Child Therapists Columbus, OH
We help children and families build healthier relationships, stronger emotional skills, and greater confidence through compassionate, evidence-based child therapy in Columbus, Ohio.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Therapy
Emotional distress often appears through changes in behavior, mood, or daily routines instead. If you’ve noticed ongoing changes that concern you, therapy may provide the support your child needs. Your child may benefit from working with a child therapist if they are experiencing:
- Frequent worry, anxiety, or excessive fears
- Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating emotions
- Persistent sadness or withdrawal from family and friends
- Behavioral challenges at home or school
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- School avoidance or declining academic performance
- Difficulty adjusting to divorce, remarriage, or family changes
- Grief following the loss of a loved one
- Trauma or other difficult life experiences
- Low self-esteem or a lack of confidence
- Bullying or social challenges
- Bullying or social challenges
You don’t have to wait until a problem becomes overwhelming before seeking help. Early support gives children the opportunity to build healthy emotional skills, strengthen resilience, and develop the confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges as they grow.
Our Therapy Specialty Areas
Every child is different, and therapy should reflect that. Our child therapists work with children experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, tailoring treatment to each child’s age, personality, and goals.
Anxiety & Worry
Help your child manage fears, separation anxiety, social anxiety, excessive worry, and everyday stress with healthy coping strategies.
Behavioral Challenges
Support for children struggling with emotional outbursts, defiance, impulsivity, or difficulty following expectations at home or school.
Trauma & PTSD
Compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for children who have experienced abuse, accidents, loss, medical trauma, or other difficult life events.
Grief & Loss
Helping children process the death of a loved one, divorce, family changes, or other significant life transitions.
School & Social Challenges
Support for academic stress, bullying, friendship difficulties, school refusal, and building healthy social skills.
Self-Esteem & Emotional Regulation
Helping children better understand their emotions, build confidence, improve resilience, and develop healthy ways to express themselves.
LGBTQ+ Identity & Family Support
A safe, affirming space for children exploring their identity or experiencing challenges related to sexual orientation, gender identity, family acceptance, bullying, or social pressures.
How We Work With Children + Families
Step 2: Initial Parent & Child Session
Your first appointment allows your therapist to learn about your child’s history, current concerns, family dynamics, and treatment goals. Depending on your child’s age, portions of the session may include both parent and child together, as well as individual time with your child.
Step 3: Personalized Therapy
Your therapist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs and schedule ongoing sessions while keeping parents informed and involved throughout the therapeutic process.
Meet Your Child Therapists
Our child therapists are passionate about helping children build confidence, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping skills that last a lifetime. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches and age-appropriate interventions, we partner with families to help children navigate challenges while celebrating their strengths.
Why Parents Choose City Counseling
Therapists Who Understand Children
Our clinicians understand that children communicate differently from adults. We create a safe, supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves while building practical emotional skills
Family-Centered Care
Parents are an important part of the healing process. We collaborate with caregivers throughout treatment, providing guidance and tools that support progress beyond the therapy office.
Personalized Treatment
Every child receives an individualized treatment plan based on their age, personality, developmental stage, and unique experiences. Therapy evolves as your child grows and their needs change.
Inclusive & Affirming Environment
City Counseling welcomes children and families from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing compassionate, affirming care that respects every child’s identity, family structure, and lived experience.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
Every child deserves the opportunity to feel confident, supported, and understood. Together, we’ll help your child develop the skills they need to build healthy relationships, manage emotions, and thrive at every stage of life.
Child Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child’s emotions or behaviors are affecting their relationships, school performance, daily routines, or overall well-being, therapy may help. Common signs include anxiety, emotional outbursts, withdrawal, persistent sadness, behavioral changes, or difficulty coping with major life events.
What age do you work with?
Our child therapists work with children of various ages. During your initial conversation, we’ll determine whether child therapy or teen therapy is the best fit based on your child’s age and developmental stage.
Will I be involved in my child's therapy?
Yes. Parents and caregivers play an important role in treatment. While every child’s therapy plan is different, your therapist will provide updates, guidance, and recommendations while maintaining an appropriate level of confidentiality for your child.
What happens during the first appointment?
The first session focuses on understanding your child’s concerns, family history, and treatment goals. Your therapist will explain the therapy process, answer your questions, and recommend the next steps.
How long are child therapy sessions?
Most therapy appointments last approximately 50–60 minutes, though session length may vary depending on your child’s age and treatment needs.
Do you offer virtual child therapy?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for many services when clinically appropriate. We’ll discuss whether virtual or in-person therapy is the best option for your child.
Do you accept insurance for child therapy?
Yes. City Counseling works with a variety of insurance providers, although accepted plans may vary depending on the therapist you see. Before your child’s first appointment, our team can help verify your insurance benefits, explain your coverage, and answer questions about any out-of-pocket costs so you know what to expect before treatment begins. If you’re paying without insurance, we’re happy to discuss self-pay options as well.
How long will my child need therapy?
Every child is different. Some children benefit from short-term therapy focused on a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will regularly review progress and adjust treatment as your child’s needs evolve.
What areas do you serve?
City Counseling proudly provides child therapy for families throughout Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Worthington, Hilliard, Westerville, Grandview Heights, Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, Powell, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.
To schedule an appointment fill out our contact form. Questions? Please text, call or email us.
- Hours
- Vary By Clinician
- Location
The building is located across the street from the Columbus Maennerchor and kitty-corner from the McDonalds on South High Street. We are located on the second floor.
If you are in immediate need of help, call 911 or call Netcare Access at (614) 276-2273. You can also reach out to a suicide prevention hotline.
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