Child/Adolescent Therapy

Child and adolescent therapy provides young people with a safe, supportive space to explore their thoughts and feelings with the guidance of a licensed clinician. Therapy may help children and teenagers build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and navigate the unique challenges of growing up.

Who May Benefit

Therapy for children and adolescents may be helpful when a young person is experiencing:

• Anxiety, worry, or excessive fears
• Sadness, low mood, or withdrawal
• Behavioral or emotional challenges at home or at school
• Difficulty with peer relationships or social skills
• Stress related to academic pressure
• Family changes such as divorce, relocation, or loss
• Trauma-related concerns
• Identity and self-esteem concerns
• Difficulty communicating with parents or caregivers

If you are unsure whether therapy may be helpful for your child, contact our team to discuss your situation.

Caregiver Involvement

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the therapeutic process. Depending on the child’s age, goals, and the nature of the concerns, caregivers may be included in sessions or updated regularly on progress. Your therapist will discuss the appropriate level of involvement at the outset of care.

What to Expect

1. Request a callback. Contact our office or submit our online form. Our team will reach out within one business day.
2. Insurance verification. Our administrative team contacts your insurance company to confirm coverage before the first session.
3. Clinician matching. We match your child or adolescent with a therapist suited to their age range, concerns, and goals.
4. The first session. The intake session helps your therapist get to know your child, understand the presenting concerns, and begin building a trusting relationship.
5. Ongoing care. Sessions typically take place weekly or as recommended. Goals are discussed and revisited throughout the course of therapy.

Our Approach

Human Institute clinicians who work with young people understand the importance of building a safe, trust-based relationship before diving into difficult topics. Sessions are structured to be age-appropriate and responsive to the child’s or adolescent’s communication style and comfort level.

Sessions are available in person at our Totowa, NJ office. Telehealth may be available depending on clinician availability, location, and clinical appropriateness.

Note: If you are concerned about your child’s immediate safety or welfare, please contact your local emergency services or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Insurance & Payment

Human Institute works with many major insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider, plan, clinician, and eligibility. Our team can help verify your benefits before your first appointment. View Insurance Options →

Frequently Asked Questions

What age range do your therapists work with?
Our team works with children and adolescents across a range of age groups. Contact our office to discuss specific age-related questions and clinician availability.

Does my child have to talk about everything in session?
No. Therapists work at the child’s pace. Young clients are not pressured to share more than they are comfortable with, especially early in the therapeutic relationship.

How involved should I be as a parent?
Caregiver involvement varies by case. Your therapist will discuss the appropriate level of participation based on your child’s age, goals, and the nature of the concerns.

Can I use insurance for child therapy?
Human Institute works with many major insurance plans. Coverage for child and adolescent therapy varies by plan and clinician. Our team will verify your benefits. View Insurance Options →

What if my teenager is reluctant to attend therapy?
Adolescent resistance is common. Therapists who work with teens are skilled at creating a space that feels safe and non-judgmental. Often, young people become more comfortable once they have had a chance to meet their therapist.

Human Institute is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).