Child & Teen Therapy

Child and teen therapy helps kids and adolescents make sense of big feelings, stress, and challenging behaviors in a supportive environment. At Alderwood Psychological Services in Charlotte, NC, we work with children and teens who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, school stress, social challenges, and life transitions that are affecting their child’s mental health and daily life.

Some kids can explain what’s wrong and still feel stuck. Others can’t put it into words, but you see it at home, at school, or with friends. Therapy gives your child a place to talk (or express themselves in other ways), learn healthier ways to cope, and build communication skills, while parents and caregivers get guidance along the way.

Is Therapy the Right Next Step?

Families often reach out when they notice anxiety, sadness, or frequent overwhelm that isn’t easing with time, big reactions or shutdowns that lead to more conflict at home, changes in a child’s behavior, routines, or school functioning, friendship stress or feeling “left out,” low self esteem or harsh self-talk, or life transitions that feel heavy (divorce, moves, grief, new schools).

Therapy may help your child or teen:

  • Feel more in control of emotions and stress
  • Build coping tools that work in real life (home, school, relationships)
  • Improve communication and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthen self-confidence and resilience over time
  • Support healthier relationships within the family

Not sure if it’s “enough” to warrant therapy? You don’t need a perfect reason to reach out. Many parents start with one goal: get clarity and support.

Schedule a Play Therapy Consultation

If you think your child may benefit from play therapy, we’re here to help. Our intake process begins with a parent consultation to better understand your child’s needs and determine the best path forward

 

Schedule a Consultation

How We Approach Child and Teen Therapy

Care is individualized and guided by what your child (and your family) needs most right now. Alderwood’s therapy team focuses on meeting children and adolescents where they are, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.

Parents and caregivers are active partners in the therapy process. Parent meetings and practical support for home are an important part of treatment, so families feel supported between sessions, not just during appointments.

When it’s helpful, we also coordinate care with other members of your child’s support system (for example, teachers or medical providers), with appropriate permissions.

When Play Therapy May Be the Best Fit

Many younger kids communicate best through play, not long conversations. Play therapy can be a developmentally appropriate way to help children express feelings, process experiences, and practice coping skills.

How We Approach Child and Teen Therapy

Care is individualized and guided by what your child (and your family) needs most right now. Alderwood’s therapy team focuses on meeting children and adolescents where they are, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.

Parents and caregivers are active partners in the therapy process. Parent meetings and practical support for home are an important part of treatment, so families feel supported between sessions, not just during appointments.

When it’s helpful, we also coordinate care with other members of your child’s support system (for example, teachers or medical providers), with appropriate permissions.

When Play Therapy May Be the Best Fit

Many younger kids communicate best through play, not long conversations. Play therapy can be a developmentally appropriate way to help children express feelings, process experiences, and practice coping skills.

child-therapy-happy

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you think your child or teen may benefit from therapy, we are here to help. Our process begins with a parent consultation to better understand what your child is experiencing and determine the most appropriate path forward for your family.
Schedule a consultation with us. We’d love to learn more about your child and help you take the next step toward greater support and understanding.

Schedule a Consultation

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen Therapy

How do I know if my child needs therapy, or if this is “just a phase”?

Consider therapy when emotions or behaviors are lasting longer than expected, getting more intense, or interfering with school, friendships, family life, or daily routines. In some cases, a more comprehensive evaluation can also help clarify what may be contributing to those struggles and what support may help most. 

What ages do you work with?

We support children and adolescents. The best-fit approach depends on age, concerns, and developmental needs.

Will I be involved as a parent or caregiver?

Yes. Parent involvement matters. Many families benefit from parent check-ins and practical tools for home, even when a child is in individual therapy.

Can therapy help with anxiety or depression?

Therapy may help reduce symptoms by building coping skills, strengthening self-confidence, and improving emotional awareness. Treatment is individualized.

Do you offer family therapy?

Family therapy can be part of the plan when communication, conflict, or family patterns need direct support. Your clinician will recommend an approach that fits your goals.

How long does therapy take?

Timelines vary. Some families come for focused support around a specific challenge or life transition. Others benefit from longer-term work depending on needs and goals.

Do you take insurance? What about insurance coverage?

Alderwood is an out-of-network provider. We do not participate directly with insurance plans. Some families choose to submit for out-of-network reimbursement depending on their plan. You can find more information here.

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