What is Mental Health Therapy for Children? | Pediatric Therapy Directory

What Do Pediatric Mental Health Therapists Do?

Pediatric mental health therapists specialize in supporting children's emotional and mental well-being. They help children navigate the challenges of psychological or behavioral problems during one-on-one, group, or family therapy sessions.

For children, "mental health" includes their ability to process emotions, cope with stress, establish solid relationships, and interact positively with others.

Pediatric mental health therapists are trained to help with the some of the following issues.

Self-regulation and expressing emotions
Managing anxiety and stress
Coping with depression or sad feelings
Dealing effectively with behavioral issues at home and in school
Understanding and treating problems related to trauma
Improving social skills
Strengthening self-esteem and confidence
Addressing ADHD and other learning issues

Children who receive mental health therapy often have a history of

Family problems, like divorce or the death of a loved one
Bullying or social problems at school
Developmental disabilities like autism
Learning disorders like ADHD
Traumatic life events, such as accidents, natural disasters, or foster care
Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or OCD
Living with chronic illness or disability
Experiencing substance abuse directly or indirectly
Life transitions such as changing schools or moving to a new city
Significant behavioral challenges

Pediatric mental health therapists collaborate with parents and teachers to create a supportive environment for a child who is struggling.

Pediatric mental health therapists may suggest tools or strategies, such as

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Therapeutic games or activities
Play, drama, or creative arts therapy
Behavioral modification techniques
Parenting strategies
Journaling for building self-awareness
Communication and active listening techniques for parents & kids
Therapeutic movement such as yoga
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Social skills training

Pediatric mental health physicians, called psychiatrists, can also prescribe and monitor medications for mental health disorders.

In some states, nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health can also prescribe medications.

Children don't need a formal diagnosis to seek help from a pediatric mental health therapist.

Mental health therapists are great at uncovering the root of various emotional and behavioral issues. They can change your child’s (and your family’s) life even before emotional problems get out of control.

How Are Pediatric Mental Health Therapists Trained?

There are several common types of mental health professionals who provide pediatric therapy.

Psychologists
Counselors
Mental Health Therapists (Therapists or Marriage and Family Therapists)
Clinical Social Workers
Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)

Psychologists undergo rigorous training to earn a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD). They complete extensive coursework and original research to obtain their degree, which typically takes 5-7 years.

Psychologists must also complete supervised clinical experiences where they evaluate and treat patients under the guidance of a licensed psychologist. Before practicing independently, they must pass state licensing exams.

Counselors and therapists can become licensed with a master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, or related fields.

Master's programs take 2-3 years and include coursework and supervised practice. After graduation, counselors and therapists must complete all requirements for licensure in their state before practicing independently.

Clinical social workers need a master's degree in social work (MSW) and 2 years of supervised clinical experience after graduation. They must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised work, depending on which state they live in, before taking the exam for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). LCSW licensure allows them to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Psychiatrists first earn a medical degree (MD or DO), then complete a 4-year psychiatry residency.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, conduct therapy, and provide comprehensive treatment. They must pass licensing exams and become board-certified in psychiatry before practicing independently.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners obtain either a master's or doctoral-level degree in nursing with specialized training in psychiatric-mental health. They can diagnose and provide therapy to patients in most states and can prescribe psychiatric medications in some states after receiving board certification.

Hands-on experience

An essential part of training across all mental health disciplines is the completion of supervised clinical experiences, often referred to as internships, practicums, or residencies.

Psychologists are required to complete extensive supervised practice, typically 1-2 years, working under the guidance of a licensed psychologist. This allows them to acquire hands-on skills in therapy, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Counselors and therapists receive supervised clinical training as part of their master's program and during the post-graduate hours needed for licensure.

Social workers must complete thousands of hours of supervised field experience.

Psychiatry residents work under the supervision of senior physicians during their 4-year residency, progressively developing their clinical skills by directly treating patients.

Similarly, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners complete supervised clinical rotations during their studies, applying classroom learning in real-world patient care settings.

This hands-on training is a critical step in preparing competent, independent mental health professionals.

Continuing education and specialization

Continuing education courses are necessary for maintaining licensure in mental health fields. Beyond mandatory continuing education hours, most therapists choose to pursue ongoing education in order to strengthen their skills.

