Something's going on with your child and you're not sure what to do about it. Maybe a teacher flagged a concern, maybe their pediatrician suggested it, or maybe you've just noticed that things at home, at school, or with friends aren't going well — and it's been going on long enough that you know it's not just a phase.

It's okay to not have all the answers. That's what we're here for.

At 413 Theraworks, we work with children and adolescents to help them understand what they're feeling, build coping skills, and get back on track. And we work closely with parents throughout the process, because you're part of this too.

What We Commonly See

Anxiety & Worry | Excessive fears, school-related anxiety, social anxiety, difficulty separating from parents, or constant "what if" thinking.

Behavioral Challenges | Acting out, defiance, frequent meltdowns, difficulty following rules at home or school, or aggression that feels out of proportion.

Depression & Withdrawal | Sadness, irritability, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, or pulling away from family and friends.

School Difficulties | Academic struggles, school refusal, trouble with peers, difficulty focusing, or frequent visits to the nurse's office without a clear medical cause.

Life Changes & Adjustment | Divorce, a move, the loss of a loved one, a new sibling, or any major change that's left your child feeling unsettled or overwhelmed.

Self-Esteem & Identity | Negative self-talk, difficulty making or keeping friends, people-pleasing, or struggling to figure out who they are — especially common in adolescents.

Family Conflict | Sibling issues, parent-child tension, communication breakdowns, or navigating blended family dynamics.

Does My Child Need an Assessment?

It's normal for kids to go through rough patches — that's part of development. But if the problems aren't improving, if they're getting in the way of daily life or straining relationships, or if you simply have questions about what's normal and what's not, an assessment is a good place to start.

Getting an assessment doesn't automatically mean treatment will be recommended. Just because a child has gone through something big doesn't mean they need therapy — though it can help. The assessment is about figuring out whether professional support is the right next step for your child and your family.

What Happens During an Assessment

During the assessment, we'll ask about your child's current symptoms, development, family history, medical background, school performance, and social life. We'll also look at your child's ability and readiness to participate in therapy.

Assessments typically include a mix of time together — your child alone with the therapist, you alone with the therapist, and everyone together. This usually takes two to three visits.

This is also your chance to decide if the therapist is the right fit for your child and your family. Not every therapist is the right match, and that's okay — if it's not clicking, tell us and we'll help you find someone who is. You're also welcome to ask about our clinicians' credentials, experience with children, or therapeutic approach. That's not nosy — it's good parenting.

If we decide to move forward together, we'll set goals for treatment. These might be specific ("reduce daily arguments to once a week") or broad ("build self-confidence"). We'll recommend a session schedule — weekly is typical — and talk through a realistic timeframe.

How Much Will You Tell Me?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and it's an important one.

We keep parents in the loop by sharing general themes, giving progress updates, and suggesting ways to support your child at home. Parent guidance or family sessions may also be part of the process. But the specifics of what your child says or does in session will generally stay private — that confidentiality is what helps your child feel safe enough to be honest.

We're asking you to trust our judgment about what you need to know, while we protect the therapeutic relationship with your child.

One important exception: if we ever have serious concerns about your child's safety, you will know immediately. We are also mandated reporters and are required to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Children & Families.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play is how children naturally communicate and make sense of their world. Emotions can be hard to understand or put into words — especially for younger kids — so play becomes the language.

Play therapy techniques include sand-tray work, therapeutic games, expressive art, dollhouses, dramatic play with costumes, and representational play with symbolic items. Each activity has a clinical purpose, and if you're ever curious about how a specific technique connects to your child's treatment, just ask.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Visit

For younger children: Tell them you've noticed things have been hard — at home, at school, with friends — and that you want to help. Kids understand going to the doctor to keep their bodies healthy, so you can explain that a therapist is someone who helps them feel better by working through tough thoughts and feelings. Reassure them that nothing painful will happen (no shots!) and that you won't leave them if they're scared.

How much notice to give depends on your child. Some kids need time to prepare; others do better hearing about it the night before so there's less time to worry.

For adolescents: It can be tempting to avoid telling a teenager about a therapy appointment — especially if you're expecting pushback. Even if they're angry, it's better to be honest about your concerns. Springing it on them last minute can feel like an ambush and make them distrust the process before it starts.

For everyone: Make it clear that therapy is not a punishment. Let your child know you want to understand what's bothering them and work to make things better — together. Reassure them that they don't bear sole responsibility for the problem or the solution. They need to know you're with them in this.

Your Child's Therapists

Our clinicians who specialize in working with children and adolescents include:

Patty Carter, LICSW — Patty specializes in children, adolescents, anxiety, and grief. She brings warmth and structure to her sessions and is skilled at building trust with younger clients.

Sherri McGill, LCSW — Sherri works with teens and young adults, with a focus on anxiety and self-esteem. She's direct and relatable — qualities that adolescents respond to.

The Details

Ages: We work with children ages 6 and up

Session length: 45-54 minutes

Format: In-person at our North Adams, MA office for children. Telehealth can be an option for teens.

Frequency: Weekly sessions are standard; we'll adjust as your child progresses.

Cost & Insurance: Initial session (intake): $175 Follow-up sessions: $130

We accept select commercial insurance plans — check our FAQ page for details, or reach out and we'll help you figure out coverage before your first visit.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

If you're concerned about your child, that concern is worth exploring. Reach out and we'll talk through whether an assessment is the right next step.