Finding a child therapist can be tough, especially if you're a stressed-out parent in San Jose looking for the best help for your anxious kid. It means researching, asking for recommendations, and sorting through tons of options, all while juggling the daily challenges of parenting.

As a child therapist in San Jose, I understand how difficult parenting can be and how difficult it can be for kids. Looking for a child therapist who can help you kids is difficult and challenging especially when it seems like you don’t know what quality child therapy looks like. To make things easier, I've put together a list of the most common questions I get in my child therapy practice. These tips will give you valuable info to help you make the best choices for your child's mental health, from knowing what to look for in a therapist to figuring out the right fit and supporting your child's emotional well-being.

Common Questions Parents Have About Child Therapy

1. How long will child therapy take?

Therapy for your child will take as long as necessary to achieve the desired results. While each child is unique, most show signs of improvement within 6-12 months of weekly child therapy sessions.

The length of child therapy depends on ongoing stressors in the household and other environments, reinforcement of skills learned in therapy at home, and the level of support the child feels from the adults in their life.

For effective child therapy, consider these factors to ensure the best outcomes for your child's mental health.

2. Is there a difference between child therapy and regular therapy?

Yes! A general practitioner of therapy may say they see children, teenagers, couples, and adults, but they lack having experience in specialty work with children.

Children’s language is play, they express themselves through play and need this outlet to grow.

A child therapist should have therapeutic toys for children in their therapy room, and they should be excited about sharing about it when you are talking on the phone with them or meeting them for the first time.

3. Can we do telehealth for child therapy?

For younger children, I find telehealth to be less effective than in-person therapy. In my practice, play therapy is a cornerstone, and having therapeutic toys available for the child to explore and use to express themselves is essential.

While teenagers and pre-teens often engage well in telehealth sessions and I have had some success with younger children, I generally believe that in-person therapy is more beneficial for both children and teenagers.

4. Once we see improvement, can we decrease child therapy sessions to twice a month?

I get this question a lot, and while it makes sense for adults to go to twice a month therapy sessions when there is stability in symptoms and they are in the maintenance stage of therapy, it’s not the same for children.

I find that for children, having weekly therapy for the duration of treatment helps reach therapy goals faster, builds on the skills and processing from previous sessions, and allows for a high amount of consistency for children, which helps with overall mental health in kids.

5. How will we know child therapy is working?

This is a great question. I find that having clear, measurable goals at the beginning of therapy will help you know how your child is doing and what progress still needs to be made.

It is important to identify the successes and changes in behavior when your child is in the midst of therapy, to be able to provide feedback to the child therapist and adjust goals as needed.

That’s why having consistent parent/caregiver sessions is vital, it ensures that your child is on track and that the therapist can provide effective therapeutic interventions to target the issues coming up with your child.

6. What are common modalities used in child therapy?

Understanding the different types of therapy modalities can be reassuring for parents and caregivers. In child therapy, we use various approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.

For example, play therapy helps children express themselves and process emotions through play, which is a natural communication method for them.

Additionally, art therapy enables children to explore their feelings and experiences through creative expression, providing a safe space to convey what they may struggle to articulate with words.

Other modalities may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps in reshaping negative thought patterns, and family therapy, which involves the child's family members to support and improve the child's mental health.

By employing these different approaches, we can ensure a comprehensive and supportive therapeutic experience for your child.

7. How involved do parents need to be in their child's therapy?

Parent involvement in a child's therapy is crucial and can greatly impact its success. This often involves extra sessions, parent coaching, and open collaboration with the child therapist.

Parents are not just spectators; they are essential partners in their child's progress. Their consistent support and understanding reinforce the strategies used in therapy, making it more effective.

By staying actively involved, parents ensure their child feels supported both in and out of sessions, fostering a nurturing environment for healing and growth.

Why Choose a Child Therapist in San Jose?

I possess a deep understanding of the local culture and educational systems. Unlike general practitioners who cater to everyone, my specialization in the area of child therapy enables me to effectively guide families through the complexities of accessing mental health services.

My practice is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children can thrive, emphasizing fun, creativity, and care.

San Jose has experienced a growing demand for child therapists, fueled by an anxious school culture and intense academic competition. The city's diverse population further heightens the need for multilingual therapists, particularly those fluent in Spanish.

Many parents seek therapy for their children to address issues related to academic pressure, social anxiety, and family-related stress. Despite this demand, there are few therapists offering in-person therapy for children.

Get Started with Child Therapy

If you're looking for a child therapist in San Jose, professional therapy from a play therapist or an anxiety specialist can significantly enhance your child's well-being. Whether they are dealing with academic pressure, social anxiety, or family stressors, finding the right therapist is crucial for their happiness.

In conclusion, seeking help is essential for your child's growth and mental health.

For personalized guidance, book a free 15-minute consultation with me today.

Start Child Therapy Today! Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation

About the Author: Hannah Ly, San Jose Child Therapist

Hannah Ly is a dedicated and experienced child therapist based in San Jose, specializing in child therapy, play therapy, anxiety therapy, trauma therapy, teen therapy, and parent coaching. With over a decade of experience, Hannah is deeply committed to helping children and families navigate the challenges they face, fostering resilience and emotional growth. She integrates creative and child-centered approaches tailored to each child's unique needs, ensuring a compassionate and supportive therapeutic environment. As a proud member of the San Jose community, Hannah is passionate about making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of local families. Whether addressing academic pressure, social anxiety, or trauma, Hannah's expertise as a child therapist is invaluable.

FAQ About Child Therapy in San Jose: All You Need to Know