Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO, +20 more
Behavioral Issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO, +19 more
Behavioral Issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO, +17 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +16 more
Stress, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Eating Disorder, +3 more

As a practitioner, Kate will bring a holistic care approach of both the body and mind, together with commitment to individual, personal and compressiv... As a practitioner, Kate will bring a holistic care approach of both the body and mind, together with commitment to individual, personal and compressive care to patients. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS HMO, +16 more
LGBTQIA+, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, Anxiety

As a brown, queer, nonbinary first gen kid, my approach to therapy is rooted in building a safe space to explore and grow towards your healing and wel... As a brown, queer, nonbinary first gen kid, my approach to therapy is rooted in building a safe space to explore and grow towards your healing and wellness goals. Read more

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 Washington.

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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC 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 take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

As your child’s guardian, you are their protector. Naturally, you do every single thing possible to protect them from the evils of the world and keep them happy. But if you’re honest with yourself, you know that you can’t possibly protect them from all evils and pain. The tough reality is that we all encounter challenges in childhood and as we continue to grow up: We struggle to fit in and get bullied; we fall in love and get heartbroken; we experience excruciating pain when our parents tell us they’re separating; and we get knocked down a time or a few, both physically and mentally.

There are things about your childhood you hold onto, because they were

so much a part of you. The places you went, the people you knew.”

–The Wonder Years

While we cannot protect our kids from every evil and pain, the good news is that we can guide them as they encounter obstacles. And if we don’t think we’re able to offer them the help that they need, we can set them up with a child therapist. Child therapists have professional skills, training, and experience related to helping kids and teens maintain their mental health and excel in life. If you think that your child could benefit from working with a child therapist, consider scheduling an appointment at Thriveworks Washington, DC child therapy. Just call (202) 221-8410 when you’re ready to talk to our scheduling team.

What Is Child Therapy?

Child therapy is simply defined as a form of therapy that aims to help kids and teens manage their problems, such as bullying or signs of a mental illness. The Thriveworks Washington DC child therapists are plenty equipped to assist these young individuals, as they know how their still-developing brains and minds work. These professionals are informed by their education, training, and knowledge, which allow them to break down the aforementioned challenges in a way that kids and teens can understand and work through.

All ages are welcome in child therapy or child counseling. Toddlers, grade-school children, adolescents, and teens are all welcome and can benefit. Whatever their age, their child therapist will use an array of therapy techniques and tools to help them process their emotions and get back to happy living. The Thriveworks Washington, DC child therapists step in to prevent young children and teens from experiencing negative effects on their developmental and mental growth.

Who Can Benefit from Child Therapy?

It’s hard for parents to accept that their kids might be struggling—they’d rather believe that they’re happy all of the time. But we know better: All kids run into trouble. Fortunately, a child therapist can help kids and teens with their obstacles. As we touched on previously, child therapists have refined skills and tools that enable them to help your child grow well through life. Now, you’re probably wondering whether your child could benefit from child therapy. Many children and teens can! Here is a list of common issues discussed in child therapy:

  • Symptoms of a mental illness
  • Bullying
  • Traumatic events
  • The loss of a loved one
  • Major life changes
  • Divorce in the family
  • Learning disabilities

Understanding when your child could benefit from child therapy counseling isn’t always a piece of cake. However, if they are currently facing the above obstacles, they might benefit. Consider setting them up with a child therapist at Thriveworks Washington, DC.

Schedule Child Therapy at Thriveworks Washington, DC

If your child appears to be suffering, don’t feel like you have failed them. You haven’t. Continue to do what you can to guide and support them, of which might involve setting them up with a child therapist. If you are in the Washington, DC area, you’re in the right place already! We have skilled, caring child therapists and teen therapists on staff who are eager to help kids live better.

If you are ready to schedule a child therapy appointment, just give Thriveworks Washington, DC a call at (202) 221-8410. We can set your child or teen up with a therapist as soon as tomorrow. We’ll get them the help that they need when they need it. Just call us when you’re ready to get started and we will be here.

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 Washington therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Washington
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 Washington reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
Read more I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
DC Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Read more As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Read more As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Read more I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry DC is located on Wisconsin Ave near the waterfront. We currently share a building with Core Architecture and Design, Quarterlife Center, and Window Wears.

Phone number

(202) 932-7587

Languages spoken by DC providers

  • English
  • Creole
  • French
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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