When Should Your Child or Teen Start Therapy? Recognizing the Signs

As a parent, knowing when your child needs professional support can feel overwhelming. Many parents worry that seeking therapy means they’ve failed or that something is seriously wrong with their child. The truth is quite the opposite. Seeking therapy for your child demonstrates that you’re an attentive and caring parent who recognizes when additional support may be beneficial. Just as you wouldn’t hesitate to take your child to a doctor for a physical concern, therapy addresses emotional and mental health with the same proactive care.

At Restore Counseling, we understand that therapy can benefit children of virtually any age, and recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in your child’s emotional well-being and overall development.

Therapy for Young Children (Ages 3-10)

Children in the 3-10 age group benefit from therapy that focuses on building emotional vocabulary, developing coping skills, and addressing behavioral concerns. Sessions are typically shorter and more active, with significant parent involvement to reinforce skills at home. Young children respond especially well to therapy for anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral issues, and adjusting to major life changes.

Young children often struggle to express complex emotions through words alone, which is why play therapy is the gold standard for this age group. Through toys, art, sand trays, and imaginative play, therapists help children work through feelings and experiences in developmentally appropriate ways. Some children are ready for talk therapy, so as our clinician gets to know a child, he or she will assess the best type of therapy for that child.

Therapy for Adolescents (Ages 10-19)

Adolescent therapy looks quite different from therapy for younger children. Teens and pre-teens typically engage in traditional talk therapy. Adolescents navigate complex challenges unique to their developmental stage, from discovering who they are and managing peer relationships to handling academic pressures, social media demands, and the push toward independence.

Therapy for adolescents emphasizes building autonomy while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Sessions are confidential (within legal and safety limits), allowing teens to explore issues openly; therapists work with adolescents on complex topics like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship challenges, substance use concerns, and navigating the path to adulthood. Parent involvement shifts from direct participation to periodic check-ins and family sessions when necessary.

Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit from Therapy

Signs in Young Children (Ages 3-10)

• Frequent tantrums or meltdowns beyond what’s typical for their age
• Excessive clinginess or severe separation anxiety
• Regression to earlier behaviors like bedwetting or baby talk
• Aggressive behavior toward peers, siblings, or adults
• Persistent fears or worries that interfere with daily activities
• Difficulty transitioning between activities or handling change
• Social withdrawal or inability to make friends
• Sudden decline in school performance or school refusal

Signs in Adolescents (Ages 10-19)

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities
• Intense anxiety, panic attacks, or excessive worry
• Dramatic mood swings or irritability lasting beyond typical teen moodiness
• Withdrawal from family and friends or sudden changes in friend groups
• Decline in academic performance or loss of motivation
• Risk-taking behaviors, including substance use or self-harm
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Expressions of worthlessness or statements about self-harm or suicide
• Struggles with identity, sexuality, or body image
• Excessive screen time or social media use affecting well-being

The Benefits of Early Intervention

If sStarting therapy when problems first emerge can prevent small challenges from becoming larger issues. Child and adolescent therapy provides a safe and confidential space where young people learn healthy coping skills, process difficult emotions, and build resilience that serves them throughout life.

Professional therapists use evidence-based techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs and developmental level. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, or adjustment challenges, therapy offers tools and strategies that create lasting positive change.

Taking the First Step: Therapy Is a Gift, Not a Failure

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child or teen, reaching out for professional guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy doesn’t mean your child is broken or that your parenting is inadequate.It simply means you’re equipping your child with skills and support to handle challenges that are a natural part of growing up. In fact, children who attend therapy often develop stronger emotional intelligence and coping skills than their peers, setting them up for success throughout their lives.

At Restore Counseling Services, we understand that seeking help for your child takes courage. Our compassionate therapists specialize in working with children and adolescents, creating a welcoming environment where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Every child deserves support in navigating life’s challenges, and therapy can provide the foundation for emotional health and well-being.

Restore Counseling Services provides office-based, school-based and telehealth therapy in Lancaster, County, PA.