Child Counseling & Therapy
Children experience many of the same emotions and challenges as adults, but they may not always have the words or skills to explain what they are feeling. Changes in behavior, mood, sleep, school performance, friendships, or family relationships can sometimes be signs that a child is struggling.
At Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, our child therapists provide a supportive, age-appropriate environment where children can express themselves, develop coping skills, and work through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges.
Child counseling is available at our Akron and Medina, Ohio offices.
When Should a Child See a Counselor?
Every child experiences difficult emotions, behavioral challenges, and stressful periods from time to time. Counseling may be helpful when these difficulties persist, begin interfering with everyday life, or seem difficult for the child or family to manage.
Parents may consider counseling when they notice concerns such as:
Frequent worry, fears, or anxiety
Sadness, withdrawal, or changes in mood
Anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts
Difficulty managing emotions
Changes in behavior at home or school
Problems with friendships or social situations
Difficulty adjusting to divorce, separation, moving, or other family changes
Grief or loss
School stress or academic difficulties
Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
Attention, impulsivity, or ADHD-related challenges
Difficulty coping with stressful or traumatic experiences
You don't have to wait until a problem becomes a crisis to seek support. Counseling can also help children develop skills for handling challenges before they become more disruptive.
How Can Child Counseling Help?
Child counseling provides a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions and experiences in ways that are appropriate for their age and developmental level.
Depending on your child's needs, therapy may focus on developing coping skills, understanding and expressing emotions, improving emotional regulation, building confidence, strengthening communication, solving problems, or learning healthier ways to respond to difficult situations.
The specific approach your child's therapist uses will depend on your child's age, concerns, personality, and treatment goals.
Concerns We Help Children With
Our child therapists work with children and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and mood concerns
ADHD and attention difficulties
Emotional and behavioral concerns
Trauma and stressful experiences
Grief and loss
Family changes and divorce
School-related stress
Peer and friendship difficulties
Self-esteem
Anger and frustration
Social skills
Adjustment to major life changes
Because children sometimes experience more than one concern at the same time, treatment is individualized rather than focused solely on a diagnosis.
What Does Therapy Look Like for Children?
Therapy with a child may look different from traditional adult talk therapy.
Depending on the child's age and needs, a therapist may incorporate conversation, activities, games, creative expression, skill-building, problem-solving, or other developmentally appropriate approaches to help a child communicate and participate in therapy.
As children get older, sessions may begin to look more like traditional counseling while still incorporating strategies appropriate for their developmental stage.
Play, Art & Creative Approaches in Child Therapy
Children don't always communicate their experiences through words. Play, art, activities, and other creative approaches can sometimes help children express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to explain verbally.
Some Avenues clinicians incorporate play-based, art-based, or other creative techniques into counseling when appropriate for the child's age and treatment needs.
Our intake team can help match your child with a therapist whose experience and therapeutic approach are appropriate for the concerns your family would like to address.
Working With Parents & Families
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in a child's counseling.
Depending on the child's age, concerns, and treatment plan, a therapist may work with parents to better understand what the child is experiencing, identify patterns or triggers, develop strategies for responding to difficult behaviors or emotions, and reinforce skills outside of counseling sessions.
The amount and type of parent involvement varies based on the individual child and treatment needs.
Child Counseling for ADHD
ADHD can affect attention, organization, impulse control, emotional regulation, school performance, relationships, and everyday routines.
Our therapists work with children with ADHD and their families to better understand these challenges and develop practical strategies for managing them at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Child Counseling in Akron & Medina, Ohio
Avenues of Counseling and Mediation provides child counseling at both our Akron and Medina counseling offices. Our intake team can help match your child with a therapist based on age, presenting concerns, therapist experience, location, and availability.
Child Counseling in Akron, Ohio
Our Akron counseling team includes therapists who work with children experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, family, and school-related concerns
View Counseling Services in Akron
Child Counseling in Medina, Ohio
Our Medina counseling team also includes therapists who provide counseling for children and families experiencing a variety of mental health and life challenges.
View Counseling Services in Medina
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Counseling
How do I know if my child needs counseling?
There isn't one specific sign that means a child needs therapy. Counseling may be worth considering when emotional or behavioral difficulties persist, cause significant distress, interfere with school or relationships, or seem difficult for your child or family to manage.
Will parents be involved in their child's therapy?
Parent involvement depends on the child's age, concerns, and treatment plan. Your child's therapist can explain how parent or caregiver involvement will work and how you can support your child's progress outside of sessions. If you have concerns about your child or their treatment that you want to explore, just let your child’s counselor know so they can arrange time to meet with you individually to discuss them.
What if my child doesn't want to talk?
That's okay. Child therapists understand that children may need time to become comfortable and may communicate differently than adults. Therapists can use developmentally appropriate activities and approaches rather than expecting every child to immediately sit and talk about their feelings.
Do you provide counseling for children with ADHD?
Yes. Avenues has therapists who work with children experiencing ADHD and related challenges. You can learn more on our ADHD Counseling page.
Do you offer child counseling in both Akron and Medina?
Yes. Child counseling is available at both our Akron and Medina, Ohio counseling offices. Availability and the ages treated vary by clinician.
Learn more about counseling for children
Signs & Symptoms of Childhood Mental Disorders
Ready to Get Started?
Finding the right therapist for your child can feel like a big decision. Our intake team can help you identify a counselor whose experience, approach, location, and availability fit your child's needs.
Contact Avenues of Counseling and Mediation to learn about current child therapist availability in Akron or Medina.
Cost & Insurance
Locations
For more resources about child mental health, check out:
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Child Mental Health