Child Therapy in Utah: When Your Child Needs Help & How to Start
A parent's complete guide to understanding child therapy — signs to watch for, what happens in sessions, how to find the right therapist, and what to expect.
When Does a Child Need Therapy?
Every child goes through difficult phases. So how do you know when normal growing pains have become something more? Here are the signs that professional support could help.
Persistent Worry or Fear
Anxiety that lasts weeks, not days. Avoiding school, social situations, or activities they used to enjoy.
Behavioral Changes
Sudden aggression, defiance, or withdrawal that's out of character and doesn't resolve on its own.
Emotional Outbursts
Frequent meltdowns, crying, or emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation.
Sleep Problems
Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, bedwetting (in previously dry children), or refusing to sleep alone.
School Struggles
Declining grades, refusing to go to school, difficulty concentrating, or social problems with peers.
Life Changes
Difficulty coping with divorce, a move, death of a loved one, new sibling, or other major transitions.
You don't need to wait for a crisis. If your parental instinct says something is off, that's enough reason to consult a therapist. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Child Therapy by Age
Therapy looks different at every age. A good child therapist adapts their approach to your child's developmental stage.
Early Childhood
Play therapy and art therapy. Children express themselves through toys, drawing, and creative activities. Parents are often involved in sessions.
School Age
Mix of play therapy, art therapy, and beginning talk therapy. Skill-building games, social stories, and coping strategy practice.
Adolescent / Teen
More traditional talk therapy combined with CBT, DBT skills, and creative expression. Focus on identity, peer relationships, and building independence.
What Happens in Child Therapy Sessions
The First Session
The first session is usually an intake appointment. Your therapist will:
- Talk with you (the parent) about your child's history, behavior, and your concerns
- Spend time getting to know your child in a relaxed, no-pressure environment
- Assess your child's emotional and behavioral needs
- Create a preliminary treatment plan together
Most children warm up quickly when they realize therapy isn't "being in trouble" — it's a safe place to express themselves.
Ongoing Sessions
Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes, once a week. Your child's therapist will use age-appropriate techniques to help your child:
- Identify and express emotions in healthy ways
- Develop coping strategies for anxiety, anger, or sadness
- Process difficult experiences or trauma
- Build social skills and self-confidence
- Improve family communication and relationships
What About Confidentiality?
This is a common concern for parents. Here's how it typically works:
- Your child's therapist will share general progress and themes with you
- Specific details of what your child says are kept confidential to maintain trust
- If there are safety concerns, the therapist will always inform parents
- Regular parent check-ins (usually monthly) keep you informed and involved
Looking for a Child Therapist in Utah?
Candice Gonzalez, LCSW specializes in child and adolescent therapy with 22+ years of experience. Art therapy, play therapy, and CBT — tailored to your child's age and needs.
Schedule a ConsultationHow to Choose the Right Child Therapist
Finding the right fit matters. Here's what to look for:
- Experience with children: Not all therapists work with kids. Look for someone who specializes in child and adolescent therapy.
- Age-appropriate methods: Play therapy and art therapy for younger children, CBT/DBT for teens.
- Good rapport: Your child should feel comfortable and safe. If they don't connect after 2-3 sessions, it's OK to try someone else.
- Parent involvement: The best child therapists involve parents in the process — you're part of the team.
- Insurance compatibility: Verify coverage before starting to avoid surprise bills.
- Convenient location: You'll be making weekly trips. Proximity matters for consistency.
Common Approaches in Child Therapy
- Play Therapy: Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions and process experiences. Most effective for ages 3-10.
- Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, and creative projects as therapeutic tools. Helps children who struggle to verbalize feelings.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches children to identify and change negative thought patterns. Effective for anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- Family Systems Therapy: Involves the whole family to improve communication and address dynamics that affect the child.
- EMDR: Specialized trauma treatment that can be adapted for children who've experienced abuse, accidents, or other traumatic events.
How Much Does Child Therapy Cost in Utah?
The cost depends on your insurance coverage:
- With insurance: Most families pay a copay of $20-$50 per session
- Without insurance: Sessions typically range from $120-$200 per session
- Number of sessions: Most children benefit from 12-20 sessions, though some need fewer and some need more
Agile Counseling in Sandy, UT accepts SelectHealth, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, EMI Health, Tricare, and PEHP. Call (801) 597-9558 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.
Child Therapy in Sandy, Utah and the Salt Lake Valley
Agile Counseling provides specialized child and adolescent therapy from our Sandy, Utah office, serving families throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Candice Gonzalez, LCSW brings 22+ years of clinical experience working with children of all ages, using art therapy, play therapy, CBT, and family systems approaches.
Location: 45 W 9000 S, Suite 1, Sandy, UT 84070
Phone: (801) 597-9558
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-3pm
Telehealth: Available for all of Utah