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Child & Adolescent Therapy

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Updated
ByWEBPAINTUK

Classification

Psychological therapy
Child and adolescent mental health treatment
Talking therapy

Definition

Child & Adolescent Therapy is a form of psychological therapy designed to support the emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs of children and young people. It uses age-appropriate, developmentally informed approaches to help children and adolescents understand and manage thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationships.

Therapy may involve the child or young person individually, with caregivers, or within wider family and systemic contexts.

Indications

Child & adolescent therapy may be indicated for children and young people experiencing:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression or low mood

  • Emotional regulation difficulties

  • Behavioural challenges

  • Trauma or adverse experiences

  • Neurodevelopmental differences (e.g. autism, ADHD)

  • School-related difficulties or school refusal

  • Low self-esteem or identity-related concerns

  • Difficulties related to family change, loss, or separation

Support may also be indicated where difficulties impact family functioning, education, or social development.

Contraindications & Considerations

Therapy may require adaptation or additional support where:

  • There are active safeguarding concerns

  • Risk of harm to self or others is high

  • Severe untreated mental illness is present

  • The child or young person lacks sufficient capacity to engage without support

Considerations include:

  • Developmental stage and communication abilities

  • Involvement of parents or carers

  • Consent, assent, and confidentiality

  • Cultural and family context

  • Collaboration with schools or other professionals

Treatment Process

Child & adolescent therapy typically involves:

  1. Initial assessment involving the child or young person and caregivers

  2. Clarification of presenting difficulties and goals

  3. Selection of developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach

  4. Regular therapeutic sessions (individual, family, or combined)

  5. Review of progress and outcomes

  6. Planned ending or transition

Therapy may integrate play-based, creative, cognitive, behavioural, or relational methods depending on age and need.

Tools, Products & Technology

Child & adolescent therapy may involve:

  • Play-based and creative materials

  • Age-appropriate psychoeducation tools

  • Visual aids and emotion-regulation resources

  • Therapeutic games or activities

  • Secure digital platforms for remote therapy

Tools are selected to support communication, engagement, and emotional expression.

Duration & Maintenance

  • Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes

  • Frequency is often weekly

  • Duration may be short-term or longer-term depending on complexity

Maintenance may include review sessions, parental guidance, or integration with educational or healthcare support.

Outcomes & Results

When appropriately delivered, child & adolescent therapy may lead to:

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Reduced anxiety or low mood

  • Improved behaviour and coping strategies

  • Enhanced communication and relationships

  • Improved school engagement and wellbeing

  • Increased resilience and self-understanding

Outcomes depend on individual needs, family support, and consistency of intervention.

Risks & Limitations

Potential risks include:

  • Temporary emotional discomfort

  • Fluctuations in behaviour during change

Limitations include:

  • Progress may be gradual and non-linear

  • Outcomes may be influenced by environmental factors

  • Therapy effectiveness depends on engagement and support systems

Safeguarding and ethical practice are essential.

Cultural & Industry Context

Child & adolescent therapy is a core component of mental health provision across healthcare, education, and community services. Increasing awareness of early intervention, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care has shaped contemporary practice.

In the UK, services are delivered across the NHS, voluntary sector, schools, and private practice.

Regulation, Training & Professional Standards (UK)

In the UK:

Treatments on Check a Treatment

Child & adolescent therapy may appear on Check a Treatment under:

Listings should clearly state practitioner qualifications, professional registration, and age range supported.

See Also

References (APA 7)

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Children and young people’s mental health. https://www.nice.org.uk/

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Depression in children and young people: Identification and management (NG134). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng134

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Anxiety disorders in children and young people. https://www.nice.org.uk/

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. (2023). Counselling children and young people. https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/counselling-children-young-people/

World Health Organization. (2019). International classification of diseases for mortality and morbidity statistics (11th Revision). https://icd.who.int/

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