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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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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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, D.C. 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, D.C. 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.

Need more help deciding?

Child Therapy in Washington, D.C. (Georgetown)—Child Therapists and Counselors

The Thriveworks Washington, D.C. child therapists in Georgetown understand how difficult childhood and adolescence can be and are dedicated to helping these young people live better lives. If you are concerned that your child may be facing challenges that they can’t overcome on their own, consider setting them up with a child therapist who can teach them how to cope now and in the future. When you are ready, give our office a call at (202) 221-8410 to get started.

What Is Child Therapy?

There are many different methods and approaches that a child therapist may use in order to better connect with a kid. From experience and their extensive education, they have developed a skill set to help them achieve their goals. At Thriveworks Washington, DC Counseling, your child’s therapist may use some of the following methods:

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common therapy for children, especially those who suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. CBT helps them learn how to change negative patterns to create healthier thinking
  2. Family therapy: Children often thrive when the whole family unit is involved in therapy sessions. It gives them a way to express themselves to their parents while also giving parents the tools to better interact, communicate, and identify problematic behaviors.
  3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT therapy is similar to CBT in that specific problems are addressed; however, this method has a more specific focus on helping kids regulate their emotions.
  4. Play Therapy: Sometimes it can be hard for children to express themselves verbally or they have a hard time opening up. Utilizing play therapy gives kids the outlet they need to talk about their feelings without directly identifying that there are their

There are so many different methods that can be used to help your child thrive. Your child’s psychologist will most likely use a variety of methods to see what suits the child’s needs best. Thriveworks Washington, DC (Georgetown) has a vast array of techniques to use. Call our office if you have additional questions!

Deciding if Your Child is the Right Fit for Child Therapy

As we mentioned earlier, there are endless possibilities for why your child might need the help of a professional therapist. Deciding to get them therapy does not reflect on your parenting abilities. By seeking outside help, you are showing just how much you love and care for your kid or teenager by helping them improve their mental health! Here are some of the common reasons why families choose to get their children help from a psychologist:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Learning disabilities
  • Bullying
  • Divorce
  • Coping with physical ailments
  • Trauma
  • Grief
  • Major life changes like moving
  • Rebellious behavior
  • Lack of emotion or drive
  • Eating disorders

Schedule an Appointment for Your Child at Thriveworks Washington, D.C. (Georgetown) Counseling

Does your child seem sluggish? How about angrier than usual? Are you concerned that they are being bullied at school? Reach out to Thriveworks Washington, D.C. (Georgetown) today to get them the help they need.

Our counselors have a wide range of availability, including day, evening, and weekend appointment times. We understand how hard it can be to pick up your kids from school and then take them to an appointment. Luckily, we also offer online counseling options for those who have busy schedules or would benefit from speaking with a counselor from the comfort of their own home. You can easily set your child up with one of our psychologists by visiting our online booking system or by calling (202) 221-8410.

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 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon DC | Medicare Advantage

  • 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 really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Read more I really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Washington, D.C. Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Read more So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Washington, D.C. Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
First time trying it and definitely going back.
Washington, D.C. Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Read more Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Washington, D.C. Dec 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I visited this office before it was even officially open, and was beyond impressed at how it looks and the customer service systems Thriveworks was putting in place. Impressive!
Read more I visited this office before it was even officially open, and was beyond impressed at how it looks and the customer service systems Thriveworks was putting in place. Impressive!
Washington, D.C. Nov 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Washington DC is located at 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 340, Washington, DC 20007, in Georgetown, near the waterfront.

Phone number

(202) 952-4629

Languages spoken by D.C. providers

  • English
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