Child and adolescent therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to address the specific needs of children and adolescents. Just as adults have specific needs in terms of therapy, children and adolescents also have areas that can benefit from the support of therapy. Throughout childhood and adolescence, you or other caretakers may notice changes in your child’s mood, personality, or actions. Depending on where your child is at developmentally, it can be challenging to know the cause of the change. This is where child and adolescent therapy becomes incredibly helpful.

Child and adolescent therapists are trained specifically in child development, and thus can detect specific indicators that even the most attentive of parents might not see. Child and adolescent therapy specifically employs evidence-based modalities designed for children and adolescents. While there are different types of child and adolescent therapy, it is most important that they are backed by research. Some common forms of children’s therapy include play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and social skills training. 

It may be a good idea to consider child and adolescent therapy if your child has experienced big or traumatic life events. Some common reasons that parents seek child and adolescent therapy include divorce, trauma, bullying, and learning difficulties. Parents also seek out child therapy if they notice lasting changes in their child’s behavior, sleep, eating, social skills or emotionality.

Children do not express themselves in the same way that adults do. They are often unable to communicate their emotions, and instead express them through other outlets such as play or sleep. Child and adolescent therapists can help understand what your child is communicating, and give you solutions for best supporting whatever your child is moving through. If your child or adolescent is in need of medication, we can support you through our psychiatry program. Our psychiatric care provider will work with you to determine a comfortable solution that best suits the needs of your child.

Colorado CBT is a Denver clinic which offers child and adolescent therapy and psychiatric assessment and treatment. To further discuss the needs of your child or adolescent, please reach out to make an appointment.