Teen and Child therapy
Parents who are looking for a therapist for their child are often scared, overwhelmed, or simply hoping to find someone who will genuinely understand their child.
Children & Teen Counseling: Frequently Asked Questions
~answered by Therapists Tessa Fultz and Rachel Ellingson (LADC/PLPC under Tessa's clinical mentorship)
What is your approach to counseling children and teens?
Every child is wonderfully unique, a gift from God, and I believe therapy should be too.
My approach is based on each child's age, personality, interests, maturity level, strengths, and individual needs. Rather than using the same approach for everyone, I work to create treatment goals and a therapy plan that truly fit your child.
Some children open up best through conversation, while others communicate more comfortably through creative or hands-on activities. Depending on what feels most natural for your child, counseling may include:
- Talk therapy
- Art activities
- Play-based interventions
- Sandtray therapy
- Therapeutic games
- Worksheets and coping tools
- Faith-based discussions and activities
My goal is to create a space where your child feels comfortable, understood, and accepted, so they can begin to process emotions, build confidence, and learn healthy ways to navigate life's challenges.
Do you offer Christian counseling?
Yes, I do.
My relationship with Jesus is the most important part of my life, and my faith influences the way I care for others. I regularly pray for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to guide me in my work with children, teens, and families.
I attend a non-denominational church and volunteer monthly in children's ministry and other areas where I can serve (Tessa).
For families who are seeking faith-based counseling, I am happy to incorporate:
- Prayer
- Scripture
- Biblical principles
- Faith-centered encouragement
At the same time, I always respect each family's preferences and comfort level. My goal is to support both children and parents in a way that feels meaningful and appropriate for them.
How do you help children whose parents are divorced or separated?
Divorce and family transitions can be incredibly difficult for children. Many children are carrying big feelings they don't always know how to express, and sometimes they simply need a safe place where they don't have to choose sides or worry about saying the "wrong" thing.
I provide a warm, supportive environment where children can process their thoughts, feelings, fears, frustrations, and questions without judgment.
My role is to help them:
- Feel heard and understood
- Learn healthy ways to express emotions
- Build coping skills
- Process changes within the family
- Strengthen resilience and confidence
Sometimes children need guidance, and sometimes they simply need someone to listen and validate what they're experiencing. I meet each child where they are.
When appropriate, I also work collaboratively with parents and can offer thoughtful questions, observations, and support to help families navigate these transitions together.
How involved are parents in therapy?
I view parents as an important part of the healing process and it depends on the age. Teens over the age of 15 are able to decide how involved the parents are so they can feel comfortable and have a space to process on their own.
My goal is to help children feel safe while also keeping parents appropriately involved and informed.
Parents are welcome to:
- Participate in the intake appointment (required under age 16)
- Schedule parent consultation sessions
- Check in briefly at the beginning or end of sessions
- Discuss concerns or progress when needed
Every family is different, and together we can determine the level of parental involvement that best supports your child's growth and therapeutic goals.
What happens during the first appointment?
The first appointment, also called the intake session, is approximately 55 minutes long.
During this session, one parent attends with the child so we can discuss:
- Your child's history
- Current concerns
- Family dynamics
- Strengths and interests
- Goals for counseling
This first meeting also gives your child an opportunity to get comfortable with me and begin building trust.
If another parent would like to meet separately, we can schedule an additional session to gather information, answer questions, and discuss goals for treatment.
Can parents meet with you without their child present?
Absolutely.
Parent-only sessions can be very helpful and are available as needed. These appointments are typically 30-40 minutes long.
Parents often use these sessions to:
- Discuss parenting concerns
- Receive support and guidance
- Talk through family challenges
- Ask questions about their child's progress
- Learn strategies to support their child at home
I believe supporting parents is often an important part of supporting children.
How long are therapy sessions?
Most child and teen sessions are approximately 40 minutes long. The intakes are 45-60 minutes.
