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Kids & Teens Therapy

Transform your child’s struggles into strengths. Our expert therapists help your child or teen build the skills for confidence, curiosity, and lasting happiness. Available virtually and at our Dallas-area locations in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Lakewood, Prosper, and North Richland Hills.

At GearingUP, we help your child or teen thrive with therapy that goes beyond just talking, building real skills for lasting resilience and success. Our compassionate, tailored approach turns obstacles into stepping stones for success. Ready to get started? Let’s gear up and thrive together.

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American children and teens are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis.

Rates of clinically diagnosed anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues have exploded in children and teens since 2020. Numerous factors impact and shape their lives such as increased screen time, higher rates of isolation, and existential anxiety all while trying to manage the usual pressures of growing up. Fortunately, modern therapy and psychological science has developed new methods to help children, teens, and their parents overcome these new challenges. Here are some common features of all of the child and teen therapy offerings at GearingUP:

Features of GearingUP’s Child and Teen Therapies

  • One-on-one interactions with their dedicated licensed therapist
  • Regular parent conferences to give parents updates and keep them “in the loop”
  • Skills based curriculums to equip teens and kids with the tools they need for any situation
  • Multiple types of therapy offered to best fit the needs of your child including directive and nondirective therapies
  • Research proven “inoculation effect” that lowers rates of mental health issues for years to come
  • Either in-person sessions at GearingUP’s professional offices or convenient online session options
  • Most GearingUp child and teen therapies also work closely with parenting programs to implement change at home for long lasting results

Our child and adolescent therapy programs are not “one size fits all” therapy. GearingUP therapists receive special training, supervision, and direct experience in working with children and teens and their particular issues. Our skills programs are also customized to fit the needs of kids and teens, and the lessons are presented in a way that works based on their experiences, professional recommendations, and research-based best practices. GearingUP’s child and teen therapy programs have impacted thousands of lives over decades of practice in the Dallas area.

Types of Therapy GearingUP Offers For Children and Teens

GearingUP offers many different types of specialized therapy for children and teenagers, and each approach has benefits that may better address your child’s issues. Here are some of the therapy systems GearingUP offers in the Dallas and Fort Worth area:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (CBT-A)

CBT for Adolescents reorganizes traditional CBT with consideration for your teen’s stage of development and in an effort to engage their thinking patterns in a different way. Our therapists create a truly safe space for teens to feel comfortable expressing themselves fully. Using multiple ways to engage such as activities, art, and movement, we teach them how to integrate and use coping skills and strategies effectively going forward.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children (CBT-C)

CBT for Children further modifies the skills and concepts of CBT to make it more digestible and useful for children to understand their thoughts and beliefs. Sessions include more visual aids and activities like roleplay, games, art, and more to keep kids engaged with their therapist. Therapists are also specially trained in specific issues more likely in childhood like bullying, family issues, and school stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)

DBT for Adolescents helps teens understand how their emotions influence their behaviors and how to be more effective in the future. DBT-A emphasizes DBT skills that are more applicable to teens like how to handle peer interactions with social skills, working with siblings and parents at home, and how to prepare for adulthood and forming their identity.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C)

Children can also benefit from the DBT skills curriculum! Therapists work individually with children to teach a customized version of the DBT skills program, and parents will also learn a special form of DBT skills to implement at home. GearingUp’s DBT-C program emphasizes the relationship between the parent and child and seeks to teach parents how to foster a safe environment of self-regulation at home for their child.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Children and Adolescents

MBCT for children and teens teaches them many of the same skills as the standard MBCT program with added consideration for their developmental stage and different presentation techniques and methods. In addition to cognitive therapy techniques, children and teens engage with activities and games, specialized mindfulness practices, and more to fully integrate this revolutionary system.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Children and Teens

ACT for children and teens translates the concepts of the original system into language that children and teens can better understand and implement. Therapists teach kids and adolescents alternative mindfulness techniques (music, kinesthetic, walking, and more), identifying their personal values, and aligning their actions to pursue those goals in the moment.

