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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 Watertown.

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 Watertown, 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 Watertown, 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 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?

Child Therapy in Watertown, MA—Counselors and Therapists for Teens and Kids 

We want to protect our kids and teens from the stressors and evils of the world but sometimes, it’s hard to avoid. Coping with death, moving to a new city, and learning how to control emotions is hard enough for adults. For young minds, it can be even harder. 

We want the best for our kids. That’s why if you are noticing that your child is acting differently or going through a challenge, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA is here to guide you and your child to your full potential. Our child therapists have the skills and experience needed to work with children and teens of all ages and understand that each situation is unique. If you believe your child could benefit from speaking with a counselor, contact us today and one of our scheduling specialists can get you started. 

Does My Child Need Therapy? 

Children are constantly growing and evolving. Their minds are adapting to the world around them and are soaking up as much information as they can. When a child is experiencing a mentally challenging problem, it can be taxing on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Children experience a multitude of stressors and child therapy can help them address and cope with those concerns. Here are some of the common issues seen in child therapy:

  • Divorce 
  • Grief and loss
  • Behavioral problems at home and in school
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse or addiction 
  • Signs of a learning disorder
  • Anger or aggression management 
  • Low self-esteem
  • Bullying 
  • ADD/ADHD 
  • Trauma 
  • Major life changes 
  • Change in appetite 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Concerns about an intellectual disability 

Child Therapy: How Does it Work? 

Our child therapists have wide ranges of knowledge and extensive experience in their field. This can ensure you that if one thing isn’t working for your little one, their therapist will have another method lined up and ready to go. Some of the methods you can expect a child counselor at Thriveworks in Watertown, MA to use are: 

  1. Traditional talk therapy 
  2. Play therapy (using play to explore hidden emotions)
  3. Narrative therapy 
  4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying negative thoughts and behaviors associated with them and replacing them with positive ones) 
  5. Music therapy 
  6. Art therapy (the use of art techniques to express emotions, oftentimes without words)

Work with a Child Therapist at Thriveworks in Watertown, MA 

Is your child behaving outside of their normal self? Did your child experience something traumatic and they are having trouble coping? Are they having a hard time coming to terms with a loss? Let us help you and your child tackle these challenges. Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to all of our clients and provide them with the support they have been searching for. 

To get started, visit our online booking portal or call our office. We have flexible scheduling options and also offer online counseling. We can’t wait to work with you! 

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 Watertown therapists and counselors accept 27 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

  • Caresource

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Watertown
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

Thriveworks Watertown has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Massachusetts.

4.5 Thriveworks Watertown reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Watertown is located at the intersection of Main St and John Sonny Whooley Way, which becomes Cross St once you pass our office and continue through this intersection. We share a building with Lutheran Child & Family Services and Beaverbrook STEP, Inc.

Phone number

(617) 958-5773

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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