Therapy for Children
experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional struggles, school difficulties, family transitions, trauma, grief, and social concerns. We offer personalized child counseling using evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s developmental stage, including play-based and skill-building techniques, available at five Twin Cities locations and through secure telehealth statewide.
Quick Facts:
• Who it’s for: Children and adolescents in Minnesota experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, or developmental challenges that are affecting home life, school performance, friendships, family relationships, or overall wellbeing
• Symptoms addressed: Separation anxiety, excessive worry, frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts, sadness or withdrawal, behavioral challenges at home or school, low self-esteem, difficulty expressing emotions, grief and loss, trouble adjusting to family changes, social difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, and emotional regulation concerns
• Outcomes: Improved emotional regulation, healthier coping skills, increased confidence and self-esteem, stronger communication skills, improved relationships with family and peers, stronger social functioning, better school performance, and greater resilience during stressful situations
• Modalities offered: Evidence-based child therapy approaches tailored to developmental needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based interventions, emotional skill-building techniques, creative expression activities, family involvement, and individualized therapeutic strategies
• Sessions: Individual child therapy sessions with parent or family involvement when appropriate; first appointment is typically 50 to 60 minutes, with ongoing treatment frequency adjusted based on the child’s needs and goals
• Telehealth: Available statewide across all of Minnesota through a secure telehealth platform where clinically appropriate
• Locations: Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, North St. Paul, Eagan, and Shakopee
• Insurance: Aetna, BHP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Partners, Humana, Medica, Medicaid, Medicare, MinnesotaCare, Tricare and Triwest, United Health Care, UBH, UCare, Value Options, AmericasPPO, HealthEZ, SolarteHealth, Hennepin Health, and South Country Health Alliance; call 651-769-6565 to verify your specific plan
Professional Support for Your Child
Licensed therapy for children in Minnesota provides a compassionate and personalized approach to mental health, helping kids navigate the emotional and behavioral challenges they face. Whether a child is struggling with separation anxiety, depression, trauma, school difficulties, social skills, family transitions, or behavioral concerns, child therapy offers a safe and supportive space where they can express themselves, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience in a way that makes sense for their age and development.
Experienced child therapists use evidence-based techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs, incorporating play therapy, creative expression, and interactive activities to help them process emotions and learn healthy ways to manage challenges. With both in-person and telehealth options available, therapy provides flexible support, empowering children to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop lifelong emotional well-being skills.
Is your child experiencing any of the following mental health concerns?
Separation anxiety, panic attacks, or execessive tantrums
Depression, low self esteem, and lack of interest in play and interaction
Dysfunctional relationships with friends and family
Grief resulting from a loss
Post traumatic symptoms
Help adjusting to a new big life change
Trouble in school academically or behaviorally.
How do I know if my child may benefit from therapy?
Children do not always express emotional struggles directly. Changes such as increased irritability, frequent emotional outbursts, withdrawal from family or friends, declining school performance, sleep difficulties, excessive worry, behavioral changes, or trouble coping with everyday situations can sometimes signal that additional support may be helpful. Therapy can help children develop healthy ways to understand and manage their emotions before challenges become more overwhelming.
Benefits of Pursuing Therapy With Your Child
Navigate school and social pressures with greater ease
Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills
Learn to manage anxiety and depression effectively
Address and heal from past trauma or difficulties
Improve communication with family and friends
Build self-confidence and a positive self-image
How Therapy Works
1. Reach Out: Call BHSI at 651-769-6565 or contact the clinic online to ask questions and begin the process of scheduling your child’s first appointment.
2. Intake and Paperwork: Parents or guardians complete intake forms before the first appointment and provide information about the child’s emotional, behavioral, medical, school, and family history to help the care team better understand their needs.
3. First Appointment (50 to 60 Minutes): Your child meets with a licensed therapist who begins building a comfortable and trusting environment while learning about current concerns, strengths, challenges, and goals for treatment.
4. Understanding Your Child’s Needs: The therapist works with both the child and parent or guardian, when appropriate, to identify emotional, behavioral, social, family, or environmental factors that may be contributing to the challenges your child is experiencing.
5. Personalized Treatment: Sessions are tailored to your child’s age, developmental stage, personality, and needs. Therapy may include play-based activities, emotional skill-building, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, coping strategies, and age-appropriate interventions designed to help children better understand and manage emotions.
6. Parent and Family Support: Parents may receive guidance, practical strategies, and tools that help reinforce progress at home and strengthen communication and support within the family environment.
7. Ongoing Growth and Support: Session frequency is adjusted based on your child’s progress and needs, with flexible scheduling available at all five BHSI clinic locations and through secure telehealth services across Minnesota.
Age Appropriate Care for Your Child
Child therapy is most effective when it is tailored to a child’s developmental stage, personality, and unique needs. Younger children may benefit from play therapy, art-based activities, or storytelling to help them express emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging, while older children might respond better to structured conversations, skill-building exercises, or cognitive-behavioral strategies. Therapists take the time to understand each child’s world, adjusting their approach to ensure therapy feels safe, supportive, and accessible. By meeting children where they are emotionally and cognitively, therapy fosters growth, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges in a way that makes sense for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups does BHSI provide child therapy for?
We provide therapy services for children and adolescents, with treatment approaches tailored to each child’s age, developmental stage, emotional needs, and individual circumstances.
Does my child need a mental health diagnosis to begin therapy?
Children do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many families seek support because of emotional, behavioral, social, or life challenges before a condition is formally identified. Early intervention can help address concerns before they become more disruptive.
Can therapy help children cope with family changes or difficult life events?
Yes. Therapy can help children process experiences such as divorce, grief, loss, bullying, family conflict, moving, changes in family structure, or other significant life transitions. Therapy provides children with a safe space to express feelings, understand their experiences, and develop healthier ways to cope.
