Child & Adolescent Counseling in Oklahoma
Is your child struggling with anxiety, behavioral issues, or emotional challenges? Our specialized child and teen therapists across Oklahoma help young people develop healthy coping skills and reach their full potential.
In-person & Telehealth appointments available.
15+ years serving Oklahoma • 100+ Therapists • Certified, Licensed & Insured • 5,000+ unique clients served yearly
At a Glance
When childhood mental health issues go untreated, the consequences extend far beyond the early years. Research from PMC shows that untreated childhood mental disorders significantly increase risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers in adulthood, reducing life expectancy by years. Studies reveal that 50% of adult mental disorders begin before age 14, and experiencing mental health problems in childhood increases the likelihood of adult disorders, unemployment, relationship difficulties, and criminal justice involvement according to ScienceDirect research. In Oklahoma schools, youth with untreated mental illness have 50% higher absenteeism rates and 45% dropout rates compared to peers, as reported by Youth.gov. Early intervention isn’t just helpful, it’s life changing.
How to Get Started
You do not need the perfect explanation of what you need. You can start with what is happening right now.
- Request an appointment online or by phone.
- Provide insurance information so we can help clarify cost and next steps.
- Complete your intake appointment, then move forward with care.
Call 918-960-7852 or request an appointment online.
What Is Child & Adolescent Mental Health?
Child and adolescent mental health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of young people from toddlerhood through the teenage years. Just like physical health, mental health affects how children think, feel, and act. It influences how they handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
Mental health challenges in children and teens aren’t just “phases” or something they’ll “grow out of.” These are real conditions that require professional support. The good news? Young brains are incredibly responsive to treatment. Early intervention during childhood and adolescence, when the brain is still developing, offers the best opportunity for lasting positive outcomes.
How Does Child & Adolescent Therapy Work?
Child and adolescent therapy uses developmentally appropriate, evidence based techniques to help young people overcome emotional, behavioral, and social challenges by teaching healthy coping skills, processing difficult experiences, and building resilience. Through approaches like play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and Parent-Child interaction Therapy, counseling creates a safe space where children can express feelings they may not have words for, while parents learn effective strategies to support their child’s growth. Therapy addresses the root causes of issues rather than just symptoms, helping young people develop emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build confidence for lifelong mental wellness.
Issues We Help Children & Teens Overcome
Our experienced child therapists successfully treat a wide range of mental health and behavioral concerns:
Anxiety Disorders in Children & Teens
Separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized worry, panic attacks, school refusal, phobias (fears of darkness, animals, loud noises, medical procedures), and test anxiety.
Depression in Young People
Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and withdrawal from friends and family.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, hyperactivity, trouble completing homework, disorganization, and challenges following instructions at home or school.
Behavioral Problems
Oppositional defiant behavior, aggression, tantrums, defiance, anger outbursts, difficulty following rules, and conduct issues at home or school.
Trauma & PTSD
Healing from physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, community violence, accidents, medical trauma, or natural disasters.
Grief & Loss
Coping with death of a loved one, parental separation or divorce, loss of friendships, pet loss, or other significant losses.
Family Conflict
Parent child relationship struggles, sibling rivalry, blended family adjustment, and communication breakdowns within the family.
Bullying (Victim or Perpetrator)
Recovering from being bullied or addressing bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying concerns.
Our Evidence Based Treatment Approaches
We customize therapy based on your child’s age, needs, and learning style:
Play Therapy (Ages 2 to 10)
Young children often can’t verbalize complex emotions. Play therapy allows them to express feelings, process experiences, and work through challenges using toys, art, sand trays, puppets, and games. Our therapists are trained in child centered play therapy and directive play therapy techniques.
What play therapy treats: Anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, grief, family transitions, developmental delays
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children & Teens (CBT)
Age appropriate CBT helps young people identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Kids learn practical skills to manage emotions and respond to challenges more effectively.
What CBT treats: Anxiety, depression, ADHD related challenges, anger management, OCD, social skills
PCIT teaches parents specific techniques to improve their relationship with their child (typically ages 2 to 7) while reducing disruptive behaviors. Parents learn positive discipline strategies and how to strengthen attachment through coached live sessions.
What PCIT treats: Behavioral problems, defiance, tantrums, attachment issues, aggressive behavior
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT)
Specifically designed for children and adolescents who’ve experienced trauma. TF CBT gradually helps young people process traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment while building coping skills.
What TF CBT treats: PTSD, abuse recovery, trauma, grief after traumatic loss
Addresses issues affecting the entire family system. When one child is struggling, family therapy helps improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create healthier family dynamics.
What family therapy treats: Family conflict, parent child relationship issues, sibling problems, divorce adjustment
Intensive support for children with complex behavioral or emotional needs. Our behavioral health specialists work with children in home, school, and community settings, teaching life skills and implementing individualized treatment plans.
