Overview
Overview of child treatment
Most of the time, parents play a central role in the treatment of their children. That means that you will learn specific tools for handling the most difficult and frustrating child behaviors.
We also offer individual therapy for children and adolescents that focuses on teaching them how to handle frustration and big emotions. If your child has a rigid way of handling things, we have science-backed methods to teach your child how to flexibly deal with life’s frustrations.
Our approach to treatment
Success with CBT & DBT
CBT & DBT now has overwhelming research support demonstrating its success with clients struggling with multiple problems.
Learn About CBT & DBT
Our areas of expertise for children
Common psychological issues
- OCD
- ADHD
- mood disorders
- picky eating
- parenting
- anxiety & phobias
- sleep & bedtime problems
- parent-child conflicts
- soiling problems
- sadness
- behavior issues
- school refusal
- oppositional-defiant disorder
- emotional dysregulation
Getting started
The evaluation process
Our first sessions will involve evaluating your child’s needs. By the end of the evaluation, we will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow.
You should evaluate this information and your opinions about whether you feel comfortable working with your clinician.
For parents
Free video resources for parents
The Parenting 101 video series helps parents navigate the challenges of raising a child. Drs. Camilo Ortiz and Hilary Vidair discuss parenting topics that parents often wonder about.
FAQ About Child Therapy
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Common signs include worries or fears that don’t fade, frequent meltdowns, school refusal, ongoing bedtime battles, or behavior problems that disrupt home or school. If a problem has lasted several weeks and gets in the way of daily life, a phone consultation can help you decide whether therapy makes sense.
What role do parents play in child therapy?
Parents usually play a central role. You’ll learn specific, practical tools for handling your child’s most difficult and frustrating behaviors, so progress continues at home between sessions.
What happens during the first sessions?
The first sessions focus on evaluating your child’s needs. By the end of the evaluation, your clinician will share first impressions and a treatment plan, and you can decide whether you feel comfortable moving forward.
What issues can child therapy help with?
Child therapy can help with anxiety and phobias, OCD, ADHD, mood problems, behavior issues, oppositional-defiant disorder, school refusal, sleep and bedtime problems, picky eating, soiling problems, and parent-child conflict.
Does CBT work for children?
Yes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has strong research support for children, especially for anxiety, OCD, and behavior problems. Sessions are adapted to your child’s age and focus on teaching skills to handle frustration and big emotions more flexibly.
Do you offer child therapy on Long Island?
Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Associates provides child therapy from our Great Neck office for families throughout Long Island, NY.