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Individual Child Therapy
Specialized therapy services for children ages 5-12 in a safe, nurturing environment
What is Individual Child Therapy?
Individual child therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed specifically for children ages 5-12. At SafeHarbor Behavioral Health, we understand that children experience and express emotions differently than adults. Our child therapy services use age-appropriate techniques including play therapy, art therapy, and interactive activities to help young clients process emotions, develop coping skills, and overcome challenges.
Our licensed child therapists create a warm, safe environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Through engaging activities and evidence-based interventions, we help children understand their feelings, improve behavior, and build resilience for a brighter future.
Who Benefits from Child Therapy?
Children Experiencing:
- • Anxiety or excessive worry
- • Depression or persistent sadness
- • Behavioral challenges at home or school
- • Difficulty with transitions or changes
- • Trauma or stressful life events
- • Social skills difficulties
- • Attention and focus problems
- • Sleep disturbances or nightmares
Life Situations:
- • Divorce or family separation
- • Death of a loved one or pet
- • Moving to a new home or school
- • Birth of a sibling
- • Bullying at school
- • Academic struggles
- • Medical procedures or illness
- • Foster care or adoption adjustments
Our Child-Centered Therapeutic Approach
Play Therapy
Children naturally communicate through play. Our therapists use toys, games, and creative activities to help children express feelings they can't yet verbalize.
Art & Music Therapy
Creative expression through drawing, painting, and music helps children process emotions and communicate experiences in non-verbal ways.
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
Age-appropriate CBT strategies help children identify feelings, challenge negative thoughts, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Family Involvement
We believe families are essential partners in a child's healing journey. Parents receive regular updates, participate in select sessions when appropriate, and learn strategies to support their child's progress at home. Our therapists provide parent coaching to help implement therapeutic techniques in daily routines.
What to Expect in Child Therapy Sessions
First Session (Parent Meeting)
Parents meet with the therapist to discuss concerns, family history, and treatment goals. We'll explain our approach and answer any questions about the therapy process.
Child's First Visit
Your child will explore our child-friendly therapy room, meet their therapist, and begin building a trusting relationship through gentle play and conversation.
Ongoing Sessions
Each session is tailored to your child's needs and may include play activities, art projects, storytelling, or games that help them process emotions and learn new skills.
Progress Updates
Regular check-ins with parents to discuss progress, share insights, and adjust treatment approaches as needed. We provide tools and strategies for home use.
Session Duration & Frequency
Session Length
45-50 minutes per session, designed for children's attention spans
Frequency
Weekly sessions initially, with flexibility based on progress and needs
Treatment Duration
Typically 3-6 months, depending on individual goals and progress
Insurance & Coverage
We Accept:
- • Oklahoma Medicaid
- • SoonerCare
- • Most major insurance plans
- • Self-pay options available
Our insurance specialists will verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage. Financial assistance programs may be available.
Age-Appropriate Therapeutic Considerations
Ages 5-7: Early Elementary
- • Focus on basic emotion identification
- • Simple coping strategies (deep breathing, counting)
- • Lots of play-based interventions
- • Picture books and storytelling
- • Movement and sensory activities
- • Parent involvement in most sessions
Ages 8-12: Elementary to Pre-Teen
- • More complex emotional vocabulary
- • Problem-solving skill development
- • Social skills training
- • Introduction to mindfulness techniques
- • Academic and peer relationship focus
- • Balance of individual and family sessions
Conditions We Treat in Children
Anxiety Disorders
- • Separation anxiety
- • Social anxiety
- • Generalized anxiety
- • Specific phobias
- • Selective mutism
Mood Concerns
- • Depression
- • Emotional dysregulation
- • Mood swings
- • Irritability
- • Low self-esteem
Behavioral Issues
- • ADHD symptoms
- • Oppositional behavior
- • Aggression
- • Impulse control
- • School refusal
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Consider therapy if your child shows persistent changes in behavior, mood, or functioning that last more than a few weeks. Warning signs include withdrawal from activities, declining school performance, excessive worry, frequent meltdowns, or regression in developmental milestones.
Will my child want to talk to a stranger?
Our therapists are specially trained to build rapport with children. We use play, games, and activities that feel natural and fun. Most children enjoy therapy sessions once they feel comfortable with their therapist.
How involved will I be as a parent?
Parent involvement is crucial for successful outcomes. You'll receive regular updates, learn strategies to use at home, and may participate in some sessions. We work as a team to support your child's growth.
What if my child doesn't want to go to therapy?
Resistance is normal. We recommend framing therapy as a place to learn new skills and have fun. Our therapists are experienced in working with reluctant children and can help ease anxiety about starting therapy.
How long before we see improvements?
Many families notice small improvements within the first few sessions, such as increased communication or slight mood improvements. Significant changes typically occur within 6-12 sessions, depending on the child's specific needs.
Do you work with schools?
Yes, with parent permission, we can collaborate with teachers and school counselors to ensure consistent support for your child. We can also provide recommendations for school accommodations when appropriate.
Is child therapy confidential?
While children have some privacy rights, parents are kept informed about progress and any safety concerns. We balance respecting your child's privacy with keeping parents involved in the treatment process.
Success Outcomes & What to Expect
Typical Improvements Include:
- • Better emotional regulation and fewer meltdowns
- • Improved communication with family members
- • Enhanced social skills and friendships
- • Increased confidence and self-esteem
- • Better school performance and behavior
- • Reduced anxiety and worry
- • Development of healthy coping strategies
- • Improved sleep and appetite
Take the Next Step
Safe Harbor provides activity-based behavioral support for children ages 3–17 through our Body & Brain program.
Enroll TodayCurrent families: Access your Therapy Portal
Schedule Your Child Therapy Consultation
Take the first step toward better mental health for your child. Same-week appointments available.
Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Every child deserves to feel confident, happy, and emotionally healthy. Our experienced child therapists are here to help your family navigate challenges and build a brighter future together.
Same-week appointments available • Medicaid & SoonerCare accepted