If you feel your child is not functioning well inside their home, school, or social environment, and you can’t get them to open up, then working with child therapists and child counseling in New York can help. The main goal is to define problems in bite-sized pieces that your child understands and can cope with. If you’re seeking child therapy services in New York then you’ll be pleased to know that at Courageous Kids Counseling, we offer therapy by licensed therapists that’s tailored for children and teens.
Online Therapy in New York, and In-Person Therapy in Nyack and Rockland County
Discover How Therapy Helps Children Thrive.
Licensed Child and Teen Therapists Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioral Issues
Book a Free Consultation
It doesn't matter how long ago the problem occurred.
Some obstacles may be challenging, but the journey is worth the effort, and will make your child stronger. During weekly therapy sessions, we teach children coping skills to use now and in the future to help them be most successful.
Whether you have a child having problems in school with social issues, behavior difficulties, bullies or stress, our therapists can help. We also help children whose parents are going through divorce and help them deal with the changes going on around them.
Therapy Services We Offer
Hi, I’m Erica Smuckler.
You love your child very much and can’t stand seeing them hurt. You’ve tried to fix the problem. You’ve told your child how much you are there for them, given lots of affection, and asked what you can do. Despite your efforts to give your child a happier outlook on life, there is a hollowness in their voice. They’re a shell of their usual self. You’re wondering how to help them before things gets worse.
It’s time to look for additional support.
Getting help from a therapist is not a reflection on your parenting abilities. Your child knows how much you care. They’re just in too much pain to accept your solutions. At this point, an outsider can provide a fresh perspective and new ideas for how to help children.
But you need someone you can trust.
A person who gets how unique and special your child truly is. Who will respond in a caring, nonjudgmental, and compassionate way. A therapist who understands children and can completely relate to what they are going through.
We're ready for your call.
Whether you’re seeking a child counselor in our Nyack, New York office or online in New York, it all starts here. Courageous Kids Counseling is a specialized child therapy practice focused on helping children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma among other difficulties. We use CBT, DBT, play therapy, EMDR, and other solution-focused approaches.
When your child is struggling, you need a specialist that can help. We are happy to answer any questions you may have as you navigate this process.
Through counseling, you’ve taken the first step toward helping your child triumph.
We’re so glad you’re here. It can feel very frustrating and confusing to do this work on your own. And you shouldn’t have to. Our child therapists understand how to help children heal. Let us step in to support your child through their emotional tribulations. It’s first and foremost about earning your trust – and theirs. At Courageous Kids Counseling in New York, we are here to listen to children and help you and your child discover your goals.
Your child’s psychotherapist will then provide the language and tools that make change happen. We encourage your child to move ahead instead of looking toward the past. With a new way of thinking and lots of opportunities to practice, children’s problems will seem so much smaller.
Think of your therapist as your partner and guide while you and your child journey through worry and despair in the direction of a happier and more fulfilling place. The excellent news is that change is entirely possible with the right support. By getting started today with our child therapists in New York, your child is one step closer to their best life.
Our process of child therapy.
All our pediatric counselors are licensed behavioral health clinicians and therapists in New York that can be the partners you need to help your child recover and progress successfully into childhood through our child counseling techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy for children.
The excellent news is our child therapists provide individual online psychotherapy sessions in NY and in-person therapy appointments, and once you take the next step forward to schedule an appointment with a therapist, here’s how we can help transform your child’s life, one session at a time.
Our therapists teach children the communication skills they need to express themselves better.
We show them how to approach you, the parent, to share their problems and seek the help they need.
They’ll learn anger management skills and how to manage strong emotions in a positive way.
Children will also learn how to cope with challenges and be problem solvers, instead of shutting down.
Most importantly, your child will learn techniques they can apply in real-world scenarios, not just during therapy sessions.
Welcome to our office.
Courageous Kids Counseling is located in Nyack, New York within walking distance of the Hudson River and downtown shopping. The office is easily accessible to parking. Conveniently situated close to all of Rockland, as well as Westchester and Orange counties, we are also a short drive from New York City, Bergen County, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Our office is a warm, comfortable and welcoming space where your child or teen can relax and be themselves. With compassion and kindness, our licensed therapists are dedicated to helping your child conquer anxiety and depression and gain the skills to be their best.
