Child Therapists in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL

Photo of Lena Storino, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Lena Storino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
My primary area of focus is with children and adolescents (both neurodivergent and neurotypical), as well as their family systems. I believe that regardless of or area of concern, we all need strong and supportive relationships in our lives, which I utilize when approaching behavioral concerns, mood conditions, and challenging family dynamics.
My primary area of focus is with children and adolescents (both neurodivergent and neurotypical), as well as their family systems. I believe that regardless of or area of concern, we all need strong and supportive relationships in our lives, which I utilize when approaching behavioral concerns, mood conditions, and challenging family dynamics.
(773) 232-3341 View (773) 232-3341
Photo of Dr. Jayna Hamet, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Dr. Jayna Hamet
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
As your child's psychologist, I will see the world through their eyes and help them find their voice. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I utilize Client-Centered play therapy with young children and Client-Centered talk-therapy with adolescents, young adults and families. I wholeheartedly believe in providing empathetic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and being genuine. Providing young people with a safe place to explore their thoughts and feelings is key to encouraging positive growth and authenticity. I also offer emotion-focused parenting support and counseling.
As your child's psychologist, I will see the world through their eyes and help them find their voice. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I utilize Client-Centered play therapy with young children and Client-Centered talk-therapy with adolescents, young adults and families. I wholeheartedly believe in providing empathetic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and being genuine. Providing young people with a safe place to explore their thoughts and feelings is key to encouraging positive growth and authenticity. I also offer emotion-focused parenting support and counseling.
(773) 692-4041 View (773) 692-4041
Photo of Christina Hoffstrom, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Christina Hoffstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60625
Waitlist for new clients
She has significant experience working with children, teens and families.
Christina is a passionate advocate for children, teens, and adolescents in need. By using techniques like Play Therapy, CBT, and DBT, Christina helps clients develop a diverse tool kit to achieve their goals. Christina creates unique treatment plans for each client, providing therapy specific to their personal concerns such as anxiety, depression, school struggles, behavioral concerns, or family conflicts. Clients working with Christina find her to be warm, easy to connect with and flexible. Christina also takes a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to psychotherapy, allowing clients to feel safe to explore and grow.
She has significant experience working with children, teens and families.
Christina is a passionate advocate for children, teens, and adolescents in need. By using techniques like Play Therapy, CBT, and DBT, Christina helps clients develop a diverse tool kit to achieve their goals. Christina creates unique treatment plans for each client, providing therapy specific to their personal concerns such as anxiety, depression, school struggles, behavioral concerns, or family conflicts. Clients working with Christina find her to be warm, easy to connect with and flexible. Christina also takes a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to psychotherapy, allowing clients to feel safe to explore and grow.
(773) 830-3608 View (773) 830-3608
Photo of Sharonslaba 'Sharon' Davila, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Sharonslaba 'Sharon' Davila
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60618
Is your child struggling with mood or behavior issues? Is your young one experiencing school or family stress? Do you feel like you have tried everything, but nothing seems to be working? You are not alone. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker and together we can work to understand and address your child's behavioral needs. All behavior has meaning and together we can work to understand the meaning behind your child's behavior. We will work as a TEAM to help you enjoy being a parent again.
Is your child struggling with mood or behavior issues? Is your young one experiencing school or family stress? Do you feel like you have tried everything, but nothing seems to be working? You are not alone. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker and together we can work to understand and address your child's behavioral needs. All behavior has meaning and together we can work to understand the meaning behind your child's behavior. We will work as a TEAM to help you enjoy being a parent again.
(773) 364-6630 View (773) 364-6630
Photo of Gabi Granoff, Psychologist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Gabi Granoff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
Being a warm, collaborative, humorous, and grounded psychotherapist is essential to my work. I believe that relationships are at the core of the human experience. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, young adults and families who are struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma. The clients I work with are often seeking support in deepening connections with others and within themselves. My goal is to support my clients by providing a safe, accepting environment for self-exploration, and to help them remain grounded and find peace as they manage complex life stressors.
Being a warm, collaborative, humorous, and grounded psychotherapist is essential to my work. I believe that relationships are at the core of the human experience. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, young adults and families who are struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, and reactions to trauma. The clients I work with are often seeking support in deepening connections with others and within themselves. My goal is to support my clients by providing a safe, accepting environment for self-exploration, and to help them remain grounded and find peace as they manage complex life stressors.
(312) 210-0303 View (312) 210-0303
Photo of Karli Bigler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Karli Bigler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60625
I am in the process of completing an extensive Child Centered Play Therapy certificate program and enjoy working with young children.