EMDR for Children & Teens

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps children and teens heal from difficult or traumatic experiences in a gentle, effective way. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on natural brain processing through the use of techniques like guided eye movements or gentle taps (bilateral stimulation) while briefly recalling traumatic memories. This approach helps reduce anxiety, nightmares, and behavioral issues, allowing young people to feel safer and more confident.

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for Children and Teens

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) helps children and teens understand and manage their feelings in healthier ways. Through engaging activities and supportive guidance, young people learn to identify emotions, express themselves effectively, and build stronger relationships and attachments with family and friends. This approach strengthens emotional intelligence and coping skills, leading to better self-regulation, stronger relationships, and increased confidence in handling life’s challenges.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Children and Teens

Prolonged Exposure Therapy helps children and teens overcome trauma and anxiety by gradually facing feared memories or situations in a safe, supportive environment. Through age-appropriate activities and careful guidance, young people learn that their memories and fears aren’t dangerous. This proven approach reduces trauma symptoms, builds confidence, and helps kids and adolescents return to normal activities they’ve been avoiding.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) for Children and Teens

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy helps children and teens break free from OCD and anxiety patterns through guided, age-appropriate exercises. Working at their own pace, young people learn to face feared situations while resisting compulsive behaviors. This proven approach builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps kids regain control over daily activities that OCD, anxiety, and certain phobias may have disrupted.

Mindfulness Classes for Adolescents

Mindfulness classes teach teens practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions through present moment awareness. With engaging activities, guided practice, and real-life examples, adolescents learn to stay present and grounded, understand their thoughts and feelings, and respond to challenges with greater calm and clarity. These classes offer tools for academic success, better sleep, stronger relationships, and improved emotional well-being.

Mindfulness Classes for Children

Mindfulness classes help children discover their natural ability to be calm, focused, and aware through fun, age-appropriate activities. Sitting still for a meditation class may seem like a tall order for many children, but this specialized curriculum was developed in conjunction with Mindfulness masters to specifically appeal to and work with children. Using stories, games, and movement exercises, kids learn to understand their feelings, calm their busy minds, and handle big emotions better. These practical skills help with school, friendships, sleep, and feeling more confident in daily life.

Play Therapy and Activity Based Therapy for Children

Play Therapy is usually a non-directive style of therapy that allows children to freely express themselves while the therapist observes, facilitates, and possibly plays with the child as well. Play therapy can be effective for children who are not as verbal or may have difficulty expressing themselves to others. Play becomes a vehicle for them to express their thoughts and emotions, learn new skills, and engage with their therapist.

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When To Seek Therapy for Your Child or Teenager

You know your child best. Therapy could be helpful for your child or teen for a number of reasons, but there are particular signs that your child could benefit from therapy. This is only a small sample of possible reasons to seek out therapy for children and teens. If you share any of these concerns or have noticed other issues, please contact our office today to meet with a licensed therapist and discuss how therapy may be beneficial for you and your child.

Social Concerns or Isolation

Issues around social situations with peers may be distressing like difficulty making friends, social isolation, or even more serious concerns like bullying. Social isolation can significantly impact a child or teen’s development and well-being. When young people struggle with making friends, feel left out, or avoid social situations, therapy provides vital support and practical skills. We help them build social confidence, learn to connect with peers, and develop the social-emotional tools needed for healthy relationships and personal growth.

A Drop In School or Extracurricular Performance

You may notice that your child is struggling in school more than usual or expressing concerns like having difficulty concentrating or wanting to avoid school or extracurricular activities. A sudden drop in school performance often signals underlying emotional or behavioral challenges that need attention. Whether it’s anxiety, attention issues, or other stressors or mental health issues affecting grades, therapy helps identify and address the root causes. We work with children and teens to develop better habits, manage pressure, and rebuild confidence in their learning abilities.

Burn Out and Overwhelm

Some teens and children may also feel overwhelmed or stressed out from juggling too much at once like academics, sports, and social obligations. When children or teens show signs of burnout – like constant exhaustion, anxiety about activities they used to enjoy, or feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks – it may be time to seek professional support. Therapy provides a safe space to understand these pressures, develop healthy coping strategies, and restore balance to their lives. We help young people manage expectations, set boundaries, and rediscover joy in their activities.

