Therapy for Children and Teens

Therapy is suitable for children and teens experiencing difficulty at home or in school, as well as those with diagnosed mental illnesses. Parents are often surprised to hear 1 in 6 U.S. children, ages 2–8, have been diagnosed with some form of mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.  

Who Is Child Therapy For?

Common issues treated include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Autism
• Bipolar disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (Formerly Asperger’s, Autistic Disorder, & Rett’s)
• Attachment Disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
• Conduct Disorder
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Rumination Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder

Signs your child may need therapy include:

• A sudden drop in grades or interest in school
• Aggression towards others
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors
• Major appetite or sleep changes
• Often feels sad, worried, or fearful
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Spends an unusual amount of time alone
• Tortures or kills animals
• Trouble focusing

Set up an appointment as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms. 

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Benefits of Therapy for Children

Therapy for children provides a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings, helping them to reduce worries, resolve problems, and build confidence and self-esteem. Therapy for teens provides a safe place for them to discuss private matters with someone they trust and who can help them with their struggles.

Our Therapy Services

Dakota Family Services provides the following mental health services for children and teens:

• Therapy for those who have experienced trauma
• Therapy for depression
• Therapy for Anxiety
• Therapy for OCD
• Therapy for ADHD
• Therapy for PTSD
• Therapy for Stress Relief
• Therapy for Schizophrenia
• Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy for Other Mental Health Conditions
• Virtual-Online Therapy

The Therapy Process for Children and Teens

It is normal for children and teens to feel nervous when seeking mental health services.  We will do everything we can to make them feel comfortable.  Our mental health clinicians will have one-on-one sessions with your child. They may want to visit with you alone and with the two of you together. The child therapy process follows these steps:

Step 1: Call for more information and to find out how we can best serve you.

Step 2: If you choose to continue, we will send paperwork for you to complete and return.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment.

Step 4: With your permission, we will text appointment reminders.

Step 5: At your first appointment, we will work with you and your child to determine goals, build a relationship, and decide on the best course of treatment.

Step 6: You will visit with the therapist about additional appointments and schedule as appropriate. In some cases, the therapist will set up the appointments, while sometimes our receptionist will contact you after your child’s appointment.

Parent Involvement in Therapy for Children

No matter your child’s age, parent involvement in therapy is important. What your involvement looks like will depend on your child’s needs and age. Typically, the younger the child, the more the therapist will bring you into the sessions. Your child’s therapist will provide you with tools to support your child, improve communication, and strengthen relationships within the family.

Without you, skills that your child is learning may never be practiced outside the therapist’s office. Parents help immensely by noticing when their kids are using their skills and praising them for it. Research shows that kids benefit the most from mental health therapy when their parents are involved. When parents and the family are involved, your child feels more supported, that the work is not just on them, and that a team of people has their back. 

Our Therapists

Our team includes psychologists and therapists who specialize in counseling for teens and kids. Meet our team:

• Wayne Martinsen, MD, MSW, Psychiatrist, Minot
• Courtney Redman, LMSW, Therapist, Minot
• Falan Johnson, LMSW, Therapist, Fargo
  
• Hannah Baczynski, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Fargo
• Christy Wilkie, LCSW, Therapist, Fargo
• April Morris, LCSW, Therapist, Fargo
• Lucas Mitzel, LCSW, Therapist, Fargo
• Megan Spencer, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, Fargo
• Jessie Mertz, LCSW, Therapist, Fargo
• Racheal Stroh, LMSW, Therapist, Fargo

Next Step

Call to book an appointment for your child today.

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Testimonials