By advancing their skills, pediatric mental health therapists can provide the best care for the increasingly complex needs of children and teens. Ongoing training is essential in this ever-evolving field.

Some therapists choose to focus their practice by specializing. Some common specialties for pediatric mental health therapists are

Play Therapy - Using play, toys, and games to help children express feelings, process trauma, and develop coping skills.
Trauma-Focused Therapy - Helping children process and recover from traumatic experiences like abuse, violence, accidents, or disaster.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Focusing on changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns around issues like anxiety, anger, depression, and compulsions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills to help manage difficult emotions and impulsive behaviors.
Attachment-Based Therapy - Repairing attachment relationships between children and caregivers affected by trauma, neglect, or other disruptions.
Behavioral Therapy - Using intensive, structured behavior techniques to improve communication, social skills, behavior, and academic skills in children with developmental disabilities such as autism.
Family Systems Therapy - Involving family members in therapy to improve communication patterns and resolve conflicts affecting the child's mental health.

Does Research Support Pediatric Mental Health Therapy?

Evidence-based care is the cornerstone of pediatric mental health therapy. Thousands of child-centered research studies are published worldwide every year in journals such as

Research shows therapy helps kids

Studies have found therapy to be effective for many mental health issues affecting children and teens. Therapy provides kids with tools to manage symptoms, handle stress, and build self-esteem.

Specific therapies proven through research

Many specific types of therapy used by mental health therapists are supported by scientific research.

For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps kids recognize distorted thinking and make positive changes. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness techniques also have evidence supporting their use for children.

Play therapy is backed by research showing it helps kids express themselves, improve their behavior, and heal emotional problems.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), also known as behavioral therapy, has been shown to help children with autism improve their ability to function at home and in school.

Ongoing research explores effectiveness

Research on pediatric mental health care is ongoing. Studies continue to evaluate established therapies as well as new and combined approaches.

For example, researchers are exploring if combining medication and therapy improves outcomes for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What Age Groups Do Pediatric Mental Health Therapists Treat?

Pediatric mental health therapists work with children and adolescents of all ages. They tailor their approaches to meet the unique developmental and mental health needs of each age group.

Infants & Toddlers (0-3 years): Therapists promote healthy attachment and bonding. They help caregivers learn strategies for soothing babies and build early communication skills. They support families managing developmental disabilities or delays.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Therapists enhance social-emotional growth, self-regulation, and early coping skills. They guide parents on positive behavioral and emotional strategies. They address trauma, anxiety, and adjustment issues.
School-Aged Children (6-11 years): Therapists help kids struggling academically or socially due to learning disabilities, bullying, or mental health challenges. They teach coping strategies for big emotions and life transitions.
Adolescents (12-18 years): Therapists tackle issues like depression, self-esteem, relationships, substance abuse, and self-harm. They help teens navigate puberty, gain independence, and plan for the future.
Young Adults (18-24 years): Therapists assist with the transition to adulthood. They build life skills around relationships, education, living independently, and workplace success. x

Where Do Pediatric Mental Health Therapists Work?

Pediatric mental health therapists work in diverse settings to meet the needs of children and families. Some common work environments include

Schools: School psychologists collaborate with teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators to provide counseling and support within the school system. This makes services accessible and reduces stigma.
Outpatient clinics: Many therapists work in private or community-based clinics, offering individual, group, and family therapy.
Hospitals & psychiatric hospitals: For children with severe mental illness, therapists are part of inpatient care teams, providing treatment and facilitating discharge plans.
Rehab clinics: Therapists can work in residential or outpatient rehab centers focused on substance abuse recovery or eating disorder treatment.
Teletherapy: Online platforms expand access to care, especially for families in remote areas. Therapists connect through secure video sessions and can often treat in multiple states.
Home-based or mobile therapy: Therapists meet clients in their natural environment, like home or school. This model is convenient and encourages generalizing skills.
Consultation: Therapists advise parents, teachers, schools, and community organizations on child development, behavior strategies, and promoting mental health.
Community organizations: Therapists provide care in settings like homeless shelters, foster care agencies, crisis centers, or vocational programs. This helps them reach children who are at high risk of falling through the cracks.

Could My Child Benefit From Mental Health Therapy?

