1,857 people sought child therapy help in Connecticut 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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James Fox

Hear from James Fox, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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What is your go-to approach for child therapy?

My approach to helping kids is to build rapport with them. I prefer helping kids because children can truly benefit from the therapeutic process.

What tools do you teach in child therapy?

I teach the following tools in child therapy: art therapy, play therapy, and talk therapy (if old enough).

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

We know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when their family reports a reduction of their presenting symptoms.

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

Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by doing small homework assignments when they are at home.

What should someone do to prepare for starting child therapy?

To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can have their parents explain to them what they will be doing when they come to therapy and prepare for their meeting.

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 West Hartford.

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 West Hartford, CT 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 West Hartford, CT 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 West Hartford, CT—Hartford Therapy for Children

Are you searching for Hartford therapy for your child or teen? The child therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks in West Hartford understand the trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence, and they want to help. If your kid or teen is having trouble adjusting to a new city or school, a child therapist can help them to adapt well; if your child is struggling amidst a divorce in the family, a therapist can help them to process this change and equip them with the right tools for processing the difficult emotions they are likely experiencing. Regardless of what your child is going through, a child therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks in West Hartford can prove beneficial to their growth in life.

If you think that your kid or teen could find value in child therapy, reach out to our office in Hartford County to schedule an appointment. Give us a call at (860) 553-3374, and a scheduling specialist will assist you.

Child Therapy: What Is It?

Life is hard for all of us—and it can be especially hard for children and teens, as they are still learning how to respond to daily stressors and process their many emotions. The good news is that child therapy can help guide them on their journey in understanding mental and emotional health. One of our therapists or psychologists can help your kid understand, process, and work through…

  • The loss of a loved one
  • Divorced parents
  • Anxiety or another mental health issue
  • Bullying
  • Making new friends
  • Adjusting to a new normal

The child therapists at Thriveworks in Hartford County are ready to dive right in. They are eager to help your child or teen through the above issues and those alike.

Examples of Success with Child Therapists, Psychologists

At Thriveworks Counseling, one’s experience in child therapy is individualized. Our therapists and psychologists design therapy based on a child’s specific needs. That said, the ultimate mission in child therapy is to help kids and teens experience a healthier, more joyful life. Here are a couple of examples of how child therapy might prove helpful:

  1. Trauma refers to a distressing event that has a lasting or long-term impact. Whether it’s a bad car accident, the death of a family member, or bullying, children grow scared of what comes next. Often, they don’t yet have the tools to move on from these traumatic experiences. If your child or teen has been a victim of trauma, Thriveworks West Hartford can help. They will encourage your child to talk about their experience, assist them in processing their feelings related to the event, and help them to develop coping techniques that will supplement a happier life.
  2. When parents decide to divorce, it often has harmful effects on their children. Children and teens must adjust to a new normal: one that involves two homes, a potential move, limited time with one or both parents, and more. A child might feel depressed, unloved, or confused in the wake of their parents divorcing. A Thriveworks West Hartford child therapist would help by walking them through their emotions and teaching them effective strategies for opening up about these emotions, such as journaling.

Set Up a Child Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks West Hartford, CT in Hartford County

Are you concerned about your child? Are they struggling to adjust to significant changes in their life? Are they exhibiting problematic behavior? Do you think they could benefit from Hartford therapy for children? Consider setting up a child therapy appointment at Thriveworks in West Hartford.

Thriveworks offers evening and weekend sessions, and accepts most major insurances. Plus, we can often get new clients in for their first appointment within the same week. Give us a call at (860) 553-3374 when you are ready to schedule. We hope to hear from you soon, and we look forward to getting to know your child or teen!

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 West Hartford therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at West Hartford
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I couldn’t be more pleased with the help Tracy Saucier has given me! She is so kind, compassionate and a great listener.
Read more I couldn’t be more pleased with the help Tracy Saucier has given me! She is so kind, compassionate and a great listener.
Jane Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love the format of telehealth in the evening. At a time where it's so challenging to find Psychiatrists, Thriveworks has been so easy to work with. And Ericka is lovely; easy to work with, easy to talk to, trustworthy, and very helpful.
Read more I love the format of telehealth in the evening. At a time where it's so challenging to find Psychiatrists, Thriveworks has been so easy to work with. And Ericka is lovely; easy to work with, easy to talk to, trustworthy, and very helpful.
Elizabeth Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I feel very comfortable talking with my therapist Jill about things that have been taking up room in my mind. She helps me find tools to cope with PTSD, anxieties & depression. I know I have a while to go but I am seeing progress due to our sessions.
Read more I feel very comfortable talking with my therapist Jill about things that have been taking up room in my mind. She helps me find tools to cope with PTSD, anxieties & depression. I know I have a while to go but I am seeing progress due to our sessions.
Elizabeth Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tracy Saucier is an excellent therapist and I feel very comfortable with her
Helen Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Saxton and the counsellors at Thriveworks are highly skilled and knowledgeable in assisting overcome situations that require special understanding.
Read more Mr Saxton and the counsellors at Thriveworks are highly skilled and knowledgeable in assisting overcome situations that require special understanding.
Ash Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The importance of finding a relatable therapist is key! Being in the medical field myself and coping with those stressors post 2020 traumatic events lead me to reach out for help. Learning understand and cope with moving forward in a healthier way. Thank you Ms Cano for making it easy to talk to you and relate!
Read more The importance of finding a relatable therapist is key! Being in the medical field myself and coping with those stressors post 2020 traumatic events lead me to reach out for help. Learning understand and cope with moving forward in a healthier way. Thank you Ms Cano for making it easy to talk to you and relate!
West Hartford Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Eva is absolutely wonderful and has given us tools and techniques to improve our communication and marriage.
Read more Eva is absolutely wonderful and has given us tools and techniques to improve our communication and marriage.
West Hartford Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mimi is wonderful, attentive and kind. She's really helped me to grow and see the positives in myself. I am so happy to have met her!!!
Read more Mimi is wonderful, attentive and kind. She's really helped me to grow and see the positives in myself. I am so happy to have met her!!!
West Hartford Dec 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry West Hartford is located at the corner of Farmington Ave and Ardmore Rd. We currently share the building with Step To Beauty and New England Realty Management, among other businesses. Across the street will find The Westfield apartment building and one block west on Farmington Ave is the Beth David Synagogue.

Phone number

(860) 530-5326

Languages spoken by CT providers

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

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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