What BHRS treats: Severe behavioral disorders, autism spectrum support, complex mental health needs
Signs Your Child or Teen May Need Therapy
Every child experiences ups and downs, but professional help may be needed if you notice:
Emotional warning signs: Persistent sadness lasting weeks, excessive worry or fear, frequent crying, mood swings, irritability, expressions of hopelessness, or statements about wanting to die or hurt themselves.
Behavioral changes: Aggression, defiance, withdrawal from family or friends, loss of interest in favorite activities, academic decline, school refusal, running away, lying, stealing, or destructive behavior.
Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches or stomachaches, changes in eating habits, sleep disturbances (nightmares, insomnia, sleeping too much), regression to earlier behaviors (bedwetting, thumb sucking), or unexplained physical complaints.
Social difficulties: Inability to make or keep friends, excessive social withdrawal, being bullied or bullying others, difficulty with social cues, or constant conflict with peers.
Trauma responses: Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoiding reminders of traumatic events, excessive fear, or emotional numbness after experiencing trauma.
Academic problems: Sudden drop in grades, inability to concentrate, frequent absences, behavior problems at school, or conflicts with teachers.
If concerns persist for more than two weeks or significantly interfere with daily functioning, it’s time to seek Professional Help.
Skills Children Learn in Therapy
Emotional regulation: Recognizing and managing big feelings without meltdowns
Coping strategies: Healthy ways to handle stress, anxiety, and frustration
Problem solving: Working through challenges independently
Communication: Expressing needs and feelings effectively
Social skills: Making friends, resolving conflicts, understanding social cues
Self esteem: Building confidence and positive self image
Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and disappointments
Insurance & Payment for Appointments
FREE for Medicaid/SoonerCare
No copays, no out-of-pocket costs for therapy services.
Insurance Accepted
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Oscar Health, Humana, and most major insurance plans.
Self-Pay Options
Sliding-scale fees based on family size and income. Payment plans available. We believe cost should never stand in the way of getting help.
Why Choose Improving Lives Counseling Services for Therapy?
Getting started shouldn’t feel confusing or overwhelming. We make it easier to find the right support—so you can start making real progress.
Convenient Locations Across Oklahoma
12+ locations including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, OKC, Tahlequah, Pryor, and more.
Flexible
Scheduling
Evening and weekend sessions available. Therapy at our office, your home, workplace, or your child’s school.
Online Therapy
Available
Prefer virtual sessions? We also provide online therapy in Oklahoma, making professional counseling accessible for clients throughout the state.
FREE for
SoonerCare & Medicaid
Free services if you have Title XIX Medicaid or SoonerCare. We also accept most major insurance and offer sliding-scale fees.
Expert, Licensed
Therapists
Our therapists have experience helping people navigate a wide range of concerns. From your first call through each counseling session, you’ll receive personalized care that respects your needs, goals, and pace.
Advanced
Treatment Options
EMDR, CBT, PCIT, DBT, Play Therapy. Treatment is tailored to each client’s needs, goals, age, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Adolescent Counseling
Q: How do I know if my child needs therapy or if this is just a phase?
If behavioral, emotional, or social concerns persist for more than 2 weeks, interfere with daily functioning (school, friendships, family), or cause significant distress to your child or family, professional evaluation is warranted. Trust your parental instincts.
Q: Will my child have to talk about feelings the whole time?
No! Younger children primarily engage through play, art, and activities. Therapy doesn’t feel like “therapy” to them. It feels like playing with purpose. Older children and teens gradually develop comfort talking about feelings as trust builds.
Q: What if my child refuses to talk to the therapist?
This is common, especially initially. Our therapists are skilled at building rapport with reluctant children. We start where your child is comfortable, often through play or activities, and gradually develop the therapeutic relationship. Resistance often decreases as trust builds.
Q: Can therapy work if only one parent is on board?
Ideally, both parents support treatment. However, one engaged parent is often sufficient for progress. We encourage both parents to participate in parent sessions when possible.
Q: Is therapy confidential for teenagers?
Yes, with age appropriate limits. Teens need privacy to open up, so we maintain confidentiality except for safety concerns (risk of harm to self or others, abuse, court orders). We discuss confidentiality boundaries with teens and parents upfront.
Find a Therapist that’s right for you
Our clinicians are trained in many areas of counseling, and we’ll tailor care around you—your needs, your goals, your pace.
Our Counselors Offer Therapy Sessions From Several Offices In Oklahoma
Telehealth is also available all across Oklahoma.
Tulsa (Main Location)
Tulsa (East Location)
Broken Arrow
Elk City
Coweta
Oklahoma City
Bartlesville
Owasso
Pryor
Sapulpa
Tahlequah
Sallisaw
Need Immediate Help?
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please
CALL OR TEXT 988
For more information, go to: WWW.SUICIDOLOGY.ORG