Starting therapy can feel scary and intimidating. You are looking for someone to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with that will not judge you. I am here to help make that process easier. You deserve to have a space that is safe and supportive with a therapist that you know will fully accept you. I want to work with you to create a space infused with empathy, unconditional acceptance, and genuineness. You are welcome to show up just as you are and that is more than enough.
I am in the process of completing an extensive Child Centered Play Therapy certificate program and enjoy working with young children.
Starting therapy can feel scary and intimidating. You are looking for someone to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with that will not judge you. I am here to help make that process easier. You deserve to have a space that is safe and supportive with a therapist that you know will fully accept you. I want to work with you to create a space infused with empathy, unconditional acceptance, and genuineness. You are welcome to show up just as you are and that is more than enough.
(773) 839-9260 x515 View (773) 839-9260 x515
Photo of Grace Oczon, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Grace Oczon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I have experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in hospital and outpatient settings.
I honor the courage it takes for you to have made it to this point in your journey. I work to facilitate a space of curiosity that leads to deeper insight, awareness, and self-compassion to help bring meaningful change where it is needed. I believe that resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, is a key ability for mental and emotional health. Building this capacity is a healing practice. I use resiliency skills in the “here and now” during our sessions to build healthy habits for sustainable wellness. I also value collaboration, and often invite feedback to ensure your voice and purpose is at the center of the work,
I have experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in hospital and outpatient settings.
I honor the courage it takes for you to have made it to this point in your journey. I work to facilitate a space of curiosity that leads to deeper insight, awareness, and self-compassion to help bring meaningful change where it is needed. I believe that resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, is a key ability for mental and emotional health. Building this capacity is a healing practice. I use resiliency skills in the “here and now” during our sessions to build healthy habits for sustainable wellness. I also value collaboration, and often invite feedback to ensure your voice and purpose is at the center of the work,
(872) 204-1322 View (872) 204-1322
Photo of Caleb D Collins, Counselor in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Caleb D Collins
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I work with children and adolescents who struggle with social/emotional problems as well as issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
I work with children and adolescents who struggle with social/emotional problems as well as issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
(312) 548-3608 View (312) 548-3608
Photo of Sarah Ward, Art Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Sarah Ward
Art Therapist, MA, ATR
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
As trauma-informed clinical practitioner with over 25 years of experience, I am committed to helping children, teens and adults on their healing journey. I work with clients who have mood/anxiety disorders, OCD, addiction, self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, SA, DV, life transitions, sexuality, trauma and C-PTSD, adjustment challenges and identity exploration. I work with people therapeutically to make desired changes or simply improve well-being and sense of self. My experience includes people from all racial/cultural backgrounds, sexual preferences and gender identifications.
As trauma-informed clinical practitioner with over 25 years of experience, I am committed to helping children, teens and adults on their healing journey. I work with clients who have mood/anxiety disorders, OCD, addiction, self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, SA, DV, life transitions, sexuality, trauma and C-PTSD, adjustment challenges and identity exploration. I work with people therapeutically to make desired changes or simply improve well-being and sense of self. My experience includes people from all racial/cultural backgrounds, sexual preferences and gender identifications.
(773) 923-2975 View (773) 923-2975
Photo of John Frampton, Psychologist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
John Frampton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
(872) 814-6122 View (872) 814-6122
Photo of Yael Hess, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Yael Hess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
If you, your child or family are struggling to cope with new adjustments, behavioral challenges, peer and family relationships, anxiety, depression, OCD or past traumas, please reach out to begin an opportunity for change.
I am an LCSW focusing on anxiety, attachment, trauma, depression and OCD. I work with kids and youth to navigate the difficult emotions and pressures that come with growing up and to build positive coping skills. I work with parents on developing parenting skills, reducing personal stress and building positive relationships in the home. I work with adults to handle challenging life transitions and explore relationships and family dynamics. My approach is to understand your current challenges and pain. By utilizing a strengths-based approach, each client feels confident to overcome their hardships and reach their full potential.
If you, your child or family are struggling to cope with new adjustments, behavioral challenges, peer and family relationships, anxiety, depression, OCD or past traumas, please reach out to begin an opportunity for change.
I am an LCSW focusing on anxiety, attachment, trauma, depression and OCD. I work with kids and youth to navigate the difficult emotions and pressures that come with growing up and to build positive coping skills. I work with parents on developing parenting skills, reducing personal stress and building positive relationships in the home. I work with adults to handle challenging life transitions and explore relationships and family dynamics. My approach is to understand your current challenges and pain. By utilizing a strengths-based approach, each client feels confident to overcome their hardships and reach their full potential.
(773) 492-8479 View (773) 492-8479
Photo of Lois Ahn, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Lois Ahn
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
My work has been primarily with children, teens, and families.
