

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

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 Waltham.

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 Waltham, MA 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 Waltham, MA 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 Massachusetts therapists and counselors accept 31 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Waltham
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

5.0 Thriveworks Waltham reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Read more Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Read more You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Read more Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Read more Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Awesome/with 5 being the best.
Waltham May 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Read more Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Read more Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Read more I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Waltham Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Waltham can be reached by taking exit 43B on I-95, and following 2nd Ave to Bear Hill Road. We are located in the same complex as Eastport Real Estate Services. We are next door to Boston Engineering.

Phone number

(781) 905-8487

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
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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