Find a Child Therapist
Support for Children Navigating Big Feelings, Transitions, and Developmental Challenges
Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported — especially during times of stress, change, or emotional overwhelm. At The Healing Directory, we connect parents and caregivers with trusted child therapists who specialize in helping children understand and express their emotions in developmentally appropriate ways.
Whether your child is showing signs of anxiety, struggling in school, dealing with family transitions, or having difficulty regulating their behavior, a licensed child therapist can offer effective, compassionate support.
What Is an Child Therapist?
A Child Therapist is a licensed mental health professional (such as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or psychologist) trained in child development, behavior, and emotional regulation. These therapists use play-based, creative, and relational approaches to help young children (typically ages 3–12) work through challenges they may not yet have the words to express.
Common therapeutic methods used with children include:
- Play therapy
- Art therapy
- Storytelling and pupperty
- Emotion identification games
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children
- Sand tray or expressive arts therapy
Why Children May Benefit from Therapy
While all children experience emotional ups and downs, some may need extra support to navigate:
What Happens in Adolescent Therapy?
For Teens:
→ A safe, confidential space to express feelings
→ Validation of their experiences without judgment
→ Learning how to name emotions, manage stress, and regulate reactions
→ Exploring identity, friendships, boundaries, and personal goals
→ Building resilience, self-awareness, and communication skills
For Parents:
→ Greater understanding of what your teen is experiencing
→ Guidance around boundaries, conflict, and emotional support
→ Family sessions (if appropriate) to improve connection
→ Updates and collaboration when clinically relevant (while respecting teen confidentiality)
Adolescent Therapy vs. Adult Therapy – What’s the Difference?
Therapy is effective across all ages, but the approach can differ significantly depending on whether the client is a teen or an adult.
Adolescent Therapy
| Language & Tools: Developmentally appropriate |
| Family Involvement: Often included |
| Modalities: Play therapy, CBT, DBT, art, etc. |
| Goals: Emotional regulation, peer issues, identity, school stress |
Adolescent Therapy
| Language & Tools: Adult-focused methods |
| Family Involvement: Rarely involved |
| Modalities: Talk therapy, EMDR, IFS, etc. |
| Goals: Broader life transitions, trauma healing, relationships |
How to Know If Your Teen Needs Therapy
Here are some signs that your teen may benefit from professional support:
Find an Adolescent Therapist Through The Healing Directory
We connect families to adolescent therapists who are:
→ Licensed, experienced, and trauma-informed
→ Skilled in working with diverse cultural, racial, and gender identities
→ LGBTQIA+ affirming and emotionally safe
→ Creative, compassionate, and relationship-based in their approach
→ Offering virtual and/or in-person sessions
Search our filter-based directory — or let us help you match with a therapist who aligns with your family’s needs.