Child Counseling in Scottsdale AZ or Online
Big feelings, little hearts — we’re here to help: Treating ages 6-18
About Our Child Counseling Services
Child Counseling & Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Are you searching for a effective, specialized and compassionate support for your child? If your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, ADHD or recovering from trauma, BrainBody Wellness Counseling is here to provide compassionate, professional support. Our goal is to offer effective mental healthcare for your child in a safe and supportive environment.
Experienced Child Counselors You Can Trust
Our team of child counselors in Scottsdale — Lisa Johnson, LPC, Meghan Kershinar, LAC, Jessica Cronk, LAC and Jennifer Salazar, LPC — specialize in helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. We focus on child therapy that is evidence-based, individualized, and designed to foster lasting growth.
How Our Child Counseling Helps
We understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling. That’s why our approach includes both individual counseling for children and family collaboration. Using therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy, we help children:
Build emotional awareness and resilience
Develop healthy coping skills
Improve communication and behavior
Strengthen family connections and support systems
Help kids cope through parents divorcing.
Why Families Choose Us
When searching for child counselors, parents consistently trust BrainBody Wellness because:
We tailor our counseling services to each individual child’s needs (no one size fits all approach here!)
Our therapists offer evidence-based child therapy that works.
We take a whole-family approach to mental healthcare.
Flexible scheduling, weekend appointment, and a welcoming environment make it easier for your child to thrive.
Take the First Step in Supporting Your Child
If you’re looking for child therapy near me or professional mental healthcare for your child, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced child counselors in Scottsdale. We’re here to help your child build resilience, heal from emotional challenges, and thrive both at home and school.
Schedule a free consultation today and connect with a child counselor who truly understands your child’s needs.
The Child Brain & Why Counseling Matters
Understanding the Child Brain: Why Specialized Counseling Matters
At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we know that children’s mental health is unique. When parents search for “child counseling near me” or the best child counselor in Scottsdale, they want professionals who understand not only behavioral symptoms but also the underlying brain development that drives emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Our approach is rooted in the neurobiology of child brain development, which allows our child counselors to provide treatment that is both effective and tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
Adolescence and childhood are periods of rapid brain growth. The frontal lobe, which governs executive functioning skills such as planning, self-regulation, emotional control, and goal-setting, is still developing well into the teen years. This natural developmental stage can make children more sensitive to stress, prone to emotional outbursts, and less able to cope with anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. Our team uses this understanding to guide treatment, helping children strengthen these skills while addressing emotional pain at its source.
Evidence-Based Child Therapy Approaches
Our child counseling in Scottsdale integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies that focus on both the mind and body:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps children identify negative thought patterns, reframe unhelpful thinking, and develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and stress.
Family Systems Therapy: Recognizes the impact of family dynamics on a child’s mental health and fosters healthier communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection within the family.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Provides skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, especially useful for children who struggle with intense emotions or self-harming behaviors.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) & Brainspotting: Body-based therapies that help children process trauma and painful experiences safely, allowing them to move forward without being overwhelmed by past events.
Sandtray/Play Therapy: Through play therapy and sand tray therapy, kids can safely explore their feelings, practice focus and problem-solving, and build confidence in a way that feels natural and engaging.
By combining these therapies, our child counselors help children not just cope with symptoms, but truly heal from the root causes of emotional distress. This holistic approach ensures that your child develops long-lasting emotional resilience and practical life skills.
Mental Healthcare for Your Child: A Whole-Person Approach
We understand that when parents search for “mental healthcare for my child” or “child therapy near me”, they are seeking more than surface-level interventions. Our team focuses on treating the whole child—mind, body, and emotional health. We tailor our child counseling sessions to meet each child’s unique needs, considering their developmental stage, personality, family dynamics, and specific mental health challenges.
