The average cost of a child therapist is $60 to $150 per session on average, with prices in some areas reaching up to $250 per session. Most sessions last one hour, and prices depend on the child's age and needs, your location, and the therapist's experience.

Some child psychologists offer therapy packages of 10 to 12 sessions at a slightly discounted rate or charge a sliding-scale rate based on your income.

A child therapist is a licensed psychologist or certified counselor who specializes in helping children struggling with issues like depression, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, school stress, behavioral problems, or coping with stressful life changes such a divorce.

During the first session, the therapist will meet with you and your child together first to ask questions and gain an understanding of your child's history and current struggles before meeting with your child alone.

Child therapy often involves talking through feelings and teaching problem-solving skills and coping techniques, but sessions may also incorporate play, art, or music, depending on your child's age and needs.

Consider taking your child to see a psychologist if you notice any of these signs:

• Changes in eating or hygiene
• Nightmares or changes in sleeping habits
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends, family, or favorite activities
• Extreme feelings of sadness, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, irritability, or anger
• Destructive behavior
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Self-destructive activity, such as hair-pulling or skin-picking

Children of any age can see a therapist, though the younger the child, the more involved in therapy the parent will be.

• Children under 3 years old experience better results when the parent is in the room.
• Most child therapists use a form of play therapy for children 3 to 5 years old, with the parents joining for about half the session.
• Kids of elementary school age and older typically meet one-on-one with the therapist. However, most therapists like to meet with the parents periodically to discuss progress and talk about skills the parents can use at home to help their child.

Each child therapist has their own approach, and the parents' involvement in each session depends greatly on the child's age. For children 5-years-old and younger, the therapist will typically involve you in half the session or the whole session.

For children over 5-years-old, therapists typically prefer to meet with the child alone during most sessions. This gives your child a chance to be open and honest with the therapist without fear of upsetting you.

The therapist will likely involve you in the first session and then meet with you periodically to discuss your child's progress. Some therapists prefer to meet with you and your child together for the first 15 to 20 minutes at the start of every session before meeting with your child alone for the rest of the session.

To find the best child therapist near you, seek out a caring and compassionate therapist who displays a sincere interest in helping your child heal and grow. Follow these guidelines in your search:

• Look for a psychologist who specializes in working with kids.
• If your child has received a specific diagnosis—such as ADHD, autism, or anxiety—look for therapists with experience in that area.
• Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
• Read therapists' reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Meet with the therapist yourself first to make sure they'll be a good fit for your child.
• Keep in mind, you may not find the best fit with the first therapist you visit.How to find a child therapist near me?

Ask these questions to ensure you find the best therapist for your child:

• How long have you been practicing?
• What licensing or certifications do you have?
• What is your experience working with children?
• What therapy methods and techniques do you use?
• What does a typical therapy session look like?
• How long does each session last?
• How frequent are the appointments?
• Will you give my child things to work on between sessions?
• How do you determine success in therapy?
• What is your success rate in treating children with similar issues?