Warm, inviting therapy office at The Healing Effect in the Phoenix Valley

Child & teen therapy in Phoenix, Scottsdale & Mesa

The meltdowns that don't match the moment, the withdrawn teen behind a closed door, the worry you can't quite name. You know your kid best, and you don't have to figure this out alone.

In person across the Valley or online across Arizona, and in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna & UnitedHealthcare.

How we help

Evidence-based therapy for kids and teens

Our therapists work with children and teens ages 5 to 17, and we match the approach to the age and the child. That can mean play-based therapy for younger kids who show more than they can say, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and skills work for anxious or low teens, and coaching for parents so support carries over at home. We diagnose and treat, and coordinate with pediatricians or prescribers when medication is part of the picture.

You're not alone in this

Does any of this sound familiar?

Big feelings or meltdowns that seem bigger than the moment
Pulling away from friends, school, or things they used to love
Worry, sadness, or anger you're not sure how to reach
You're doing everything you can and still feel stuck
If this sounds like your child, you're in the right place. You know them best, and the right support makes a real difference.

Our therapists

Find a therapist who works with kids and teens

Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect
Therapist at The Healing Effect

Meet some of our licensed Arizona therapists above. We are accepting new clients, with evenings and weekends available. Browse the full team and filter for child & teen, or answer a few quick questions and our matching tool will find the ones who fit you, in person across the Valley or by telehealth anywhere in Arizona.

In-network with

The Healing Effect butterfly

What to expect

Starting is simple

1

Reach out

A 1-minute form, or text or call.

2

Get matched

We pair you with a therapist who fits.

3

Your first session

In person or online, at your pace.

Reach Out

Prefer to talk first? A free 15-minute consultation is available with any of our therapists, though most people simply start with a first session.

Understanding child & teen mental health

What it looks like in kids and teens

Kids and teens rarely walk in and say what is wrong. It shows up sideways, as meltdowns, stomachaches, slipping grades, a shorter fuse, pulling away from friends, or a teenager who is suddenly hard to reach. What looks like defiance or laziness is often anxiety, sadness, or a nervous system that is overwhelmed.

Reaching out early tends to make things easier, not harder. Young people respond well to therapy, and the right support helps them build skills and feel understood at a stage when a lot is changing fast.

Child & teen therapy questions, answered

Child and teen therapy at our 5 Valley offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale & Mesa, plus telehealth across Arizona. See locations →

We help with a lot more, too

Not quite what you're looking for, or carrying more than one thing at once? Here are a few related areas, or see everything we help with.

Ready when you are.

Tell us a little about what is going on with your child, and we will match you with a therapist who fits.

Reach Out
Cover of 5 Simple Ways to Get the Most Out of Therapy, a free guide from The Healing Effect

Free guide from our therapists

5 Simple Ways to Get the Most Out of Therapy

The advice our team gives most, in one short read.

Download Free Guide

CBT>cbtADHD>adhd, Anxiety>anxiety, See all our focus areas>howwehelp
What kind of therapy helps children and teens? ~~ It depends on age and what is going on. Younger kids often do best with play-based approaches, while teens tend to respond to CBT and skills-based work for anxiety, low mood, or big emotions. Your child's therapist explains the plan in plain language and adjusts as you go. ||| What ages do you work with? ~~ We see children and teens ages 5 to 17, and we have therapists for adults too, so families can find care in one place. ||| Will I be involved as a parent? ~~ Yes. For younger children especially, parents are part of the work, and your child's therapist keeps you looped in on goals and progress while protecting the trust that makes therapy work for older teens. ||| How do I know if my child needs therapy? ~~ Big shifts in mood, sleep, grades, friendships, or behavior that last more than a couple of weeks are worth a conversation. You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to reach out, and a first session can help you figure out what would help. ||| Does insurance cover therapy for my child, and what does it cost? ~~ Often, yes. We are in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum, so most people pay a copay set by their plan. We also offer transparent cash rates, and we confirm your exact cost before your first session. ||| Can my teen do therapy online? ~~ Yes. We offer telehealth for kids and teens located in Arizona, plus in-person care at our five Valley offices. Many families mix the two around school and activities. ||| How soon can my child get in? ~~ Our care team usually replies the same business day, and most new clients are seen within a few days, rarely more than a week. If your child needs to be seen sooner, tell us and we'll do our best to fit you in. Telehealth often opens up soonest.