Therapy for children & teens
Support for what your child is carrying
When your child is struggling, it can be hard to know what they need or how to help. Therapy offers a supportive space for children and teens to better understand what they are feeling, build healthy ways to cope, and feel more confident moving through challenges.
Serving families in Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Fairfax, Washington, D.C., and online throughout Virginia.
When something feels different
You know your child best. Sometimes the signs that they need extra support are obvious, and sometimes they show up in smaller ways, like changes in mood, behavior, sleep, school, friendships, or the way they respond to everyday stress.
Therapy can give children and teens a safe place to express what they may not know how to say, understand what they are experiencing, and build skills that support them at home, at school, and in their relationships.
You may be noticing:
More worry, fear, or frequent reassurance-seeking
Irritability, sadness, withdrawal, or changes in mood
Difficulty managing strong emotions
Changes in sleep, appetite, motivation, or energy
School stress, declining grades, or trouble focusing
Friendship challenges, bullying, or feeling left out
Behavioral concerns or increased conflict at home
Difficulty adjusting to loss, family changes, or other transitions
Effects of trauma or a difficult experience
A sense that your child is not quite themselves
Our approach
Therapy that meets your child where they are
Children and teens do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Our therapists adapt the process to your child’s age, personality, needs, and comfort level so therapy feels approachable rather than overwhelming.
Sessions may include conversation, play, creative activities, practical coping tools, mindfulness, or trauma-informed approaches. The goal is to help your child feel understood, build trust, and develop skills they can use beyond the therapy room.
What therapy can support
Helping your child build skills that carry into everyday life
Therapy can help children and teens better understand themselves, manage difficult emotions, and feel more confident navigating challenges at home, at school, and in their relationships.
Healthy coping skills
Build practical ways to manage stress, anxiety, frustration, and other strong emotions.
Emotional awareness
Learn to recognize, name, and understand feelings before they become overwhelming.
Confidence and connection
Build self-esteem, strengthen communication, and feel more comfortable in relationships.
What to expect
A process that supports your child and keeps you involved
Therapy for children and teens often begins with a conversation with a parent or caregiver. This gives the therapist a fuller picture of what has been changing, what concerns you most, and what kind of support may be helpful.
As therapy continues, your child’s therapist will focus on building trust and creating a space that feels age-appropriate. Parents and caregivers remain an important part of the process, with communication and guidance provided in a way that supports progress while respecting your child’s privacy.
Start with your perspective
Share what you have been noticing and what you hope therapy can help with.
1
Build trust with your child
Sessions are shaped around your child’s age, needs, and comfort level.
2
Stay involved
You will receive guidance while your child’s privacy is respected.
3
Meet the team
Finding the right fit for your child matters
The relationship your child builds with their therapist can shape how safe, understood, and comfortable they feel in the process. Our team includes clinicians with experience supporting children and teens across different ages, concerns, and personalities.
Our First Impressions Team can help you consider your child’s needs, preferred location, scheduling, and whether in-person or virtual care feels like the best fit.
Care that works for your family
Support in person and online
Therapy is available at our offices in Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C., with virtual care available throughout Virginia. Our First Impressions Team can help you find an option that works with your child’s needs, your family’s schedule, and your preferred location.
Connect virtually
Access therapy from home when online sessions are a better fit for your child or teen.
Visit us in person
Choose the office location that works best for your family and your child’s routine.
Find the right support
Explore therapy, medication management, and group services based on what your child needs.
Frequently asked questions
-
Therapy may be helpful if you have noticed ongoing changes in mood, behavior, sleep, school, friendships, confidence, or the way your child responds to stress. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable to reach out.
-
Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is often an important part of the process. Your child’s therapist will keep you appropriately informed while also creating space for your child to build trust and feel comfortable opening up.
-
The process often begins with a parent or caregiver conversation so the therapist can learn more about what has been happening and what support may be helpful. The therapist will then shape sessions around your child’s age, needs, and comfort level.
-
Yes. Our clinicians work with children and adolescents across different ages and developmental stages. The approach will be adapted to fit your child’s personality, concerns, and needs.
-
Virtual therapy is available throughout Virginia when online care is an appropriate fit for your child or teen. Our First Impressions Team can help you determine whether in-person or virtual care makes the most sense.
-
Our First Impressions Team can help match your family with a clinician based on your child’s age, concerns, personality, scheduling needs, and preferred location.
A steady place to start
You do not have to figure this out on your own
You may already know what kind of support your child needs, or you may only know that something has changed. Either way, our First Impressions Team can help you take the next step with more clarity.
Our First Impressions Team will help you find the right therapist and next step.