Longer sessions may be available when clinically appropriate or when additional time would be beneficial for your child or family.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children and teens and tailor each session to their developmental level, personality, and needs.
Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, family changes, self-esteem, friendships, behavioral concerns, or simply needs extra support, my hope is to help them feel safe, valued, and empowered as they grow.
A Message to Parents
Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, especially when it's for your child. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else, and it can be difficult to watch them struggle.
My desire is to come alongside both you and your child with compassion, encouragement, and support. Together, we can create a safe place where your child can explore their feelings, discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop tools to navigate life's challenges while feeling genuinely seen, heard, and cared for. 💙
Clear, practical answers for parents considering counseling for children and teens
This page answers practical questions about what therapy looks like for children and teens at Lakeview. Our goal is to ease concerns and set clear expectations for parents by describing typical session structure, who usually attends, how long sessions run, confidentiality limits, and what to bring to a first visit. If you still have questions after reading, our intake team and a Lakeview therapist are happy to talk by phone before your appointment.
What a typical session looks like
At Lakeview we tailor each session to the child or teen’s developmental level. For younger children much of the work happens in the playroom where therapists observe and join play, use art materials, games, and puppets to help children express feelings and practice skills. Teen sessions are often more conversational with optional creative or movement-based activities if that supports engagement. Sessions begin with a brief check-in, then activity or conversation guided by the therapist’s plan, and end with a short summary for the child and any parent who joins. The Lakeview therapist will explain the purpose of activities so parents understand how play informs treatment.
Who attends and when parents are involved
Parents typically attend the first visit and some portion of early sessions so the therapist can gather background information and build goals together. For young children a parent may remain in the room or join parts of the session to support transitions and to learn skills coaches use at home. Lakeview frequently schedules parent-only check-ins for progress updates and parenting guidance. For adolescents the therapist will discuss expectations about privacy and parental involvement; Lakeview aims to balance teen autonomy with parents’ need to know about safety and overall progress.
How long sessions last and recommended frequency
Most individual sessions at Lakeview are about forty-five to fifty minutes. Initial intake visits may be longer to complete paperwork and gather history. Frequency is guided by clinical need and family schedules; weekly sessions are common early in treatment, with spacing adjusted as progress is made. Group or family sessions may follow different timeframes, which your Lakeview therapist will explain when making recommendations. Insurance authorization and appointment availability can affect scheduling, and our front desk can review those details with you.
Confidentiality and what to bring to the first visit
Lakeview therapists follow professional ethics and privacy laws to protect client information. Confidentiality is explained at the first meeting and generally covers session content, clinical notes, and records. Limits to confidentiality include imminent risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, and court-ordered disclosures. For adolescents the therapist will review how privacy works and when parents will be informed. For your first visit bring your insurance card, photo identification, a list of current medications, any relevant school or evaluation reports, and guardianship paperwork if applicable. Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item can help a child settle into the playroom. If intake forms were emailed ahead of time, completing them before arrival speeds check-in; otherwise please plan to arrive a bit early to finish paperwork.
Benefits and Expected Outcomes Families See at Lakeview
Common changes, realistic timelines, and how we track meaningful progress
At Lakeview, counseling is focused on practical, measurable improvements for children, teens, and their families. Families most often report better emotional regulation, clearer family communication, reduced anxiety and behavioral challenges, and stronger relationships at home and school. For children and teens this also commonly means fewer classroom disruptions, improved peer interactions, steadier sleep, and more consistent engagement with homework and responsibilities.
Within six to eight weeks many families notice early shifts in skills—things like calmer responses to frustration, better use of breathing or grounding techniques, and small reductions in avoidance or outbursts. Over three to six months these early gains often translate into more consistent daily routines, improved school behavior, and stronger family routines.
For issues that are more complex or longstanding, including trauma or co-occurring developmental or mental health conditions, meaningful change may take longer, and Lakeview will outline an extended plan with milestones. Lakeview uses measurement-based care so progress is transparent and actionable.