Some of the common concerns we address include:
ADHD & Executive Functioning Challenges
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms (OCD) (please note, insurance is not accepted through our OCD specialty clinic)
Self-Harm & Emotional Regulation Struggles
Behavioral Challenges & Family Conflict
ADHD Support
Every child’s experience is unique, which is why our best child counselors in Scottsdale take time to understand your child’s strengths, struggles, and goals before developing a treatment plan.
How Child Counseling Works
Our child therapy services are designed to be flexible, supportive, and highly individualized. Each session focuses on helping children:
Build emotional awareness: Recognize and label emotions in a healthy way.
Develop coping skills: Learn practical strategies to handle stress, frustration, and social challenges.
Improve communication: Express feelings safely with peers, family, and teachers.
Strengthen resilience: Learn how to recover from setbacks and navigate difficult situations.
Heal from trauma: Safely process painful experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
We also work closely with families to ensure that progress in therapy translates into daily life. Family involvement is a key part of our approach, helping parents understand their child’s needs and equipping them to support emotional growth at home.
Why Families Choose BrainBody Wellness
When parents are looking for the best child counselor in Scottsdale, they want clinicians who combine expertise with compassion. Families choose BrainBody Wellness because:
Our team includes licensed child counselors with specialized training in child development and trauma-informed care.
We provide evidence-based therapies that are proven to improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and support healthy social development.
Our approach is holistic, addressing the underlying causes of distress, not just surface symptoms.
We offer a safe, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Flexible scheduling options make it easier for busy families to access high-quality child counseling in Scottsdale.
Take the First Step: Child Counseling Near Me
If you’re searching for child counseling in Scottsdale, AZ or online, BrainBody Wellness Counseling is here to help. Our compassionate child counselors provide personalized, effective care designed to support emotional growth, behavioral change, and resilience.
Give your child the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our child counselors today and take the first step toward lasting emotional wellness for your child.
Child Therapy FAQ
What is child counseling, and how does it help?
Child counseling is a type of therapy designed to support children’s emotional, behavioral, and social development. At BrainBody Wellness in Scottsdale, our counselors use evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, play therapy, EMDR, and family systems therapy to help children build coping skills, regulate emotions, and heal from stress or trauma.
When should parents consider child counseling?
Parents may seek counseling when their child shows ongoing anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD symptoms, difficulty managing emotions, or struggles at school or with peers. Therapy can also be especially helpful for children coping with trauma, big life transitions, or family stress.
How does your team approach child therapy in Scottsdale?
We use a holistic, whole-person approach that takes into account brain development, family dynamics, and each child’s unique needs. Our child therapists integrate practical coping strategies with body-based therapies and family involvement to support long-term growth and resilience.
Is child counseling different from adult counseling?
Yes. Children process emotions and experiences differently than adults because their brains are still developing. Our Scottsdale child counselors tailor therapy to each developmental stage, often incorporating play, mindfulness, and family engagement alongside traditional talk therapy.
Do you involve parents in child counseling sessions?
Yes. Family involvement is an important part of child counseling. Our therapists collaborate with parents and caregivers to ensure that the skills children learn in therapy can be reinforced at home, strengthening emotional growth and communication within the family.
What mental health concerns can child counseling address?
Our Scottsdale child therapy services support children struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, emotional regulation, self-harm, and family conflict. Each treatment plan is customized to your child’s needs and strengths.
Do you offer online counseling for children?
Yes, BrainBody Wellness provides secure telehealth sessions for children and families throughout Arizona. This makes child counseling more accessible and flexible for busy families who cannot always attend in person.
How do I find the best child counselor in Scottsdale for my family?
The best child counselor is one who combines specialized training in child development with compassion and evidence-based methods. At BrainBody Wellness, our licensed team is experienced in supporting children and families through tailored, research-backed approaches that create lasting change.
Child Concerns We Treat
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Helping Kids in Scottsdale Overcome Anxiety, Panic, and Fears — with Care and Confidence
If your child is struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or strong fears (phobias), they don’t have to face those big feelings alone. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ, our caring therapists are experienced in helping kids and teens feel calmer, braver, and more in control.
