Find a Kids Therapist Near Me

Every kid has rough weeks. Therapy helps when the hard stuff sticks around or starts to shrink your child's world. Watch for changes that last more than a few weeks and do not bounce back on their own.

• Big shifts in sleep, eating, or mood
• Pulling away from friends or family
• New fears, worry, or clinginess
• Trouble at school that came on fast
• Anger or meltdowns that feel too big for the moment
• Stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
• Talk of self-harm or not wanting to be here

If your child ever talks about hurting themselves, do not wait. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night. It is free, confidential, and there for kids and parents alike.

Therapy by age

Care looks different at each age. Play therapy fits toddlers and young kids, often ages 3 to 5, who show feelings through play instead of words. School-age kids around 8 to 10 mix play with simple talk and coping practice, so therapy for a 10-year-old often blends games with real skill building. For a 12-year-old, sessions may feel closer to what adults get, with more talk and problem solving. When you search for a therapist near you, ask which ages each counselor sees most so the fit is right.

Self-pay child therapy usually runs $100 to $200 per session in most areas. Big metros like New York or Los Angeles can reach $250. Many counselors offer a sliding scale, often $40 to $100, based on what your family can pay. It never hurts to ask about lower rates on the first call.

If you have insurance, a child's session is often covered like any mental health visit. Your copay usually falls between $20 and $60. Call the number on your card and ask if the therapist is in network and what your plan covers for outpatient mental health visits.

Ways to lower the cost

• Ask about sliding scale or income-based rates
• Check if your child's school offers free counseling
• Look into community mental health centers
• Try online sessions, which can cost less than in-office visits

Online or in person

Both work well for many kids. Younger children often do better in person, where a therapist can use a playroom with toys and art supplies. Older kids and teens often do fine on video from home. Pick the format your child will actually show up for and feel relaxed in. You can always switch later if it is not clicking.

CMS data tells you a counselor is licensed. It cannot tell you they are great with kids. That part is on you to check, and a few questions on the first call sort it out fast. Our roster shows licensed counselors near you, but it does not screen for who treats children best. That is what these questions are for.

Questions to ask on the first call

• How many kids my child's age do you see each week?
• What kind of therapy do you use, and why does it fit my child?
• How do you bring parents into the work?
• What training do you have in child or play therapy?
• What does progress look like, and how will we know it is working?

Credentials and methods that signal real skill

Look for an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or a child psychologist with training in working with kids. Strong signs include play therapy, CBT shaped for children, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and trauma-focused CBT. A Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential is a clear plus for younger children.

After the first session or two, trust how your child feels. A good fit shows up as a kid who is a little more willing to go back. If something feels off, it is fine to try someone else. The right therapist for your child is worth the search.

How do I find a kids therapist near me?

Type your city into the search box above to see licensed counselors near you who work with children. The names come from CMS-verified provider data. From there, call a few and ask which ages they see most so you find the right fit.

What age should a child start therapy?

There is no set age. Play therapy can help kids as young as 3, since they show feelings through play. School-age and older kids do well with a mix of talk and coping work. If a problem is hurting your child's daily life, it is worth reaching out at any age.

Is there therapy for a 10-year-old?

Yes. Therapy for a 10-year-old often blends games, drawing, and simple talk with real coping skills. At this age kids can usually share more in words but still benefit from play-based tools. Ask the counselor how they work with this age group.

Can a therapist help my 12-year-old?

Yes. For a 12-year-old, sessions usually feel closer to adult therapy, with more talk and problem solving plus skill building. Many counselors see this age often. Ask how they keep tweens engaged and how much they include parents.

How much does a child therapist cost?

Self-pay sessions usually run $100 to $200, and up to $250 in big cities. Many counselors offer sliding scale rates of $40 to $100. With insurance, your copay is often $20 to $60. Call to confirm rates and coverage before you book.

What if my child talks about hurting themselves?

Treat it seriously and do not wait. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time for free, confidential help for you and your child. Then connect with a licensed therapist for ongoing care.