Child Therapy Explained: How to Choose the Right Support for Your Child’s Mental Health

Supporting a child’s mental health is one of the most important investments a parent can make. When children receive the right therapeutic support early, they are more likely to develop strong emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and confidence that carries into adolescence and adulthood. Child therapy can help address concerns such as anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional outbursts, academic stress, trauma, and major life changes.

At Balanced Minds Psychology and Wellness in St. Petersburg, Florida, we work closely with families to provide child and teen therapy that is developmentally appropriate, evidence-based, and tailored to each child’s unique needs. As a licensed psychologist and qualified supervisor, I, Dr. Samantha Brustad, have seen how choosing the right type of therapy can make a meaningful difference—not just in symptom relief, but in how a child understands themselves and the world around them.

This guide explains several common types of child therapy, how they work, and when each approach may be most helpful. Understanding these options can help parents feel more confident when deciding what kind of support their child needs.

Child engaged in art therapy session

Child engaged in play therapy session.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is one of the most widely used approaches for younger children because it aligns with how children naturally communicate. Rather than relying solely on words, children use play to express emotions, experiences, and concerns they may not yet have language for.

How play therapy worksIn play therapy sessions, a therapist provides toys, games, and creative materials in a structured, safe environment. Children may act out real-life situations, explore relationships, or express feelings symbolically. The therapist observes themes in the play and gently guides the process to help the child make sense of emotions and experiences.

Benefits of play therapy

• Helps children process stress, grief, and trauma

• Improves emotional regulation and frustration tolerance

• Strengthens social skills and communication

• Builds confidence and self-esteem

• Supports emotional development in young children

  
  

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that play therapy is effective in reducing anxiety and behavioral concerns in children ages 3 to 12 (Bratton et al., 2005). It is commonly used when children are experiencing family changes, emotional difficulties, or challenges at school.

Art Therapy

Art therapy allows children to express emotions through creative activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpting. This approach can be especially helpful for children who struggle to talk openly about their feelings or who become overwhelmed during traditional conversation-based therapy.

How art therapy worksA trained art therapist guides the child through creative projects that encourage self-expression rather than artistic performance. As children create, therapists help them reflect on their artwork, identify emotions, and build insight into their experiences. The process often feels less intimidating than direct conversation.

Benefits of art therapy

• Encourages emotional expression and self-awareness

• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Supports trauma recovery

• Improves problem-solving and coping skills

• Provides a sense of control and safety

  
  

Studies in The Arts in Psychotherapy suggest that art therapy can improve emotional well-being and reduce behavioral challenges in children facing a range of mental health concerns (Malchiodi, 2012).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy commonly used with school-aged children and adolescents. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

How CBT worksIn CBT, children learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. Therapists also teach coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and problem-solving techniques. Sessions often include practice activities to help children apply these skills outside of therapy.

Benefits of CBT

• Reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms

• Improves emotional regulation and resilience

• Enhances academic performance and focus

• Builds long-term coping skills

• Helps children feel more in control of their emotions

  
  

A meta-analysis in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review found CBT to be highly effective for childhood anxiety disorders, with benefits that extend beyond the therapy setting (James et al., 2015). Parent involvement is often included to support progress at home.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally developed for adults with borderline personality disorder, it has been adapted for adolescents and children with emotional regulation difficulties.

How it works:

DBT teaches skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Therapy includes individual sessions and group skills training. The goal is to help children manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors.

Benefits:

• Improves emotional control and reduces mood swings

• Enhances interpersonal relationships

• Teaches coping strategies for crisis situations

• Supports children with self-harm or suicidal thoughts

  
  

Research in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health highlights DBT’s effectiveness in reducing self-harm and improving emotional regulation in adolescents (Mehlum et al., 2014). It is especially useful for children facing complex emotional challenges.

Family Therapy

Family therapy involves working with the child and their family members to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. It recognizes that family dynamics significantly impact a child’s mental health.

How it works:

A therapist facilitates sessions with parents, siblings, and the child to address issues affecting the family system. The focus is on building understanding, setting healthy boundaries, and developing supportive interactions.

Benefits:

• Enhances family communication and problem-solving

• Resolves conflicts that affect the child’s well-being

• Supports parenting skills and family cohesion

• Creates a nurturing environment for the child’s growth

  
  

Evidence from Family Process journal shows family therapy improves outcomes for children with behavioral and emotional problems by involving caregivers in treatment (Carr, 2019). It is often used alongside individual therapy for comprehensive care.

How to Choose the Right Type of Child Therapy

There is no single “best” type of child therapy. The most effective approach depends on a child’s age, developmental level, personality, and specific concerns. In some cases, combining therapeutic approaches or completing a psychological evaluation can help clarify the best starting point and provide the most comprehensive support.

At Balanced Minds Psychology and Wellness, we specialize in child and teen therapy in St. Petersburg, FL, and take a thoughtful, individualized approach to treatment. Therapy plans are tailored to each child and family, with close attention to emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.

If you are unsure whether your child would benefit more from therapy or from a psychological evaluation, our team can help guide you through those options during an initial consultation. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the options and provide compassionate care to help your child thrive.

References

• Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46(7), 703-712. Link

• Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Art therapy and the brain. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 39(5), 353-356. Link

• James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F. A., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 18(3), 222-237. Link

• Mehlum, L., Tørmoen, A. J., Ramberg, M., Haga, E., Diep, L. M., Laberg, S., ... & Grøholt, B. (2014). Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with repeated suicidal and self-harming behavior: A randomized trial. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 8(1), 1-10. Link

• Carr, A. (2019). The effectiveness of family therapy and systemic interventions for child-focused problems. Family Process, 58(2), 243-260. Link