I believe that our earliest relational experiences shape how we perceive ourselves, our relationships, and society. I approach this work through an attachment lens, meaning that I want to deeply understand each person’s unique relational history and how their story impacts their current sense of self, relationships, and roles in society. The process of change is relational, meaning that an authentic relationship between therapist and client moves the client towards change. I use the therapeutic relationship to help my clients explore various challenges and experience a different, healing connection.
My work has been primarily with children, teens, and families.
I believe that our earliest relational experiences shape how we perceive ourselves, our relationships, and society. I approach this work through an attachment lens, meaning that I want to deeply understand each person’s unique relational history and how their story impacts their current sense of self, relationships, and roles in society. The process of change is relational, meaning that an authentic relationship between therapist and client moves the client towards change. I use the therapeutic relationship to help my clients explore various challenges and experience a different, healing connection.
(312) 210-0303 View (312) 210-0303
Photo of Sarah Ahmed, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Sarah Ahmed
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
I believe change happens through insight, by understanding how our past experiences and our context shape our present and future. As a therapist, I am warm, relaxed, and understanding. Together, my clients and I build a relationship that is unique and authentic. My office is a space that is safe and non-judgmental, where clients can explore whatever is on their mind in that moment.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
I believe change happens through insight, by understanding how our past experiences and our context shape our present and future. As a therapist, I am warm, relaxed, and understanding. Together, my clients and I build a relationship that is unique and authentic. My office is a space that is safe and non-judgmental, where clients can explore whatever is on their mind in that moment.
(872) 713-5172 View (872) 713-5172
Photo of Michelle Cutler, Psychologist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Michelle Cutler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 3-18, with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. I specialize in working with children who have experienced trauma, particularly abuse and attachment trauma. I have a nurturing, yet directive style that helps children and families to feel at ease, as I believe that safety in the therapeutic relationship is most important. My passion lies in helping children emotionally heal, and helping parents to play an integral role in this process. I know that it is difficult to ask for help for your child, and feel privileged to do so.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 3-18, with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. I specialize in working with children who have experienced trauma, particularly abuse and attachment trauma. I have a nurturing, yet directive style that helps children and families to feel at ease, as I believe that safety in the therapeutic relationship is most important. My passion lies in helping children emotionally heal, and helping parents to play an integral role in this process. I know that it is difficult to ask for help for your child, and feel privileged to do so.
(224) 366-9448 x2005 View (224) 366-9448 x2005
Photo of Emma Peck-Block, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Emma Peck-Block
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I believe that our mind is one of our greatest investments and therapy offers a unique place to begin to support yourself or your child/adolescent in their understanding of themselves.
I specialize in helping highly sensitive young women, children, adolescents struggling with perfectionist behaviors, anxiety, sleep, anger, GI concerns and low self worth. Therapy will support you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and live a more connected, boundaried and fulfilled life. I am collaborative in my approach working with other providers to help you function differently. Therapy with me is dynamic and personalized. I am here to help you explore your lived experience.
I believe that our mind is one of our greatest investments and therapy offers a unique place to begin to support yourself or your child/adolescent in their understanding of themselves.
I specialize in helping highly sensitive young women, children, adolescents struggling with perfectionist behaviors, anxiety, sleep, anger, GI concerns and low self worth. Therapy will support you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and live a more connected, boundaried and fulfilled life. I am collaborative in my approach working with other providers to help you function differently. Therapy with me is dynamic and personalized. I am here to help you explore your lived experience.
(773) 896-0704 View (773) 896-0704
Photo of Ashwini Krishnakumar, Counselor in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Ashwini Krishnakumar
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640
I am passionate about providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I enjoy working with diverse cultural backgrounds, all sexual orientations and gender, and advocating for clients. I use an integrative treatment pulling from Humanistic, Systems, Trauma-Informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating expressive therapy techniques for individual clients. For couples therapy, I use the Emotionally Focused Couples therapy techniques to help couples understand and dismantle unhealth conflict cycles.
I am passionate about providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I enjoy working with diverse cultural backgrounds, all sexual orientations and gender, and advocating for clients. I use an integrative treatment pulling from Humanistic, Systems, Trauma-Informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating expressive therapy techniques for individual clients. For couples therapy, I use the Emotionally Focused Couples therapy techniques to help couples understand and dismantle unhealth conflict cycles.
(872) 231-3382 View (872) 231-3382
Photo of Reem K Cutinello, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Reem K Cutinello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RRT
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60607
We are dedicated to helping clients work toward growth and desired outcomes within a variety of areas: Individual, Relationship and Family work, Depression, Divorce and/or Parenting concerns, Transitional times, Anxiety, Trauma, Adolescent concerns, ADHD, Children ages 3+, Chronic Pain or Illness, Impulse Control Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Hypnosis.
