Child & Teen Therapy
Helping Kids and Teens Thrive Through Compassionate, Science-Backed Support
Childhood and adolescence are full of big emotions, developmental changes, and stressors, many of which can feel overwhelming for both kids and their parents. We provide a warm, welcoming space where children and teens feel safe to explore their feelings, learn effective coping skills, and grow into more resilient versions of themselves.
We work with
children and teens experiencing:
- Generalized anxiety and excessive worry
- Social anxiety or difficulty making friends
- Perfectionism and fear of failure
- Sadness, irritability, and mood changes
- Emotional dysregulation and frequent outbursts
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- School-related stress, avoidance, or refusal
- Attention challenges or executive functioning issues
- Identity development and stress around transitions
- Medical-related coping for chronic illness or diagnosis
Whether symptoms are new or have been present for a while, therapy can provide structure, insight, and support for real, lasting change.
How We Work With Children and Teens
For Children
Therapy with younger children involves a blend of developmentally appropriate talk therapy, creative expression, therapeutic games, and activities to help them process emotions and learn coping tools. We work closely with parents to ensure strategies are reinforced at home, and provide education around child development, behavior, and communication.
We focus on:
- Building emotional vocabulary and awareness
- Strengthening frustration tolerance and problem-solving
- Managing fears and worries
- Creating plans for home and school settings
- Supporting parent-child connection and routines
For younger children (6 and under), we typically offer parent consultation as the primary intervention, supporting caregivers with strategies that address behavior and emotional development in a more age-appropriate way. Regardless of a child’s age, parental involvement is an important part of the therapeutic process.
For Teens
We work with children and teens experiencing:
Teen therapy is a space where adolescents can feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment or pressure to be “okay.”
We help teens:
- Navigate school and peer stress
- Challenge self-critical thoughts
- Manage anxiety and social pressure
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Understand and regulate big emotions
- Reconnect with their interests, values, and goals
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship with teens. While we do maintain open communication with parents, we also respect the privacy of adolescents within appropriate legal and ethical boundaries. This builds trust and allows teens to engage more fully in therapy.
Our
Therapeutic Approach
We draw from evidence-based, compassionate methods to support your child’s emotional growth:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children and teens identify how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. We teach tools to reframe unhelpful thoughts, manage distressing feelings, and make empowered behavioral choices.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps kids and teens learn how to handle difficult feelings in service of living a values-driven life. It’s especially helpful for perfectionism, anxiety, and identity development.
Parent Collaboration
You are the expert on your child. Therapy is most effective when we work together, combining your lived experience with our clinical insight. We keep you involved, informed, and empowered throughout the process.
When to Seek Therapy for Your Child or Teen
Many parents ask, “Is it time for therapy?” Here are a few signs to consider:
- Frequent emotional meltdowns or shutdowns
- Avoidance of school, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
- Constant worries or perfectionistic behavior
- Anger, irritability, or extreme sensitivity
- Trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
- Saying things like “I hate myself” or “I wish I weren’t here”
- Social withdrawal or difficulty making and keeping friends
- Ongoing stress around a recent move, illness, or family change
If your child or teen is experiencing any of these, therapy can offer meaningful support, not just to reduce symptoms, but to build lasting emotional resilience.
Flexible Support
that fits your life
We offer sessions in-person in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as virtually across 42 states through PSYPACT.
We also provide parent consultation as a standalone service, especially for families with younger children or those looking for targeted parenting support. Our parent consultation can also be a supportive option for families where a child or teen is refusing therapy.
"My first goal is always to make sure kids feel safe, comfortable, and understood in therapy. If they hate therapy, it's really hard to make progress."
Help Your Child Feel Understood
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can share your concerns, ask questions, and find out whether our approach is a good fit for your family.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Or fill out our secure online form, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.