This might be for you if you notice
- Frequent tantrums, or a child who is irritable much of the time
- A child who often seems fearful or worried
- Stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause
- Trouble making friends or little interest in playing with other children
- Struggles at school or a recent drop in grades
- Nightmares, or sleeping much more or less than usual
When therapy can help a child
Every child has hard days. Worry, anger and tears are part of growing up. Extra support can help when these patterns last for weeks or months and get in the way of home, school or friendships.
Good mental health in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, learning healthy social skills and learning how to cope when there are problems. When a child gets stuck, therapy can teach coping skills, and childhood mental health conditions can be treated and managed. Starting early can help prevent bigger problems as a child grows.
Noticing that your child is struggling, and looking for help, is caring parenting. It says nothing bad about your child or about you.
How therapy for children works
Therapy for children is active and practical. It helps children understand feelings and problems, and it gives them tools they can use in the moment. One therapist on our team brings decades of school counseling experience and teaches self-regulation skills: simple ways for a child to notice a big feeling building and settle their body and mind.
Depending on your child's age and needs, therapists on our team may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, person-centered therapy or family systems approaches. Not every therapist uses every approach.
Parents are part of the work. Effective therapy for children often includes parent involvement and skills practiced at home or at school. Your therapist can share strategies for responding to difficult emotions and behavior, and can coach you on working with your child's school.
Is video therapy right for my child?
We want to be honest about this: video therapy suits some children better than others. A child who can sit and talk, draw or play a simple game with someone on a screen may do very well. A child who is very young, very active or uneasy on camera may find it harder.
A parent or caregiver is usually nearby during a child's session, and for some children a parent takes part directly. Sometimes the most useful plan is for the therapist to work mainly with you, the parent, or with the whole family in family therapy.
We talk this through at the free consultation. If video does not look like a good match for your child right now, we will tell you so and suggest that you look for in-person care close to home.
Setting up for a child's video session
- A quiet, private spot with the device at your child's eye level
- Paper and crayons or a favorite small toy within reach
- A parent close by and ready to help with the technology
- Your child physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona
Getting started
- Book a free consultationChoose a time at book online or call 267-573-9817. Tell us about your child, what you have noticed and what you hope will change.
- Get matchedWhich therapists see which ages varies. We match your child with a therapist who works with children and is licensed in your state. Meet our clinicians on the team page.
- Check your coverageCoverage depends on your plan and state. See insurance and fees or ask us to verify benefits. Self-pay is available.
- Begin togetherThe first sessions help your child get comfortable and help you and the therapist agree on goals. Evening and weekend appointments are available with some therapists.
Safety, and a hopeful next step
If your child is in danger or talks about wanting to hurt themselves, call or text 988 or call 911 right away. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.
Children learn quickly, especially with a caring adult beside them. Many families find that a few new skills, practiced at home, make daily life calmer for everyone. For older children, see therapy for teens. If attention and focus are the main concern, see ADHD therapy.
Therapists for child therapy
These therapists describe related experience in their own profiles. We will help you find the best fit and confirm who is licensed in your state.
Questions people ask
How does online therapy work for a child?
Your child meets with a licensed therapist by secure video from a quiet spot at home, with a parent or caregiver usually nearby. Your child talks with the therapist and practices coping skills, and parents get ideas to use between sessions. You need a device with a camera and a steady internet connection.
Does insurance cover therapy for children?
It depends on your plan and your state. We are in-network with several major insurers, and self-pay is available. We do not accept Medicaid. Ask us to verify your benefits before your child's first session, or see our insurance and fees page for more detail.
Is my child too young for video therapy?
It depends on the child more than on a birthday. Some children engage well on video and others find it hard to stay with a screen. Tell us about your child at the free consultation. We will be honest about whether video is a good fit, and with younger children the work often centers on parents.
Do I need to be in the room during my child's session?
Usually a parent or caregiver stays nearby, ready to help with technology or to join in. How much you take part depends on your child's age and what you are working on. Your therapist will explain what to expect and will check in with you regularly about progress.
How will I know how my child is doing in therapy?
It is fair to ask your therapist how you will be kept informed and how you can help, and we welcome the question. Expect regular check-ins, shared goals and simple things to practice at home. Parent involvement is an important part of therapy for children of all ages.
Can the therapist help with problems at school?
Yes, school concerns are a common reason families reach out. A therapist can teach your child skills for calming down, paying attention and getting along with classmates, and can coach you on how to talk with the school about support in the classroom. A therapist on our team has many years of school counseling experience.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You can start with a concern, such as worry, tantrums or trouble with friends. Your therapist will get to know your child and talk with you about what they see. If you want formal testing, ask us about psychological evaluations.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health: Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
- National Institute of Mental Health: Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treating Children's Mental Health with Therapy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Children's Mental Health
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Definition
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.