What's The First Step?
Every child and teen begins with a comprehensive intake that includes a clinical assessment, history taking with a caregiver or parent present with the child for 45-55 minutes. Screenings for anxiety, mood, and behavioral symptoms and caregiver-report tools are utilized in most cases.
Therapists set collaborative, observable goals with families using methods like goal-attainment scales and review progress regularly.
Families receive progress summaries at regular checkpoints and therapists adjust the treatment plan if expected improvements are not occurring.
What tracking looks like in practice: therapists document session goals and skill practice, caregivers complete brief check-ins every four to six sessions, and standardized questionnaires are repeated periodically to quantify symptom change.
With family permission, and a signed ROI, Lakeview coordinates with schools or pediatricians when school behavior or academic performance is part of the plan. Goal Treatment plans and checklists are shared when requested so parent's and caregivers can work on strategies at home also. Lakeview’s team communicates openly about options—adjusting frequency of sessions, changing therapeutic approaches, adding family sessions, or connecting to additional supports. The combination of realistic timelines, standardized tracking, and collaborative goal-setting ensures that therapy at Lakeview is focused on delivering meaningful, measurable differences for each child and teen.
Contact Lakeview
Use this contact form to request appointments, ask questions about services, or submit intake paperwork. Please include parents name, child's name, date of birth of child and reason for visit. You can also go straight to our contact us page and to the portal page to request a time and provide it there instead or email us for any questions at tessa@lakeview-wellness.com Tessa is the only one who sees children under 10 at this time.
Urgent Concerns and After-Hours Guidance
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services right away. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential 24/7 support. Lakeview’s after-hours guidance is intended to help you decide when to seek emergency care, how to reach on-call clinicians when available, and when to request a same-day appointment with Lakeview. When to go to the emergency department or call 911 - Seek immediate emergency care for life-threatening problems such as active suicidal intent or plans, recent severe self-harm, signs of stroke (sudden weakness or slurred speech), severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or loss of consciousness. If you are unsure whether a symptom is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. How Lakeview handles after-hours concerns - On-call clinicians: Lakeview maintains an on-call clinician system for established patients when possible. If you need urgent help outside regular hours, call the Lakeview main phone number listed on our website and follow the after-hours prompts to reach the on-call clinician or triage nurse. Response times vary by case but urgent calls are prioritized. - Triage process: The on-call clinician or triage nurse will assess symptoms, provide immediate advice, recommend emergency care when necessary, and help arrange next-available appointments or medication guidance. - Secure patient portal: For non-emergency but time-sensitive concerns (worsening symptoms that are not life-threatening, questions about side effects, or medication refill requests), send a message through Lakeview’s secure patient portal. Portal messages submitted after hours will be reviewed the next business day unless triaged as urgent by after-hours staff. When to request a same-day consultation with Lakeview - Contact Lakeview during business hours by phone or through the patient portal to request a same-day appointment. Same-day slots are limited and are scheduled based on clinical urgency and availability. If you contact us after hours and the issue is urgent but not emergent, the on-call clinician can often help arrange a same-day visit or next-day appointment. What to expect if referred to emergency care - If directed to an emergency department, go immediately or call 911 if travel is unsafe. Bring a list of current medications, your Lakeview clinician’s name if known, and a family member or friend if possible. Lakeview will follow up after you receive emergency treatment to coordinate ongoing care. Important reminders - Never delay calling 911 or going to the ER for life-threatening symptoms. Crisis hotlines such as 988 are available 24/7 for immediate mental health support. Lakeview’s on-call services are intended to provide urgent clinical guidance and help coordinate follow-up care, but they are not a substitute for emergency medical services. If you have questions about after-hours procedures, how to reach the on-call clinician, or how to request a same-day appointment, please call the Lakeview office number listed on our contact page or send a secure message through the patient portal. We are committed to your safety and will work with you to get the right level of care as quickly as possible.