Clinical Diagnoses or Deeper Issues

More serious issues may also arise during childhood and adolescence, or your child or teen may have received a diagnosis from another medical or mental health professional. Some children can develop clinical levels of depression and anxiety, or others may struggle with handling their extreme emotions leading to mood swings or angry outbursts. Professional therapy provides essential support, helping children, teens, and their parents understand their diagnosis, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in managing symptoms. Our expert guidance helps transform uncertainty into understanding, creating a foundation for long-term emotional well-being.

Experimenting With Alcohol, Drugs, or Other Substances

Parents may discover that their child has begun to experiment with drugs or alcohol which can often lead to more high risk behavior. Early signs of substance use can signal deeper emotional issues, social challenges, or a possible emerging addiction issue. Therapy provides a confidential, judgment-free space for young people to explore what’s driving these behaviors and develop healthier coping skills. We help teens understand their choices, build better decision-making abilities, and find positive ways to handle stress and peer pressure.

A Specific Traumatic Event

After experiencing a traumatic event, children and teens need specialized support to process their experiences in a safe, age-appropriate way. Many people think trauma can only arise from extreme situations like fighting in a war or being in a traumatic car accident, but trauma can develop from many “normal” circumstances that many people experience like going through a divorce, moving cities or schools, or the death of a beloved grandparent. Professional therapy helps young people understand and cope with their reactions, reduce anxiety and nightmares, and regain a sense of safety. Early intervention can prevent long-term effects, helping them move forward with resilience and strength.

How Child & Adolescent Therapy Works At GearingUP

1.

Fast Enrollment

Once you enter the basic information for your child, most new clients are seen within one week of contacting our office and many can be seen within 24-48 hours if requested.

2.

Initial Parent Conference

For child and adolescent clients, the first appointment is with the parent and one of our senior clinicians to hear your concerns, collect a family history, and discuss initial treatment suggestions.

3.

Diagnostics or Testing

Depending on your child’s circumstances, we often recommend initial diagnostics and testing. An accurate diagnosis allows us to use the most effective therapies for their needs.

4.

Starting Therapy

Once the initial treatment plan for your child has been finalized in coordination with you, your child will begin therapy with one of our highly trained child or adolescent specialists.

5.

Regular Progress Reports

You should know how your child’s therapy is progressing. We schedule regular parent conference appointments to review progress, discuss goals, and confirm treatment plans moving forward.

6.

Make Changes Anytime

If we need to change something, please reach out to our office or your child’s therapist. Maybe you would like a different approach, a different therapist, or simply want to try something new. Switch things up at no extra cost.

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Why Choose GearingUP for Your Child or Adolescent’s Therapy

A Trusted Name In Texas for Decades

GearingUP has been a trusted name for psychology and mental health counseling in Texas for over 40 years. Dr. Sylvia and Dr. Milt Gearing have established themselves as two of the best and most respected clinical psychologists in Texas, and they are known around the country for their profound clinical programs, insightful diagnostic testing, and life changing results.

Every case at GearingUP is monitored by the Gearings and their senior staff to ensure the best quality of care for your child’s therapy services whether in our weekly clinic wide case consultations, phone conferences, or clinical supervision sessions. GearingUP goes above and beyond to make sure you are receiving world class therapy services.

Multiple Age-Appropriate Therapy Options

Not every adult therapy works for children and teens. They deserve multiple levels of consideration for age specific topics, movement or activity based lessons, and different ways of presenting material that’s more appropriate for their developmental stage, neurological development, and psychological maturity. GearingUp clinicians are trained, experienced, or certified in over 20 types of therapy, and many have been specifically developed or adapted for use with children and teens.

In addition, child and teen therapies must include the parents as a central pillar of treatment. Whether parents are directly involved in sessions, working in a parallel skills program for parents, or simply receiving updates regarding treatment, parental involvement is often what makes the critical difference in therapy for children and adolescents.

