CBT for Kids: Child and Adolescent Therapy in Los Angeles

Our child and adolescent therapy services are designed to address the unique emotional and behavioral challenges faced by young people. Using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, we help children and teenagers develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication skills, and build resilience. Our goal is to create a supportive and safe environment where young clients can explore their feelings and learn effective strategies to navigate life's challenges.

What is CBT for Children?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is Research-Supported

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for a variety of emotional and behavioral problems children and teens encounter. This means that scientific research has found the effectiveness of CBT to be the best treatment for children and teens in numerous clinical trials for disorders in children. Current psychology research has found CBT the most effective treatment for a host of psychological problems, often more effective than traditional talk therapy, play therapy, and even psychiatric medication. 

CBT techniques are Present-Focused

The CBT form of therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy, which is often focused on discussing the past without addressing present issues. CBT is effective because it is present-focused, meaning that therapists work to give your child coping skills that solve the current problems they experience. 

CBT for Children: Brief Treatment for Lasting Gains

CBT involves proven psychological techniques to practice at home and in school to allow children to actively modify their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This approach of practicing at home facilitates faster improvement in CBT compared to conventional talk therapy. CBT therapists actively engage children during therapy to help them make meaningful changes rapidly, helping you achieve your goals sooner and achieve lasting gains through new learning. 

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works

Unlike traditional psychotherapy, CBT takes a practical approach to solving problems with thinking, mood, or behavior. Therapy sessions focus on understanding what isn't working in your child's life, then determining a skill the child and parents can use to remedy the problem. The session is spent learning and practicing the skill, then identifying opportunities to use it at home and at school. Once your child has mastered that skill, they continue learning new skills in therapy until the problem is resolved. The cognitive-behavioral model focuses on changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

CBT Exercises for Working with Thoughts

Thoughts encompass the various ways we interpret and understand situations. They can manifest in different forms, including verbal expressions like words, sentences, and clear ideas, as well as non-verbal forms like mental images. CBT helps children and teens identify problematic thinking patterns and adopt healthier ways of making sense of things. This can take place through mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and cognitive defusion. 

Common CBT Techniques for Mood and Feelings

Feelings refer to the physical sensations that arise from our emotional experiences. For example, the emotion of anger might cause our face to flush, while anxiety might result in a pounding heart and tense muscles. These feelings are the body's automatic response to our emotions. Numerous emotion regulation strategies have been found to be effective with children and adolescents with a whole host of emotion regulation issues. Some common interventions include mindfulness meditation, distress tolerance skills, recognizing emotion-driven-behavior, and acceptance skills.

Types of CBT for Changing Behavior

Behaviors are the actions we take, as well as the actions we choose not to take. For example, we might avoid a public speaking engagement due to intense anxiety, whereas feeling confident might lead us to actively seek out such opportunities. Behaviors reflect our responses to our thoughts and feelings. Common behavioral interventions include assertiveness training, exposure therapy, behavioral activation, and social skills training. 

CBT for Helping Kids With Different Problems

Therapy for Children With OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can significantly impact a child's daily life. At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles, we use a CBT treatment called Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD shown to be an effective treatment in 80% of people with OCD. ERP helps children gradually face their fears and learn to resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors. Our therapists guide children through carefully structured exposures, providing support and techniques to manage anxiety and reduce compulsions. Through ERP, we empower children to regain control and improve their quality of life.

CBT Therapy for Children and Teens With Depression

Childhood and adolescent depression can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, irritability, and loss of interest in activities. Our CBT psychologists work with young clients to identify and change negative thought patterns, develop healthy habits, and improve their mood and overall well-being. Through CBT methods, we are able to create a compassionate space for children to express their feelings and find hope through learning skills to end their depression.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can be particularly challenging for both children and their families. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help children as it focuses on helping children feel secure and confident when apart from their caregivers. We use relaxation techniques, gradual exposure interventions, coping strategies, and parental support to reduce anxiety and foster independence.

Child or Teen Phobias

Phobias can limit a child's experiences and hinder their development. CBT is an effective short-term treatment for phobias that involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation in a controlled and supportive environment. CBT can help children master their phobia by teaching them relaxation and coping techniques to manage their fears and gradually overcome them.