As a therapist, I am focused on being genuine and mindful with client(s). My individualized approach, along with working together produces the best results. It helps you identify and explore sources of stress, set specific goals, and identify methods to achieve the desired outcome(s). Often times, simply shifting our choices, behaviors, expectations or perceptions can lead to significant improvements in how we feel. Positive outcomes are created with desire and guidance.
We are dedicated to helping clients work toward growth and desired outcomes within a variety of areas: Individual, Relationship and Family work, Depression, Divorce and/or Parenting concerns, Transitional times, Anxiety, Trauma, Adolescent concerns, ADHD, Children ages 3+, Chronic Pain or Illness, Impulse Control Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Hypnosis.
As a therapist, I am focused on being genuine and mindful with client(s). My individualized approach, along with working together produces the best results. It helps you identify and explore sources of stress, set specific goals, and identify methods to achieve the desired outcome(s). Often times, simply shifting our choices, behaviors, expectations or perceptions can lead to significant improvements in how we feel. Positive outcomes are created with desire and guidance.
(630) 239-1054 View (630) 239-1054
Photo of Playful Healing Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Playful Healing Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60625
In addition, we provide evidence-based models such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Playful Healing Center holds the healing mission of strengthening and empowering individuals with effective therapeutic approaches. We have developed an array of high-quality mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Although we are specialized in pediatric psychotherapy in issues of attachment, trauma, behavioral and emotional issues, we also offer services to individuals and families with issues of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
In addition, we provide evidence-based models such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Playful Healing Center holds the healing mission of strengthening and empowering individuals with effective therapeutic approaches. We have developed an array of high-quality mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Although we are specialized in pediatric psychotherapy in issues of attachment, trauma, behavioral and emotional issues, we also offer services to individuals and families with issues of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
(224) 765-4875 View (224) 765-4875
Photo of Raquel Flores-Maki Active Therapies, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Raquel Flores-Maki Active Therapies, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60625
I specialize in working with families, children, marriages/partnerships and adolescents. I am Gottman trained for couples counseling. I also EMDR trained. I employ a team approach that enhances existing supports and provides tools to assist with barriers. Throughout my twenty-five years of professional experience, I've had the great fortune to learn from the families, adolescents and adults who've placed their well being in my care. I believe in a mind body connection and holistic approach. Mind and body connections are vital to becoming a healthier individual both mentally and physically.
I specialize in working with families, children, marriages/partnerships and adolescents. I am Gottman trained for couples counseling. I also EMDR trained. I employ a team approach that enhances existing supports and provides tools to assist with barriers. Throughout my twenty-five years of professional experience, I've had the great fortune to learn from the families, adolescents and adults who've placed their well being in my care. I believe in a mind body connection and holistic approach. Mind and body connections are vital to becoming a healthier individual both mentally and physically.
(773) 649-9730 View (773) 649-9730
Photo of Patricia Peña, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Patricia Peña
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60625
If you’re on the fence about whether is therapy is right for you, your child, or your family, come take a chance on me and let’s see how we can work together to bring joy into your relationships! I invite you to schedule a Zoom consult with me so you can get a better sense if we’ll be a right fit for one another.
Please note that I have limited daytime appointments only at this time. Life can be challenging and overwhelming for everyone. I’m bilingual and bi-cultural and enjoy working with folks of all backgrounds, but am especially passionate about working with folks from the Latino/x community. I always think of my clients as multi-faceted, keeping in mind their culture, identity, immigration history, trauma, attachment, family history, development, and relationship patterns.
If you’re on the fence about whether is therapy is right for you, your child, or your family, come take a chance on me and let’s see how we can work together to bring joy into your relationships! I invite you to schedule a Zoom consult with me so you can get a better sense if we’ll be a right fit for one another.
Please note that I have limited daytime appointments only at this time. Life can be challenging and overwhelming for everyone. I’m bilingual and bi-cultural and enjoy working with folks of all backgrounds, but am especially passionate about working with folks from the Latino/x community. I always think of my clients as multi-faceted, keeping in mind their culture, identity, immigration history, trauma, attachment, family history, development, and relationship patterns.
(507) 306-1684 View (507) 306-1684

See more therapy options for Ravenswood, Chicago

Child Therapists

Do I need to attend therapy with my child?

Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.

How long are sessions with child therapists?

Children’s therapy sessions can last 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The length of the session may depend on your child’s age and the type of therapy practiced. You can discuss this with therapists you consult and the one you ultimately move forward with.

How do I get a child to agree to seek therapy?

The best approach is to have an open-ended conversation with your child about how they’re doing and what they might be struggling with. When you raise therapy, discuss the concept in an age-appropriate way, for example explaining that a therapist’s job is to help kids handle their hard or uncomfortable feelings. Frame therapy positively, as an opportunity to explore and build emotional skills—it’s an important tool in the toolbox to help kids feel their best.

How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?

A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.