Children and adolescents face real struggles — anxiety, school stress, trauma, family change, and the challenges of growing up. At Discover Counseling, we meet kids where they are using age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches that actually connect.
Questions? Read our FAQs · View our fees
Parents often notice changes in their child long before anyone else does. A shift in mood, withdrawal from friends, trouble sleeping, school avoidance, behavioral outbursts — these are signals worth taking seriously. Therapy gives children and adolescents a space that belongs to them, where they can express what they’re experiencing and develop tools to manage it.
We work with children from early childhood through adolescence, and we involve parents as partners in the process — because what happens at home matters as much as what happens in the therapy room.
School anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic, and generalized worry
Emotional dysregulation, outbursts, oppositional behavior, and impulse control
Childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or difficult events
Sadness, withdrawal, low motivation, and mood changes in children and teens
Divorce, remarriage, new siblings, relocation, or parental conflict
Social difficulties, peer relationships, bullying, and developing sense of self
Effective child therapy isn’t adult therapy made smaller. Children — especially younger ones — don’t process experience through talking alone. They process through play, movement, storytelling, and creativity. Our therapist Melissa Hendricks, LPC brings both clinical counseling training and 7+ years of pediatric occupational therapy experience to her work with children.
For adolescents, we take a more conversational approach that respects their growing autonomy and identity. Teens need a therapist who listens without judgment and doesn’t talk down to them. We bring clinical skill together with genuine respect for where teens are developmentally.
Children communicate through play. Play therapy gives younger clients a developmentally appropriate way to express, process, and work through difficult experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for younger clients. Helps children and adolescents identify anxious or unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping tools.
Grounded in attachment theory — understanding the parent-child bond as the foundation for emotional regulation and healthy development.
A research-based approach specifically designed for children who have experienced early trauma, neglect, or adverse childhood experiences.
Answers to the most common questions about this service.
Read all FAQs →Melissa Hendricks, LPC works with children starting around age 4 through adolescence. For very young children (under 4), we may recommend more specialized early childhood services. Our graduate interns also see children and adolescents at a reduced fee.
For younger children, we often recommend a parent consultation first so we can understand your concerns and goals without your child present. For adolescents, we sometimes start with the teen in the room to establish trust from the beginning. We’ll discuss what makes sense for your specific situation.
Very involved — especially for younger children. Melissa believes parents are co-regulators and essential partners in the therapeutic process. She regularly communicates with parents about progress and works with you on what to do between sessions to reinforce skills at home.
This is very common. A first step can be a casual consultation — framed not as ‘therapy’ but as meeting someone new. We can also help you think through how to have the conversation with your teen about seeking support. Many reluctant teens become engaged once they feel heard and respected.
Yes. School anxiety, school refusal, and performance anxiety are common presentations that we work with regularly. Melissa Hendricks has particular experience supporting children and teens with anxiety-related school challenges.
Reaching out for your child is one of the most caring things you can do. We’ll help you find the right fit and make the process as easy as possible for your family.
