Children & Adolescents (Teens)

Table of Contents
Illustration of a brain with cloud elements representing mental health and therapy services.

Medical Reviewer:
Dr. Peter Spence, MD

Children & Adolescents (Teens)

Summary: WCT Behavioral Health provides age-appropriate child and adolescent therapy in Connecticut, covered by most forms of insurance.

Child and adolescent therapy is for youth under age 18. This may include early childhood (ages 2-6), mid-childhood and preteen years (ages 7-11), and adolescents aged 12-17. WCT Behavioral Health is proud to provide child therapy in Connecticut. Our providers use age-appropriate, research-backed therapies for children, teens, and families navigating a wide range of concerns. We are in-network with most insurance plans. These include commercial health insurance plans, HUSKY Health (Medicaid), and Medicare. By accepting insurance, we help families seeking child therapy in Connecticut access the highest quality of care.

WCT Behavioral Health logo with brain and cloud design for mental health services.

Therapy for Children & Adolescents (Teens) at WCT Behavioral Health

What should you expect from child therapy? WCT Behavioral Health provides effective, personalized care for people of all ages. We are here to answer your questions and help you navigate the process of finding the right therapist for your child or teen.

Accepting Major Insurances

WCT Behavioral Health & Medication Management accepts most major insurance companies. Reach out today to verify your benefits.

Aetna insurance company logo with heart symbol and bold text.
Aetna
Anthem Behavioral Health logo with a heart symbol and shield.
Anthem
Assurant insurance company logo on a black background.
Assurant
Beacon Health Options logo with a stylized lighthouse icon and text.
Beacon
BlueCross BlueShield logo representing health insurance services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health logo on a black background.
Carelon
Cigna logo representing behavioral health and wellness services.
Cigna
Exterior view of WCT Behavioral Health clinic building in a professional setting.
ComPsych
Kaiser Permanente logo with healthcare team icon for mental health support.
Kaiser Permanente
Husky Health Connecticut logo with husky dog illustration and text.
Husky Health
Medicare insurance card and healthcare symbols for seniors.
Medicare
WCT Behavioral Health logo with MultiPlan branding.
MultiPlan
United Healthcare logo representing health services at WCT Behavioral Health.
United Healthcare
ValuOptions logo representing behavioral health and wellness services.
ValueOptions

Who Will My Child Work With?

Each member of our team has unique areas of specialty, including child and adolescent therapy. This includes providers who work with children of different age groups. During the intake process, we can match your child or teen with a therapist based on their needs. Parents are also welcome to look through the biographies on our website. If you have a specific therapist in mind, we will let you know whether they are available. 

 

What to Expect

Wondering what to expect when your child starts therapy? Once you select a provider, we will schedule an intake appointment. This is an initial session designed to help the therapist understand your child’s history and therapy goals. Children and parents will get to know the therapist and will have a chance to ask any questions they have about what therapy will entail. 

WCT Behavioral Health logo with brain and cloud design for mental health services.

Our Approach

WCT Behavioral Health has a strong team of providers who use a diverse range of therapy techniques. We use evidence-based modalities for kids and teens getting child therapy in Connecticut at our offices. The best types of therapy for your child may vary based on their current age and therapy goals. Treatments offered at WCT Behavioral Health include, but are not limited to

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Animal-assisted therapy
  • Strength-based therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Trauma-focused therapies
  • Grief therapy
  • Play therapy

 

We also have a Circle of Security Parent educator. The Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP) is a short, research-backed program designed to help parents and caregivers meet their children’s emotional needs. During these classes, you will learn concepts to apply at home and in daily life situations.

How Therapy Can Help You

Therapy can be beneficial in a wide variety of ways.  How much you can benefit from therapy depends on many factors, including how well you make use of the process and implement what you learn. Therapy can be hard work; we at WCT Behavioral Health & Medication Management have the utmost respect for the courage and willingness of those people we serve.

Highly Trained Staff

Our clinicians are highly trained professionals who have spent many years learning how to best help with new ways of coping with issues including depression, anxiety, sexuality concerns, trauma, grief, relationships and intimacy difficulties, substance use issues, ADHD, among others.

Powerful Ally

Your therapist can be a great ally in your personal growth journey, interpersonal relationships, family matters, marriage problems, and every day situations. As experts in human behavior, WCT has unique training backgrounds that allow for important changes in your patient's lives.

New Perspectives

We can also offer an outside, non-judgmental perspective on a problem that you might be having difficulty resolving or help guide you to a new viewpoint or solution that you may have never considered or imagined possible.

What Can a Child and Adolescent Therapist Help With?