Our Testimonials
"Erica is an astute clinician utilizing the most current strategies to help your child in both individual and group settings. Her approach is warm and gentle."
- Colleague
"My granddaughter has had some serious issues and always seemed sad and moody. Recently she opened up and told her mother she liked Erica- which was a really good sign. She also has seemed happier - more mellow and confident...a big change. It seems the therapy is helping. We are very grateful."
- Client's grandparent
“Erica was amazing helping us work through co-parenting issues. She was kind, patient, took her time to listen and help us come up with solution that worked for us.”
- Client
"Thank you so much!! Allison is the best ever! We couldn’t be happier with her. She is so accommodating and understanding and my daughter just adores her. Thank you."
- Client's parent
"Hi Allison, just wanted to share that today at paret teacher conference, his teacher mentioned how much he has improved in handling his emotions and getting over issues. Thanks so much for your patience, guidance and encourageoment so far...I really appreciate all you have done and continue to do. Enjoy the rest of your day! 🙂
- Client's parent
"Hi Allison, just wanted to share with you this email from my son's teacher. I can't celebrate his success without considering how significant your role has been throughout. Thanks a million for all you have done so far. We all appreciate you more than we can say!"
- Client's parent
Ready to get started? Schedule now.
Your child is having a difficult time and you can't watch them struggle another day. It's time to get them the support they need. Our caring licensed therapists are ready to help your child or adolescent today so you can be assured of better days to come.
Schedule a child therapy apointment in our Nyack, New York office or virtually anywhere in New York to help your child experience happier times ahead.
Schedule an appointment
What are the rates for therapy?
Individual sessions for children and teens are 195. This is a regular 45 minute in-person therapy appointment in our Nyack office. The initial intake therapy session is 220.
Why don’t you take insurance?
We do not accept insurance so we are considered “out-of-network.”
Our services may be able to be applied to your deductible.
If you would like to seek reimbursement on your own for children’s therapy, we are happy to provide a “super bill” with the necessary information. We can also help you with verifying your out-of-network benefits.
Insurance companies are otherwise too intrusive for our liking. They want to know all of your personal information, hold the therapist to a lower standard by setting limits on their value, and require the therapist to provide a diagnosis that never disappears.
We’re not comfortable stamping a label on your child’s forehead that will stay with them throughout their life. Just because your child comes into our office does not necessarily mean they have a mental health disorder. In fact, most people come to therapy before they meet such criteria. This is called prevention, and what we promote!
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, wherever you live in New York, we offer convenient online therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home.
You can get the care your child needs without all the fuss.
What is the cancellation policy?
Children therapy sessions that are not canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will be charged the full session rate. This is to preserve your time and ours.
Do you work with other treatment providers?
Yes. During your initial session, We will ask you if you have any other providers with whom you would like us to communicate. These might be physicians, psychiatrists, school counselors, school psychologists, former therapists, treatment centers, etc. If so, we will ask you to sign a “Release of Information” form so that we may speak with these providers regarding your child’s care.
Do I come into sessions with my child?
We insist you attend at least the initial session with your child. We will do a full intake, so it’s important to get a clear understanding of why you are bringing your child to see me. We often see similar challenges come up for family members, so you can share any difficulties you might be having as well.
From there, it is beneficial to attend at least parts of future sessions. You are your child’s cheerleader and role model. In sessions, you can help encourage your child when they are having difficulty finding their voice or losing momentum. By being present in sessions, you will also be aware of homework assignments that you can help your child practice. We promise, no tests, but we will have a lot of review.
Want to know where to start?
In our work together, we will uncover what is missing from your child’s life, what’s holding them back in worry and despair, and what are the ways we can help them move toward a place of happiness and fulfillment.
We provide convenient in-person and online therapy sessions for children.
Schedule an appointment today. You will then receive electronic intake form and consent forms to sign. Lastly, you will meet in person or online with your child's therapist. It's that easy and can make all the difference!
