Types of Mental Health Therapy for Young Kids: Which Is Best for Your Child?

Mental health challenges don’t always appear during adolescence or adulthood—research shows that mental health disorders can emerge as early as 4 years old. Yet, many parents aren't aware that therapy is an option to support their little one. The earlier a child receives appropriate mental health support, the better their chances of developing healthy emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills. 

Therapy provides a safe and structured environment for children to express themselves, learn coping strategies, and build resilience while also improving emotional regulation, reducing unhealthy coping patterns, and fostering cognitive development. 

Some of the most common mental health challenges I see in children 0-5 are: 

• Anxiety disorders 
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Depression
• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Behavioral disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Types of Therapy that are Effective for Young Children

There are several types of evidence-based therapeutic models tailored specifically for young children. Each approach targets different emotional or behavioral challenges, and the most effective therapy depends on the needs and experiences of the child.

Evidence-Based Therapy

Evidence-based therapy are treatment modalities (or treatment types) that have been rigorously tested and proven to be effective through scientific research. There are decades of research for each of these showing success in supporting young children with managing mental health symptoms while simultaneously improving family bonds and social interactions. Each of these have also been shown to be effective through telehealth.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By challenging irrational thoughts and developing healthier thinking habits, CBT can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles.  

CBT can be tailored to young children by introducing concepts through play activities like narrative or thematic play. A great example of this is using books and social stories to highlight the difference between emotions and thoughts for characters and connecting that back to experiences for the child. 

Best For: Children with anxiety, depression, phobias, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

CPP is a therapeutic model for children ages 0 to 5 years old that specifically supports families to heal and grow after stressful experiences. CPP therapists use a mix of individual meetings with parents along with time engaging young children to address the family’s unique needs in order to help each member talk and/or play about difficult experiences. 

Over time, the therapist helps the family create a story that leads to healing with demonstrated improvements for children in mood, problem behaviors, and traumatic stress responses.  Parents have also demonstrated improvement when participating in CPP with noted reductions in stress and trauma symptoms as well as overall improvement in the quality of the parent-child relationship.

Best For: Children and families who have experienced trauma or major life changes, tailored approach for very young children (even infants)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that strengthens the relationship between parents and children. It focuses on improving parent-child interactions and teaches parents strategies to manage their child’s behavior effectively.  

This therapy type is one of the most popular and well researched treatments for young children and is heavily tied to improvement in family interactions. Parents are taught specific skills for how to increase positive interactions by “catching your child being good” and implementing learned strategies such as labeled praise and reflections to enhance positive interactions.  

Parents are also taught how to support setting boundaries for children in a healthy, kind way which we know is important for future development as children start school and continue through social-emotional development.

Best For: Children with behavioral concerns or challenges or difficulty with emotional regulation.

Therapy Interventions

Therapy interventions are specific techniques used to engage children and families in an evidence-based therapy. Each of the evidence-based therapies mentioned above uses the  interventions listed below throughout the course of treatment. Therapists trained in working with young children have various ways to adapt their interventions to keep kids and families engaged in session.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is an umbrella term for how to engage young children and there are different types of play therapy: non-directive and directive. While non-directive play therapy is typically used to encourage children to openly express thoughts and feelings, directive play therapy involves targeted interventions such as games or stories to address specific issues.  

In all therapy practices involving young children, play will be involved. Since young children do not have the cognitive skills to describe their thoughts and feelings like teenagers can, therapists are trained to interpret the expressions young children provide through their play.

Best For: Any child in therapy and especially children dealing with anxiety, trauma, social difficulties, or emotional regulation challenges.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Mindfulness-based interventions teach children relaxation techniques and coping strategies. These practices encourage children to be present in the moment, manage their emotions, and build emotional resilience. It’s also used to help keep children engaged in care while discussing difficult topics or emotions or to support families in managing dysregulation at home. 

An example of practicing mindfulness with young children is to explore a raisin together. You can spend a few minutes with your toddler noticing the shape and texture of the raisin, the smell of the raisin before putting it in your mouth. Then notice together the feel of the raisin in your mouth before biting it and then the explosion of flavor once you bite in. Slowing down and noticing all the sensory experiences of each bite of a child’s favorite snack helps to regulate emotions, encouraging mindful pauses, and helps with developing brain connections that will be built on throughout development.

Best For: Children struggling with anxiety, stress, or difficulties with self-regulation.

Family Therapy

Family therapy addresses family dynamics and communication patterns. By improving communication and resolving conflicts, family therapy helps children and their families work through difficult situations together.

Best For: Children experiencing family crises, conflicts, or significant life changes.

Signs Your Child May Need Therapy

Recognizing the signs that your child may need therapy is the first step in providing the necessary support. Look for emotional, behavioral, social, physical, and academic indicators of distress:

• Emotional Signs: Persistent sadness, fear, anger, or mood swings.
• Behavioral Signs: Frequent or severe tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or outbursts.
• Social Signs: Difficulty engaging with peers, social isolation, or inappropriate patterns of play or engagement with others
• Physical Signs: Sleep disturbances, stomachaches, headaches, or frequent illnesses.
• Academic Signs: Prolonged difficulty with separating from parents at dropoff, difficulty focusing or following rules in school or daycare, or noticeable changes in behavior at school.

!CTA-2

How to Choose the Right Mental Health Therapy for Your Child

Choosing the right mental health support for your child can feel overwhelming, but several factors can guide your decision:

• Assess Your Child’s Needs: Consider the emotional or behavioral challenges your child is facing. Are they primarily struggling with regulation or social difficulties? Have they experienced a traumatic event? Have you noticed any recent changes in behaviors or challenges with meeting developmental milestones?
• Consult with Professionals: Pediatricians, child psychologists, or counselors can provide expert advice and recommend the most appropriate therapy given the presenting concerns.
• The Role of Parents and Caregivers: Parental involvement is crucial in many types of therapy for young children and each approach will include your input and engagement. Your active participation can enhance the therapeutic process to help build resilience in your child and an improved bond between you and your child.

Benefits of Therapy for Young Children

The benefits of mental health therapy for children are profound and far-reaching. Early intervention can help children build emotional regulation skills, enhance their ability to cope with stress, and foster healthier relationships with peers and family members. Therapy can also improve social interactions and overall social-emotional development, setting the foundation for a successful future.

Seeking mental health therapy for your child is an important step toward promoting their emotional and psychological well-being. Early intervention offers the best opportunity for positive outcomes, and there are various therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of each child. 

Remember, the goal is not just to address immediate concerns but to equip your child with the tools they need to navigate challenges in the future. By providing mental health support, you're helping your child develop resilience and a positive outlook on life.

!CTA-1

‍