Child Therapy
Child Therapy
All kids deserve the chance to grow, learn, and be cared for. At Comprehensive Mental Health Solutions, our therapy provides a safe space to express emotions, build skills, and overcome challenges, with empathic support grounded in evidence-based methods.
What Is Child Therapy?
At CMHS, we understand that children have unique emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs.
Our Child Therapy services are designed to support children (typically ages 5‑12) and pre‑teens as they navigate life’s challenges, strengthening resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships.
Why Child Therapy Matters
Growing up isn’t always easy. Anxiety, behavior challenges, or big life
changes can feel overwhelming and, if left unaddressed, may affect learning, confidence, and relationships. With the right support, kids can develop healthy ways to cope, connect, and thrive.
Child therapy offers a solution. It helps children:
- Early childhood is a critical period for socio‑emotional growth. Intervening early can reduce long‑term struggles.
- Children may not always have the words to describe what they’re feeling; therapy offers a safe space for expression through play, art, story, and age‑appropriate techniques.
- Working with children in therapy also gives parents, caregivers, and families tools to support healthy development at home, in school, and in the community.
Child Therapy at CMHS
How We Approach Child Therapy
At CMHS, we tailor care to each child. Some of the evidence-based practices we provide include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Proven to help kids and adolescents with anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavioral challenges by teaching problem-solving and coping skills, often with support from parents as part of the process.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Designed for children and adolescents coping with grief, loss, or difficult experiences. This structured, short-term approach involves both the child and caregiver, helping to reduce symptoms of PTSD while fostering healing and resilience.
Behavioral Therapy / Parent Training
Equips families with practical tools to encourage positive behaviors and reduce challenging ones. This approach is often especially helpful for children with ADHD or other behavioral difficulties, giving parents strategies to support growth at home and school.
Our therapists work closely with families, and where appropriate, with schools and other providers to provide consistent intervention for each child.
What to Expect From Child Therapy
- Initial Assessment & Intake: We begin with a gentle, child‑friendly evaluation of emotional, behavioral, and developmental domains.
- Caregivers also provide background information (medical, school, family).
- Goal Setting & Treatment Planning: Based on assessment, the therapist collaborates with caregivers (and the child, when appropriate) to set goals—e.g. reducing anxiety, improving social skills, managing emotions—and selects modalities accordingly.
- Ongoing Sessions:Sessions are typically 45–60 minutes, weekly or biweekly. As trust builds, therapy may involve direct child work, caregiver coaching, and family sessions.
- Periodic Review & Coordination: Progress is monitored and treatment is adjusted as needed. We coordinate with schools, pediatricians, or other professionals (with permission) for consistency and support.
Involving the Family & Caregivers
Your involvement is key. We ask caregivers to:
- Participate in sessions as needed (e.g. parent coaching or family sessions)
- Practice strategies at home (the “between‑session” work)
- Share relevant observations (e.g. school behavior, sleep, changes at home)
- Communicate openly with the therapist about goals, concerns, or barriers
Thinking About the Next Step?
If your child is struggling, getting support early can make a lasting difference. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Child therapy builds coping skills that not only help today but also support growth and resilience for the future.
At CMHS CT, our child therapy services are compassionate, practical, and focused on helping kids thrive. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward support.
FAQs About Child Therapy
Is my child too young or too old for therapy?
Therapy can be effective with young children, pre-teens, and teens. Different approaches are used depending on age.
Does therapy always involve medication?
No. Most children benefit from therapy alone. If medication is considered, it will always be discussed carefully with you and only recommended when appropriate.
How long does therapy last?
It varies. Some children need only a few months of therapy, while others benefit from longer support. The plan is based on your child’s needs and progress.
Can sessions be virtual?
Yes. In-person sessions are often best, especially for younger children, but online appointments are available when needed.