CBT Techniques for Kids With Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder can make social interactions and school activities daunting for kids and teens, and your child may avoid these activities at the expense of their social development. Our CBT therapists help children develop social skills, build confidence, and reduce anxiety through role-playing, exposure exercises, and cognitive restructuring. We aim to empower children to engage more comfortably in social settings.

Using CBT for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in children often involves excessive worry about various aspects of life. Our therapy focuses on identifying the sources of anxiety, challenging irrational fears, and teaching relaxation and problem-solving skills. We help children develop a more balanced and less anxious approach to their daily lives by using CBT methods that are evidence-based and effective.

CBT Program For Emotional Regulation

Learning to manage emotions is crucial for a child's development. Cognitive behavioral therapy for emotional regulation teaches children how to recognize, understand, and cope with their emotions in healthy ways. CBT makes use of use mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and other techniques to teach children to gain control over their emotional responses.

Using CBT With Kids With Selective Mutism

Selective mutism can be a complex and isolating condition for children. The CBT approach involves creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable speaking. We use gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and collaboration with parents and schools to encourage verbal communication and reduce anxiety.

CBT Sessions for Parent Coaching

Parent coaching is an integral part of our therapy services. We work with parents to provide them with effective strategies and tools to support their child's emotional and behavioral development. Our coaching sessions focus on enhancing parent-child relationships, managing challenging behaviors, and promoting positive parenting practices.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Kids With Behavior Problems

Behavior problems can disrupt a child's home and school life. CBT therapy addresses the underlying causes of these behaviors and teaches children and parents effective techniques to improve behavior. CBT may focus on helping your child to learn positive reinforcement, clear communication, and setting consistent boundaries.

CBT for Kids with Excoriation Disorder/Skin Picking

Excoriation Disorder, or skin picking, can cause significant distress and physical harm. CBT has been shown to help children understand the triggers and patterns of their behavior, develop alternative coping strategies, and reduce the urge to pick. We use CBT techniques to promote healthier skin and self-esteem.

Trichotillomania/Hair Pulling

Trichotillomania, or hair pulling, is a challenging condition that affects many children. CBT therapy can help with identifying triggers, implementing behavior modification techniques, and providing emotional support. We help children develop healthier habits and improve their self-confidence.

CBT for Children and Teens with ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impact a child's academic and social functioning. CBT for children and adolescents includes behavioral strategies, organizational skills training, and emotional support to help children manage their symptoms. We work closely with families and schools to create a supportive environment for the child's success using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve organization and planning, attention and distractibility, and self-defeating thoughts. 

SPACE Intervention for Parents

The Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) intervention is a form of CBT designed to help parents support their children with anxiety disorders. Unlike traditional child-focused therapies, SPACE focuses on changing parent behaviors to reduce their child's symptoms. Through this intervention, we guide parents in understanding their child's anxiety, decreasing accommodating behaviors, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages their child's independence and resilience.

CBIT for Tic Disorder

The Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children with tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome. CBIT involves teaching children to become aware of their tics and implement competing responses to reduce their frequency and severity. Our therapists work with children to develop these skills, provide education about tics, and offer support to manage the social and emotional impacts of tic disorders.

Coping Cat Program

The Coping Cat Program is a well-established cognitive-behavioral therapy program specifically designed for children with anxiety. This structured program helps children recognize and modify thoughts and behaviors responsible for anxiety and depression. Through engaging activities, children learn to identify anxiety triggers, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in managing their anxiety. The Coping Cat Program is tailored to each child's needs, ensuring they receive the most effective support for their anxiety.

Reach Out to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles To Help Your Child Succeed

Don't hesitate to give your child the help they need. Contact Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles today to put them on the path toward good mental health and wellbeing. 

Accepting New Clients

We are now accepting new clients, allowing for your child to begin treatment within the week.  You won't wait months on a waitlist at our practice.

Expert Care

Our team of licensed psychologists is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to support your child's emotional and behavioral development. All of our therapists are experts in CBT with years of experience, some of whom teach and supervise and the graduate and postgraduate level. 

Several Locations and Online Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles has several locations in the Los Angeles area. We also offer virtual visits online for all of our services. 

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your child's healthier, happier future.