We use effective, evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and EMDR therapy, along with holistic mind-body approaches that help children understand their emotions, calm their bodies, and build lasting confidence.
Through play, creativity, and simple coping tools, children learn how to:
Recognize what makes them feel worried or scared
Manage panic sensations and “fight or flight” responses
Think more positive, realistic thoughts
Develop strong coping skills for calm and courage
Our goal is to help your child — and your family — feel safe, supported, and strong every step of the way.
Take the first step toward peace of mind today. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our anxiety and panic therapy for kids in Scottsdale can help your child feel happy, confident, and in control again.
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Helping Kids Heal from Trauma and PTSD in Scottsdale, AZ
When children experience something scary or overwhelming, it can leave lasting feelings of fear, sadness, or confusion. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, our caring therapists are experienced in helping kids and teens heal from trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) in a safe, supportive environment.
We use effective, evidence-based therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Brainspotting, along with gentle, mind-body approaches that help children feel grounded, calm, and understood.
Through creative and age-appropriate techniques, your child can learn to:
Feel safe and supported while processing difficult memories
Understand and manage strong emotions and body reactions
Strengthen a sense of control, trust, and resilience
Reconnect with joy, confidence, and everyday life
Our approach focuses on helping kids and families recover emotionally and rebuild a sense of safety and hope after trauma.
Take the first step toward healing today. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our trauma and PTSD counseling for kids in Scottsdale can help your child move forward with strength, peace, and confidence.
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Caring Depression Counseling for Kids and Teens in Scottsdale, AZ
When a child or teen feels sad, withdrawn, or loses interest in things they used to enjoy, it can be hard to know how to help. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ, our caring therapists are experienced in helping kids and teens understand and manage depression in a safe, supportive environment.
We use effective, evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, and holistic counseling approaches that focus on the mind-body connection. Our therapists help children and teens recognize what’s behind their sadness, build healthy coping skills, and rediscover moments of hope and motivation.
Through gentle conversation, creative expression, and nervous system regulation techniques, kids and teens learn to:
Understand and express their feelings in healthy ways
Challenge negative or self-critical thoughts
Build confidence and self-esteem
Feel more connected to themselves and others
Our goal is to help your child feel supported, understood, and empowered to move through difficult emotions with resilience and care.
Take the first step toward healing today. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our depression counseling for kids and teens in Scottsdale can help your child feel brighter, stronger, and more like themselves again.
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School Stress and Bullying Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ
School can be a big source of stress for kids and teens — from pressure about grades and homework to friendship struggles or bullying. When stress or anxiety starts affecting your child’s mood, sleep, or confidence, they don’t have to handle it alone. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, our compassionate therapists are experienced in helping children and teens manage school-related stress, bullying, and anxiety in a safe and supportive space.
Using effective, evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and holistic mind-body approaches, we help students build resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills.
Through creative and age-appropriate strategies, kids and teens learn how to:
Cope with school pressure, tests, and expectations
Build confidence and self-worth after bullying or social challenges
Understand and manage anxious or overwhelming thoughts
Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills
Strengthen emotional resilience and self-compassion
Our goal is to help your child feel safe, confident, and supported—at school, at home, and within themselves.
Take the first step toward a calmer, more confident future. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our school stress and bullying counseling in Scottsdale can help your child feel empowered, balanced, and ready to thrive.
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Self-Harm Counseling for Kids and Teens in Scottsdale, AZ
When a child or teen turns to self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain, it can feel frightening and heartbreaking for parents. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, our compassionate therapists are experienced in helping young people understand and manage the difficult feelings that often lead to self-harming behaviors.
We provide effective, evidence-based therapy that helps kids and teens express emotions in safe, healthy ways. Using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, and holistic mind-body techniques, we support emotional regulation, self-understanding, and healing.
