Counseling Services

We know it is difficult to see your child struggle with mental health issues. The need for mental health services has steadily increased since the pandemic. Social and other media has opened access for our children to view shootings, war, and other forms of violence. As a result, an increasing number of children are experiencing the effects of trauma and having mental health issues. Unfortunately, mental health professionals are diagnosing more children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), various anxiety disorders, and depression. The need for trained mental health therapists who have experience treating children and adolescents has skyrocketed.

COUNSELING SERVICES PROGRAM

Our Expertise in Treating Children and Adolescents

Miriam’s mental health expertise is working with early childhood (ages 2-4) and school-age children up to age 18. We help many children who have co-existing conditions such as autism and anxiety, ADHD and depression, or a specific learning disorder and behavior issues. We also see children who have social skills deficits and who need to gain skills in a 1:1 setting before graduating to group interventions. 

With school age children, we help them develop different ways to view and process the world, teach ways for the child to regulate emotions, and encourage new behavioral strategies that promote positive mental health. Our therapists primarily use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), a research-based intervention that is effective with many mental health conditions. CBT focuses on changing a child’s thoughts and perceptions about the world in order to alter the child’s emotions and unwanted behaviors. 

Early Childhood Mental Health Services

With early childhood clients, we work with caretakers, teachers, and parents to help them gain an understanding of the child’s behavior and to implement unified strategies to increase desirable behaviors. Clinicians also work with these young children in the classroom through various behavioral techniques or through pullout sessions that focus on play therapy and other appropriate interventions. 

We primarily see children at their school but also have clinic hours by appointment at our Webster Groves location Monday through Thursday, during after-school and evening hours. Our clinicians usually see children weekly for a 50-minute session.

Financial Support and Free Counseling Options

Unfortunately, our therapy sessions are not covered by insurance. However, we can provide you with an insurance friendly statement for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Free mental health services may be available for your child ages 2-5 through the St. Louis Mental Health Board if you live in St. Louis City and your child attends a daycare or preschool. For children ages 2-18 who reside in St. Louis County and who attend a daycare, preschool, or private or faith-based school, your child may also qualify for free counseling through the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund. To access these services, check with your child’s school or daycare or fill out our free consultation form to inquire about services.