Child & Adolescent Therapy

McLean Counseling Center

The modern world poses a wide variety of challenges for children and adolescents today. Parents feel a bigger burden than ever before to equip their kids with healthy coping skills. Treating a child’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also help with healthy development into adulthood. Our qualified, caring child therapists and psychiatrists are here to help.

Does My Child Need Therapy?

Worrisome changes in your child’s behavior, such as withdrawal, sadness, anxiousness, frequent emotional outbursts, or a sudden disinterest in hobbies, can signs that it may be time to speak to a professional who specializes in children’s mental health.

Children and adolescents can show emotional distress in a variety of ways:

  • Fighting
  • Arguing
  • Temper tantrums
  • Bullying their peers
  • Shutting down or withdrawing
  • Falling behind in school
  • Illegal or dangerous behavior
  • Ignoring you and other authority figures

Some of these behaviors are common and may be part of your child’s personality. But if they’re out of hand or interfere with your child’s development, it may be time to seek help.

Common Reasons for Children to Need Therapy

  • Parental separation or divorce
  • Being the victim of bullying or harassment
  •  ADHD
  • Physical or sexual trauma
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Exposure to addiction through friends or family members
  • Dealing with peer pressure
  • Stress from puberty and hormonal changes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

How Does Child Therapy Work?

Many of our therapists are experienced working with children and adolescents. Using a combination of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and traditional talk therapy, your child’s therapist will assess your child’s behavior, mood, and intellectual functioning. The therapist will then develop a treatment plan to address your child’s needs.

This process is designed to not only support the patient, but the child’s parents and caretakers. Your provider may suggest new parenting strategies to support your child’s development and well-being. Your child’s therapist may also recommend therapy for other family members when applicable.

Contact Us

(703) 821-1073

admin@mcleancounselingcenter.com

1307 Vincent Place McLean, VA 22101

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