How Much Is Therapy For a Child?
Kids and teens need therapy if problems affect them so much they can’t cope on their own. It can help kids solve problems, deal with fears and worries, and learn to communicate.
Parents may ask their child’s healthcare provider for recommendations. They can also use tax-advantaged medical accounts to cover mental health costs.
Cost
It’s important to find a therapist who accepts your child’s health insurance. A therapist who doesn’t take your child’s health insurance may charge you more per session.
A good way to find a therapist is by getting a referral from a medical doctor or social worker. You can also find therapists online. Online therapy services such as BetterHelp offer a variety of pricing options, including $60 to $90 per week.
Children can benefit from many different types of therapy. Some therapists specialize in using art, music, dance, or play to help kids express themselves and work through issues. Others use talk therapy or family therapy to strengthen the bonds of a family. For teens, there’s even an app called TeenCounseling that allows teenagers to message, call, or video chat with counselors. Some therapists offer pro bono sessions, sliding scale rates based on income, or are part of specialized networks. Others work with community counseling centers that offer low-cost or free therapy.
Insurance
Many people with insurance coverage can receive therapy for free or at a reduced cost. The therapist’s fee varies, as does location and specialization. A person can find a therapist that accepts their health insurance by consulting with a physician or school counselor. They can also use online services such as Doctor on Demand and 7 Cups, which provide therapists with varying specialties.
Kids and teens often need therapy to help them cope with challenges and improve their mental health. A therapist can teach them ways to manage their symptoms and feel more confident about themselves. They may also work with families to help them communicate better and solve problems together.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is one type of child counseling that encourages children to gently accept hard or immobile truths and establish a path forward. Other types of child therapy include parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), which helps parents learn positive strategies to interact with their children.
Scheduling
For some children, it will be important for the therapist to meet them alone. This is especially true for teenagers. However, this is not always possible depending on the family’s schedules and the type of therapy a person is seeking.
During the first session, the therapist will want to collect information about the child and their family. They may also want to explain the framework of the sessions, including the frequency and duration of therapy and the rules about confidentiality.
The therapist will then ask the child questions and engage them in play with a goal in mind. They will try to build rapport with the child and make them feel comfortable.
It is usually a good idea for parents to be involved in the process. This will help them reinforce the skills they are learning in therapy and encourage their progress. They will also be able to give feedback to their therapists about what is working and what is not.
Types of Therapy
Whether your child is dealing with an emotional problem or a behavioral issue, there’s a type of therapy that can help. Licensed counselors and therapists offer individual and group counseling. Their qualifications vary by state but typically include a master’s degree, exam and supervised clinical experience.
Depending on your child’s situation, they may benefit from one-on-one counseling for issues like depression and anxiety. In family therapy, children and their parents work together to address problems such as communication, sibling rivalry or conflict at home.
If you have a specific type of therapist in mind, ask your child’s healthcare provider for a referral or a list of potential therapists in the area. Once you have a few options, call them to discuss your concerns and see if they’re a good fit. If they are, the therapist will typically conduct a comprehensive evaluation and work with you to establish a plan. If not, they’ll refer you to a specialist.