Therapy can help any child struggling emotionally or behaviorally. Here are some red flags to look out for.

Extreme Emotional Behaviors: Frequent emotional outbursts, excessive crying, or withdrawal could indicate your child needs help regulating their feelings.
Anxiety: Excessive worries, fears, panic attacks, and avoidance suggest mental health therapy could help.
Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, or self-harm comments warrant therapy.
Trauma: Counseling is crucial for processing traumatic events like abuse, violence, or loss.
Self-Esteem Issues: Negative self-talk or distorted self-image may improve through therapy.
Interpersonal Struggles: Inability to make/keep friends, bullying, lack of empathy, or anti-social behaviors often improve with therapy.
School Struggles: Therapy may help address problems like failing grades, truancy, or conflicts with teachers.
Poor Judgment: Making dangerous, illegal, or unwise choices could indicate a need for therapy.
Neurodivergence: Therapy can help kids with conditions like autism, ADHD, and OCD manage challenges. Neurodivergent kids without a diagnosis can also benefit from therapy.
Self-Injury: Cutting, burning, or other self-harming behaviors should be addressed through mental health counseling.
Substance Abuse: Therapy can uncover the root causes of addiction and teach coping strategies.
Eating Disorders: Mental health therapy is important for children who restrict their food intake, binge and purge (intentionally vomit after eating), or struggle with body image issues.
Problems Understanding Fantasy vs. Reality: Difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy could indicate serious mental illness requiring therapy.
Gender/Sexuality: Counseling provides support for kids and teens in the LGBTQ+ community struggling with identity or learning to be themselves in a challenging environment.
COVID Learning Loss: If your child has cognitive, emotional, social, or academic problems related to the life disruptions that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, therapy may be beneficial.

For younger children or children of any age who don’t have good self-awareness, therapists tend to rely less on discussion-based sessions and more on play activities or coaching parents on techniques to use at home.

If you think your child could benefit from mental health therapy, trust your instincts. No one knows your child better than you.

Most mental health therapists offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before you commit to therapy.

Don't be shy about reaching out and talking to a few therapists to find the right fit for your child. They can guide you through the process and help you figure out how to get started right away.

How Do I Pay For Therapy For My Child?

Mental health therapists accept various payment options, similar to other healthcare providers.

Insurance: Most therapists take commercial insurance like Aetna or Cigna. Many also accept public plans like Medicaid for children who qualify.
State Programs: Some states have programs that subsidize or fully cover therapy costs for families, especially those with a child who has specialized needs.
Schools: Public schools often have psychologists or counselors on staff who can provide therapy. Ask your child’s teacher or principal for more information about their school-based mental health services.
Fee-for-Service Therapists: Some therapists operate on a fee-for-service basis without taking insurance. You pay per session instead of filing insurance claims.
Sliding Scale: Ask therapists if they offer flexible sliding scale fees based on family income. Many adjust their rates for families who cannot pay full price.
Non-Profits: Various non-profit and community mental health clinics provide low-cost or free counseling based on financial need.

Explore all possible resources. Be transparent with your child's therapist about your financial situation so they can direct you toward appropriate payment assistance options.

How Do I Find the Right Therapist For My Child?

Start with your child’s pediatrician

Your child's pediatrician can provide referrals and may be able to prescribe medications to complement therapy. They know your child's medical history and can help identify the most appropriate type of mental health support.

Early intervention services

If your child is under 3 years old, contact your state’s Early Intervention program. They provide free developmental evaluations and connect families to therapists for infants and toddlers.

Word-of-mouth and personal recommendations

Ask for suggestions from parents of children who have benefited from therapy. Friends and family can recommend therapists they had positive experiences with.

Ask a teacher

Your child's teacher may know school psychologists or counselors in the community who offer therapy.

Search online

While general online searches can be difficult to sift through, using a specialized pediatric therapy directory provides a list of qualified mental health professionals in your area. This can be especially helpful if you don't have personal recommendations.

Finding a therapist who connects well with your child is key. Most mental health therapists offer free 15-minute phone consultations before you commit.

Use these consultations to interview several therapists to get a better understanding of the therapy process. Ask about their experience treating issues similar to what your child is experiencing. An initial phone call can give you valuable insights to find the best match.