Key Takeaways

• Child therapists help children and young adults manage emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

• They may be psychologists or mental health counselors, depending on their training, background, and credentials.

• Child therapists teach coping skills, support social and emotional development, and help kids navigate life’s difficulties.

If your child is struggling with mental health challenges they can’t cope alone, it may be time to seek a child therapist.

But what exactly do child therapists do? This article explains how they support your child's emotional well-being.

What Do Child Therapists Do?

Child therapists are highly skilled professionals who help manage mental health issues in children and young adults.

Kids often have trouble understanding and controlling their emotions. This can lead to behavioral issues that affect how they function at home, in school, and with friends.

A child therapist explores difficult emotions, behaviors, and relationships to help the child and family understand them and find solutions.

Types of Child Therapy Professionals

There are various types of child therapists out there, which can be a bit overwhelming. Who does what and how to choose the best fit for your child’s needs?

A therapist's services depend on their education and licensing. The most common types include:

Mental health counselors

A mental health counselor is a professional who helps people with mental health issues gain insights, develop strategies, and come up with solutions to everyday challenges.

License requirements vary from state to state, but it typically includes a master’s degree in counseling and supervised clinical practice.

Common professional designations include:

• Licensed professional counselor (LPC) – LPCs provide counseling services to support children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. They offer expertise in various areas, helping them navigate problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) – LCSWs are mental health professionals who provide counseling services. Unlike other therapists, LCSWs look at how social, economic, and environmental influences aspects influence a child’s well-being.

• Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) – instead of focusing on only one person, LMFTs examine the family as a whole. The goal is to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build better relationships between family members.

•  Licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) – these professionals use drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, dancing, and other forms of art to help patients express themselves and develop coping skills.

Psychologists

Psychologists use evidence-based approaches to help children manage emotional challenges.

They attend graduate school in psychology, with a doctoral degree as the minimum requirement to be recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA). Some states allow those with a master's degree to use the title "psychologist."

How Child Therapists Help Kids

Child therapists play a crucial role in guiding children through emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.

They take on various roles in promoting children's mental health. Here are some of them:

Assessing Emotional and Behavioral Health

The first step in child therapy is assessing the child’s psychological, emotional, and developmental state. This can be achieved through observation, interviews, or behavioral tests.

The main goal is to identify any challenges the child may be facing and come up with a plan to address them.

Providing Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma

Child therapists have expert knowledge and skills to assess and treat mental and behavioral conditions affecting children and young people.

They use different techniques and approaches to help with issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, ADHD, trauma, and more.

Child therapists usually develop a plan based on the child's needs. The treatment plan takes into account the child’s age, cognitive level, and situation.

Helping Kids Develop Coping Skills

All children experience negative feelings, like sadness, anger, or fear. In therapy, children learn to cope with uncomfortable emotions in a healthy way.

Child therapy can help children identify triggers and come up with strategies to reduce the intensity or frequency of unwanted emotions.

It also teaches how to cope with stressful situations by using healthy coping skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or expressing their thoughts through words or creative activities.

Supporting Social and Emotional Development

Through therapy, children learn to recognize and name their emotions, which is an important step toward emotional regulation.

They also learn how to interpret social cues, understand body language, and communicate more effectively.

For children who struggle with anxiety or stress, therapists provide tools to manage these emotions, making it easier for them to engage in social situations. They also help with building self-esteem, encouraging them to trust themselves and feel secure in their interactions.

When Should a Child See a Therapist?

Children often face challenges they may struggle to cope with on their own, such as bullying, losing a loved one, or parents splitting up.

Some kids may also have trouble paying attention, sitting still, or interacting with others.

Identifying when your child may need therapy is essential because early intervention can help address any challenges they might be facing.

Signs Your Child May Need Therapy

Signs that a child needs therapy can vary by age group:

For young children:

• Frequent tantrums or irritability

• Excessive fear or worry

• Unexplained stomach pain or headaches

• Trouble staying still

• Sleep issues, recurring nightmares, daytime sleepiness

• Challenges in school

• Repetitive behaviors or checking

For older children:

• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Low energy

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Sudden bursts of extreme energy

• Withdrawing from social interactions

• Excessive dieting or exercising

• Engaging in self-harm behavior

•  Using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

• Thoughts of suicide

• Beliefs of mind control or hearing voices others don’t hear

Common Mental Health and Behavioral Challenges in Kids

Mental health challenges are common among youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 children aged 3 to 17 had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition between 2018 and 2019.

These conditions can begin early and their prevalence increases with age. While there are exceptions, most conditions are more common as children grow.

The most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in children include:

• Anxiety, affecting 10% of children aged 3-17

• Behavior disorders (such as ADHD), affecting 7% of children aged 3-17

• Depression, affecting 4% of children aged 3-17

Other mental health issues children may face include:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

•  Learning Disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Eating disorders

Some of these conditions can occur together. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

 How to Find the Right Child Therapist

Finding the right therapist for your child can seem daunting, but it becomes easier when you know where to look.

Start by asking for referrals—your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, or insurance provider may recommend a trusted professional.

You can also find reputable professionals by searching accredited organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

After selecting a therapist, review their certifications. Ensure they have the required license to practice in your state and experience working with children, especially in the areas your child needs help with.

Takeaway

Child therapists play a crucial role in supporting children’s mental and emotional health. They help kids navigate life challenges, build resilience, and thrive.

Parents can just show love and support through their child’s journey and help them find the right therapist who’s a good fit.

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Sources

What is Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy. Association of Child Psychotherapists (nd). https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/about-us/what-child-and-adolescent-psychotherapy

PTSD Guideline  PTSD: For Patients & Families. What Is the Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers? (nd).  American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals

Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? (nd) National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health

Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2025). https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html#:~:text=Childhood%20mental%20health%20conditions%20affect,mental%20or%20behavioral%20health%20condition