Therapy for younger kids builds helpful thinking patterns and healthy behavioral habits. It also gives them a safe space to express themselves, develop new skills and work through areas creating turmoil or any mental health or developmental issues arising.

Therapy can help teens manage stress, anxiety, depression, identity issues, family conflict or divorce, school pressure and more. It provides tools to help teens express themselves, solve problems and improve relationships at home and school.

I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each child or teen’s needs. These may include play therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed (or focused) therapy to name a few. To get a better overview of what each of those therapy types mean, check out this article.

You can set up a free consultation first, if you’d prefer, or you can move straight to scheduling an appointment for your child.

Either way, we’ll connect beforehand to discuss what you’re looking for and to gather some general information.

You can schedule either a consultation or appointment here.

If you have questions or want to talk before scheduling, you can always reach out to me at 816-301-4155 or email hello@andrewscounselingforkids.com.

The first session is about getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing your kiddo to therapy, their goals, any major barriers and how therapy works.

I will also meet briefly with parents or caregivers to gather background information.

Parents are welcome to be involved, especially early on. However, to help kids feel safe opening up and maintaining autonomy, much of the therapy will be one-on-one.

I’m happy to check in with parents when appropriate but do maintain clients’ privacy unless given permission to share or there’s a safety concern.

I’m available Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am-7 pm, and you can grab a time here.

If you have a special circumstance or timing needed, please feel free to reach out to me at hello@andrewscounselingforkids.com to discuss.

Yes, I offer both but prefer in-person when possible.

I do, however, understand that virtual sessions are convenient and want to accommodate + remove any potential barriers that could prevent your kid from getting therapy.

You can view a few photos of my office and its building here.

There are a few different options, and I have parents who do them all.

• You’re welcome to drop your kid off and come pick them up after session is over

• You can wait in the waiting room downstairs during the session

• You can hang out in your vehicle

• Kids who are old enough to drive themselves, can do so

• You can grab ice cream at Icebergs or peruse Bittersweet Apothecary (both in the same building as my office)

There is usually coffee in the waiting room that you’re welcome to grab (whether you stay or go).

I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee, but I do understand that sometimes things pop up that are totally out of our control—and will work with you when that’s the case.

Support begins with listening and validating. Respecting their privacy while showing interest in their therapy can help them feel more in control and supported.

It depends on your kid’s goals and needs. Some may benefit from short-term support or infrequent check-ins, while others do better with ongoing sessions.

We’ll collaborate to decide what’s right and adjust as we go but keep in mind that therapy doesn’t always have a linear timeline.

This isn’t uncommon. I can offer strategies to open a conversation with your kid and explore if they’re willing to try a single session. Or sometimes a parent consultation is a helpful first step.