Most children deal with difficulties as they grow. While some bounce back regardless of what life throws at them, others could build resilience more effectively with trained support. Parents often wonder how to determine if it's time to seek therapy for their children or if they're simply too young. The truth is that your child can benefit from therapy at any age, and it's never too early to ask for professional help.

Key Takeaways

• Any child can benefit from therapy, no matter their age. It’s never too early to seek help. 

• If your child has mental health symptoms, don’t wait to get them help. Starting therapy as soon as you notice something's wrong can improve your child's outcome and prevent challenges from worsening as they get older.

• The younger the child is when starting therapy, the more involved the parents will be in the process.

When Should a Child Start Seeing a Therapist?

 All parents want what's best for their children. However, it can be difficult to recognize when your child may need help. Generally, if your child is experiencing problems at school, at home, or with peers, then it might be a good idea to reach out to a mental health professional. Here are some other things to be on the lookout for.

#1 There's a Sudden Shift in Their Usual Habits and Interests

 Does your sporty child no longer want to participate in practices or games? Perhaps your budding artist suddenly seems uninterested in painting or creating. While it's common for children to develop new interests over time, a dramatic shift or loss of interest in favorite activities can be a sign that something is wrong.

#2 They Seem Excessively Worried or Sad

 It's normal to feel sad or worried during times of transition or major changes, such as a move, change in school, or the death of a loved one. However, if you notice your child seems excessively worried or sad all the time and it doesn't seem to be getting any better, it could be a sign of depression. In this case, they may benefit from counseling.

#3 There Is a Change in Their Eating or Sleep Patterns

 If your child is having a hard time sleeping or is sleeping too much, they may be dealing with depression, anxiety, or other underlying mental health concerns. These conditions can significantly impact sleep. The same goes for a change in eating habits or a fluctuation in their weight.

#4 They Are Becoming Socially Withdrawn

 If your child is becoming more isolated, spending more time alone in their room, and not reaching out to friends or family members, they may need extra support. While wanting some time alone is normal, too much alone time can be a sign of depression or that something else is going on.

#5 They Have Experienced a Traumatic Event

 If your child has experienced or witnessed something traumatic, such as a natural disaster or a serious accident, they may benefit from therapy — even if they seem okay. Therapy can help them process their feelings about the event, and find a way to cope and heal.

#6 Your Child Expresses Feelings of Self-Harm

 If your child is expressing feelings of self-harm, seek help immediately. Sometimes, a child may hint at these feelings by saying they feel hopeless or alone. Other times, children can be much more direct and express suicidal thoughts or engage in cutting behaviors and other forms of self-harm.

 Although many parents falsely assume that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are mainly teenage concerns, very young children can experience suicidal ideation and behaviors. Suicide rates continue to climb among children, making it critical to seek help immediately if you suspect your child is suicidal.

 Note: If your child or teen is having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, contact the 988 Lifeline for assistance from a trained counselor. If your child is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Benefits of a Child Starting Therapy Early

 When it comes to therapy, there is no age limit. Starting therapy when your child is young can lead to many positive outcomes, including:

• Preventing the escalation of mental health issues

• Improving academic outcomes

• Developing their confidence during social interactions

• Strengthening communication skills

• Improving their interactions and relationships with peers

• Building resilience and empowering them to lead a fulfilling life

One of the most common reasons parents seek therapy for their children is due to problematic behavior. Therapy can help them develop the tools they need to communicate their feelings, making them less likely to act out negatively and improving their behavior at home and in the classroom.

What Age Is Too Young for Therapy?

 No age is too young for a child to receive therapy services. There are specific therapeutic approaches designed especially for children, like play therapy.

 Therapy is modified according to each child's age and abilities to meet them where they are developmentally. Before receiving services, your child's counselor will assess their needs to determine if therapy is the right solution and which approaches may be most beneficial.

How Old Does a Child Have To Be To See a Virtual Therapist?

 There is no definitive age requirement for online therapy. In fact, virtual therapy can be a great option even for young people.

Many virtual therapy services offer support for children as young as under 5 years old,but will depend on several factors, including the verbal status of the individual, the therapist's personal age requirements, and more. 

The most important factor is whether the child can engage meaningfully with the therapist and benefit from the therapeutic process.

Is Virtual Therapy Effective for Children?

Virtual therapy has been clinically proven to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and other mental health concerns in both children and adults. Therapists use age-appropriate techniques, such as play therapy, storytelling, art-based activities, or interactive exercises, to help younger children express their emotions and develop coping strategies.

For older children and teenagers, virtual therapy can be especially beneficial in addressing academic stress, bullying, social pressures, self-esteem issues, and family dynamics. It provides a private, judgment-free space where they can talk openly and learn healthy strategies for managing emotions and challenges.

Keep in Mind: Early Intervention Provides the Best Chances for Long-Term Success

 Your child's brain is most sensitive to experiences within the first few years of life. These connections create the foundation for future behaviors, mental health and their capacity for learning. By seeking counseling early, you can give your child the best chances for long-term success and a higher quality of life.

How To Get Help for Your Child

If your child is struggling with mental health issues, seeking help for them is the most supportive thing you can do for them. Emora Health provides children and teenagers with evidence-based online therapy tailored to their unique needs. Contact us today to get started with quality professional counseling tailored to your child’s unique needs.

 Sources

1. Alsaad AJ, Azhar Y, Al Nasser Y. Depression in Children. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534797/

   
   

2. Hudson JL, Minihan S, Chen W, Carl T, Fu M, Tully L, Kangas M, Rosewell L, McDermott EA, Wang Y, Stubbs T, Martiniuk A. Interventions for Young Children's Mental Health: A Review of Reviews. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2023 Sep;26(3):593-641. doi: 10.1007/s10567-023-00443-6. Epub 2023 Jul 24. PMID: 37488453; PMCID: PMC10465658. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10465658/

   
   

3. Elmer T, Stadtfeld C. Depressive symptoms are associated with social isolation in face-to-face interaction networks. Sci Rep. 2020 Jan 29;10(1):1444. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-58297-9. PMID: 31996728; PMCID: PMC698952. .

   
   

4. Maughan B, Collishaw S, Stringaris A. Depression in childhood and adolescence. J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2013 Feb;22(1):35-40. PMID: 23390431; PMCID: PMC3565713. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3565713/

   
   

5. McGorry PD, Mei C. Early intervention in youth mental health: progress and future directions. Evid Based Ment Health. 2018 Nov;21(4):182-184. doi: 10.1136/ebmental-2018-300060. Epub 2018 Oct 23. PMID: 30352884; PMCID: PMC10270418.

   
   

6. Ruch DA, Horowitz LM, Hughes JL, et al. Suicide in US Preteens Aged 8 to 12 Years, 2001 to 2022. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2424664. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24664. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821658?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=073024#google_vignette