Like adults, kids and teens may come to therapy for diverse reasons. Here are some examples of what child and adolescent therapy can help with.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression 
  • Healthy communication skills
  • Social, behavioral, or school-related concerns 
  • Life transitions (e.g., moving, changing schools)
  • Navigating stress and responsibilities  
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Trauma or adverse life events 
  • Negative self-talk 
  • Identity and self-confidence
  • Family conflict  
  • Substance abuse 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Emotion regulation 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Impulsivity 
  • ADHD

 

This is not an extensive list. Child therapy in Connecticut can be helpful for kids and teens in a wide variety of situations. If the first therapist your child sees isn’t the right fit, we can help them switch providers. If something isn’t working, we can adjust a child’s care plan.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Where Can I Find Child Therapy in Connecticut?

You can find a child and adolescent therapist at our Connecticut Offices:

  • 162 Kings Highway N, Suite B, Westport, CT
  • 211 Schraffts Drive, Lower Level, Waterbury, CT
  • 1336 West Main Street, Suite 2A, Waterbury, CT
  • 850 Straits Turnpike, Suite 201, Middlebury, CT
  • 246 Federal Road, Unit D-22, Brookfield, CT
  • 139 Simsbury Road, 1st Floor, Avon, CT
  • 255 North Main Street, Suite 100, Bristol, CT

 

All of our locations offer in-person and online appointments. Telehealth is a safe, convenient, and effective option for individuals and families who are busy, do not live near one of our locations, or prefer online sessions for any other reason. 

Contact WCT Behavioral Health for Child Therapy in Connecticut

WCT Behavioral Health provides therapy, medication management, and primary care services throughout Connecticut. We prioritize safe, compassionate, and trauma-informed care for people from all walks of life. Care plans are always individualized. Whether you have a question about child and adolescent therapy or are ready to find a provider for your child today, we are here to help. Call WCT Behavioral Health for child therapy in Connecticut at (959) 301-1373 or contact us online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is child and adolescent therapy?

Child and adolescent therapy is a type of mental health treatment that helps young people navigate concerns such as those that are behavioral, social, emotional, and developmental. It is conducted by providers who have experience in working with the specific child or teen's age group.

Can I combine family therapy with individual therapy for my child or teen?

Yes, absolutely. Family therapy and individual therapy play different roles and are often used in combination with one another. This can help in many ways, such as improving communication and understanding.

At what age can a child go to therapy?

Children can start therapy at virtually any age. The treatments used can depend on your child's age group. For example, play therapy is commonly used for younger kids aged 2-5. Caregivers are usually present during these sessions. The Circle of Security program can be used for younger kids (children aged 4 months or older). Kids aged 6-12 often benefit from art, games, and cognitive behavioral strategies. Teens can transition to standard talk therapy, often benefiting from approaches like trauma-focused CBT and DBT.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

While kids and teens can attend therapy for many reasons, there are some signs to look out for that indicate the need for support. Everyone has rough days. However, if changes in your child's behavior, mood, or functioning last more than 2-3 weeks and interfere with school, play, or family routines, it is time to seek professional support.

Why does child and adolescent therapy matter?

For kids and teens with mental health concerns, early intervention supports positive outcomes. Consequences of unaddressed mental health concerns in youth extend into adulthood. These can affect mental health, physical health, and daily functioning. Non-invasive therapies teach skills (e.g., emotion regulation, social and communication skills) that kids and teens can use long-term.

Real Stories, Real Results

"I Felt Welcomed And At Ease"

I can’t speak highly enough about my experience with WCT Behavioral Health & Medication Management. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly professional, yet warm and compassionate, which made such a difference in my journey toward better mental health.

Julia L.

"Communication is Flawless"

I have just started with your agency and the therapist and so far so good!! I am definitely new to therapy and the whole process was flawless and easy!! Communication is flawless. The therapist took the time to really wanna get to know me which was amazing. I’m just happy I found you guys. XOXO.

Melissa W.

"Deal With Life Again"

Ellen is the best out there this lady has went above and beyond for me and my problems. She and her team were like ok we gonna get to the bottom of your problems and lead you back to happiness. And from when I started to where I am now is like night and day. I am able to cope and deal with life again and I have to say it’s all due to these people’s help and direction

Jason

"I Can Really Open Up"

I have been in therapy since 2014, and this is the first therapist I’ve had that really helps me. I can really open up, and even on the days I don’t want therapy (when I most need it) I’m able to convince myself to go because of how helpful I know my therapist is and how understanding she is. Definitely recommend!

Alyssa D.

"Helped Me Feel Okay"

After years of trying to get the help I needed elsewhere these people have helped me feel okay for the first time in a long time. She’s funny, down to earth, and all around someone I feel like I can come to who will understand how I feel. Amazing, I’m going to keep coming here.

Jessie K.

"Absolutely Love This Place"

I absolutely love this place. The therapist I see is awesome and the prescribing physician is great as well. She’s funny and caring. We will continue to go here.

Tina I.

Ready to Begin?

We make everything that follows as simple as possible. One call to our intake line is all it takes — we’ll verify your insurance, answer your questions, and match you with the right provider. No endless forms. No long waits. Just a real person who will help you find your way to care.

Call Us to Begin