Children's Therapy 101

Types of Therapy

There are many types of therapy that may be helpful for children. Therapy can help with stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, severe mental illness and more.

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis is an early form of therapy for children with autism. It focuses on rewarding positive behaviors to increase their frequency. It teaches behaviors in real-life settings and addresses learning, self-management and communication.
  • Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) lets children explore issues and process feelings using toys and the play environment, allowing them to lead their own healing. It can support healing and positive change, decrease negative behaviors, and improve overall functioning.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on addressing the problems you are facing in the moment. Little time is spent thinking or talking about the past. It’s generally a short-term 12-week approach. Through daily homework you learn to identify and change your thinking and patterns of behavior that negatively impact on your life.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills to manage emotions, strengthen and maintain personal relationships, and increase patience for stressful times. Radical DBT is a type of therapy that helps people whose thinking is rigid and overly perfectionistic.
  • Family Therapy’s goal is to understand the family’s interaction and communication styles. It is designed to provide support and education to help the family function more positively.
  • Group Therapy uses group dynamics and peer interaction to improve skills and focus on specific behaviors depending on the group type. Sessions may be led by one or more therapists.
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) helps parents interact with their children and manage their behaviors. During a session, parents receive in-the-moment coaching from a therapist. PCIT can help improve the parent-child bond.

Finding a Therapist for your Child

If you decide to go to therapy, you’ll need to find a therapist who is a good fit for your child. To learn more about Integral Care’s programs for children and families, call us at 512-472-HELP (4357). We’re here Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm. Integral Care can also connect you to trusted community resources.

 

Here are a few more tips on finding a provider:

  • Ask Around. Do you know someone who loves their therapist? Ask for a recommendation. You can also go to your insurance company’s website for a list of providers covered by your insurance.
  • Don’t be afraid to shop around. You don’t have to stick with the first therapist you try. If their style doesn’t work for your child, look for someone else.
  • Don’t get too caught up in the letters after a name. LPC, LCSW, LMSW, PhD, LMFT – any of these folks are trained mental health professionals who may be a good fit for your child.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Most therapists offer a free consultation so you can meet them before setting up an entire session with your child. You can ask what types of therapy they use and anything else you may be curious about.

Once you have some therapists in mind, here are a few questions to think about when choosing someone.

  • Do they accept your insurance, or do they require self-pay? Do they offer a sliding scale fee?
  • Is their physical location convenient for you, or do they offer remote or teletherapy?
  • Are they culturally competent? For example, you may prefer to work with someone who looks like you or has a similar background.

Integral Care provides care to individuals and families in Travis County no matter ability to pay. NAMI Central Texas has a list of low-cost or sliding scale counseling options in Central Texas.

NAMI Family Classes and Support Groups

Free local support groups and classes covering a variety of topics.

Low Cost/Sliding Scale Counseling

Options for affordable counseling in Central Texas. Use the drop-down menu.

EDUCATION

Family members who take time to learn about mental health challenges will have more understanding about what their loved one is going through and will be more able to take care of their own mental health.

 

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET STARTED:

Education Tips

1. FIND GOOD SOURCES

Google is a wealth of information, but what you find can be overwhelming, exaggerated, or just plain wrong. Be sure to use trusted sources for information.

 

2. ASK QUESTIONS

Some parts of mental health and treatment options are confusing. Use your community resources to better understand the mental health system.

 

3. STAY JUDGMENT FREE

As family members learn more about mental health challenges, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different.

Resources

AUSTIN CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS

Low-cost workshops about communication, youth and teen mental health, social development and more.

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Detailed guide to common mental health diagnoses, treatments options, and support.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Youth Mental Health First Aid is for anyone who works with youth and young adults ages 12-18 and 18-25 who may be in the early stages of a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. MHFA can save a life, just like CPR can save someone who is having a heart attack.

CIRCLE OF CARE GUIDEBOOK

Guide unpaid friends, family, and neighbors who care for someone with a mental health condition.

CRISIS PLANNING

No one wants to see a loved one go through a mental health crisis, but knowing what to do and where to get help can reduce stress and be lifesaving.

 

HERE ARE A FEW QUICK TIPS FOR CRISIS PLANNING:

Crisis Planning Tips

1. DON’T WAIT

It’s never too late to write down the details, even for family members in the midst of a crisis. The plan can be as simple as a document listing basic details such as contact information, medications, and treatment preferences.

 

2. AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Put important numbers, such as your local crisis helpline, into a phone can save time later. The crisis plan document should be easily accessible on a cell phone or at home.

 

3. SHARE THE PLAN

Everyone who might need to help needs to know the details of the crisis plan.

Resources

INTEGRAL CARE’S 24/7 HELPLINE

Integral Care is here for you – anytime, day or night. Our Helpline will listen and support you without judgement. If you or someone you know needs help, please call us 24/7 at 512-472-HELP (4357).

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS PLANNING FLYER

Printable flyer with questions to consider and actionable steps to create a crisis plan.

TRAVIS COUNTY CRISIS SERVICES

Crisis services in Travis County through Integral Care.

CENTRAL TEXAS CRISIS RESOURCES

NAMI Central Texas Crisis Resource Guide, including resources across Central Texas.

For free 24/7 emotional support, call Integral Care at 512-472-4357.
Visit NAMI Central Texas to check out support groups for adults, family members, and more.

Top