In therapy, children and teens learn how to:
Understand and name their emotions
Find healthy ways to cope with stress, sadness, or anger
Build self-compassion and confidence
Strengthen communication and problem-solving skills
Develop lasting tools for emotional balance and resilience
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where your child feels heard, valued, and empowered to replace self-harm with healthier ways of coping and expressing emotions.
Take the first step toward healing and hope. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our self-harm counseling for kids and teens in Scottsdale can help your child build strength, safety, and self-worth.
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We offer OCD treatment through our OCD Specialty Clinic. Please visit this link for additional information.
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ADHD Counseling for Kids and Teens in Scottsdale, AZ
Children and teens with ADHD often face unique challenges—trouble focusing, impulsivity, emotional ups and downs, or feeling misunderstood at school or home. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, our caring therapists are experienced in helping kids and teens with ADHD build confidence, emotional regulation, and self-awareness in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
We use effective, evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and holistic mind-body approaches to help children and families manage the emotional and social impacts of ADHD—like frustration, stress, and difficulty with relationships or self-esteem.
Current research shows that parenting strategies play a key role in managing ADHD symptoms. For this reason, we often recommend parent training and support alongside child therapy. Our counseling focuses primarily on the secondary effects of ADHD, helping kids and teens navigate challenges such as social stress, emotional impulsivity, and low confidence, while empowering parents with practical tools for consistency and connection at home.
Through therapy, kids and teens can learn to:
Manage frustration and regulate emotions
Strengthen focus and problem-solving skills
Build confidence and positive self-esteem
Improve social interactions and family communication
Recognize ADHD as a difference, not a flaw
Our goal is to help your child feel empowered, capable, and supported—while helping families create harmony, understanding, and growth together.
Take the first step toward balance and confidence. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our ADHD counseling in Scottsdale can help your child thrive both in and out of the classroom.
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Neurodiversity, Autism, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Counseling in Scottsdale, AZ
Every neurodiverse child experiences the world in their own unique way. Whether your child is on the autism spectrum, identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), or simply processes the world differently, they deserve support that honors who they are. At BrainBody Wellness Counseling in Scottsdale, our compassionate therapists provide personalized counseling that helps neurodiverse kids and teens feel safe, confident, and understood.
Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, EMDR, and nervous system regulation, along with strength-based, holistic therapy, we help children and families celebrate differences while developing practical tools for emotional regulation and communication.
In therapy, kids and teens can:
Understand their emotions and sensory needs
Learn calming and grounding techniques
Build self-awareness and social confidence
Strengthen family communication and connection
Feel accepted and empowered to be themselves
Our approach focuses on support, understanding, and self-acceptance, helping kids and families thrive—not just adapt.
Take the first step toward understanding and growth. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our autism and neurodiversity counseling in Scottsdale can support your child’s well-being and confidence.
Steps to Get Started
Schedule a Free Treatment Consultation. Self-schedule your free 10-minute treatment consultation with your preferred clinician. They will answer your questions to make sure they are the right fit for you. Not sure who to choose? Fill out our match form and we will recommend a counselor for you!
Schedule an Intake and Start Sessions. If you and the Clinician decide during the free treatment consultation the fit is right, you will schedule an intake session. During your intake, your selected clinician will ask you a range of questions about what you are looking to get out of counseling and about your background. You will create a treatment plan with your clinician and will start working on your treatment plan in the follow up appointment.
Find Clarity Peace and Resilience. As you or your child work with your Clinician, you will find clarity, peace, and resilience in your life, relationship, or for your child. You will see the "problem" in a new light, allowing you to move forward in an effective way.
READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?
Your Child’s Path To Healing Starts Here
“I love that the therapist that was matched with my daughter at BrainBody Wellness Counseling was able to connect with her so well. We had trouble in the past finding someone she would open up to. Our experience has been great!”
- Parent of Previous Client