Highly Trained Child & Teen Specialists

When it comes to your child, you want the best. GearingUP’s therapists have an average of over 10 years as a licensed therapist*. Our child and teenage therapists have years of experience working with kids and teens, and they are often under the supervision of one of GearingUP’s senior therapists who specialize in younger clients.

On average, each clinician receives over 75 hours of continuing education per year* in the latest therapies and research. GearingUp invests in our clinical team with new trainings and certifications for every single clinician, every year. Experienced therapists using the most up to date therapies deliver the best results. (*based on 2022 & 2023 data)

Related and Coordinated Services Available

Therapy often requires more than just once a week sessions with your child’s therapist. Many parents request or need additional services to help their child such as family therapy, parenting coaching, coordination with schools, coordinated care with other medical professionals (psychiatrists, pediatricians, nutritionists, and more), testing and diagnostic services, group and activity based therapies, crisis support, and more.

Instead of juggling many different offices and professionals, simplify your child’s care by working with GearingUP’s team of professionals. We offer a wide range of services including those listed above, and we are happy to coordinate care with other professionals in the area as well to deliver the best results for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start Child and Adolescent Therapy at GearingUP?

You can enroll your child in minutes! Contact our office for a quick enrollment with basic information like contact information, insurance details (if using insurance), and payment information. Our staff will schedule your first appointment with one of our senior therapists to discuss your needs and how GearingUP can help you. The first intake appointment is often with the parent or guardian so that GearingUP’s clinical team can get a better idea of what the concerns are, the child’s treatment history, and create a preliminary treatment plan. We often have same day or next day appointments available for new clients, but most new clients are seen in less than one week after contacting our office.

What GearingUP locations offer Child and Adolescent Therapy?

GearingUP offers individual therapy for adolescents at all of its locations including Plano (Mapleshade), Plano (Stonebriar), McKinney, Dallas (Lakewood), Frisco (West), Prosper, and North Richland Hills.

GearingUP’s child therapy offerings are available at only certain locations. Please contact our office for the most up to date information, or check our location pages for more information. GearingUP currently offers child therapy services at multiple locations including Plano (Mapleshade), Plano (Stonebriar), McKinney, Dallas (Lakewood), Frisco (West), and Prosper.

Adolescent services and some child services are also available through online virtual telehealth sessions.

Which GearingUP therapists offer Child and Adolescent Therapy?

Most GearingUP therapists have experience with or specialize in working with children and / or adolescent clients. Please refer to the individual therapist pages to learn more.

How do Child and Adolescent Therapy sessions work?

Child and Adolescent therapy sessions usually last for 50 minutes either in-person at one of GearingUP’s professional offices or in an online virtual telehealth session over video conference. Most insurance plans cover both in-office and online sessions, but we would be happy to confirm your benefits for you. The content of each session will change depending on your child’s needs, the therapy system being used, and the agreed upon treatment plan the therapist is following as well as recent events in your child’s life and other considerations.

Do I need a referral or pre-authorization to start therapy for my child?

Most insurance plans do not require a referral or pre-authorization to start outpatient therapy with GearingUP. However, please call your insurance company to confirm your child’s insurance benefits or call our office and we can confirm if anything is required for your plan.

Does GearingUP prescribe medication?

GearingUP does not prescribe any medication at this time. We work closely with many prescribers in the Dallas area and around Texas, and we would be happy to correspond with their office to coordinate your care.

Can I switch therapists for my child?

Of course, you can switch therapists at GearingUP at any time! Please contact our office to request a change in therapist if you or your child would like to make a change, and we will reschedule you with another licensed therapist on our staff.

How do I know GearingUP’s Child and Adolescent therapy is effective?

GearingUP has been delivering therapy in the Dallas and Plano areas since 1986 with over 500,000 completed therapy sessions. GearingUP therapists have an average of over 10 years experience as a licensed therapist, and each therapist completes an average of 75 hours of continuing education and professional development per year (based on 2022 and 2023 clinician data). Multiple GearingUP therapists have years of experience working with children in state agencies, hospital units, and community programs, and many of them have also received specialized training or certifications for working with children and adolescents.

GearingUP also regularly monitors the quality of care and clinical effectiveness through anonymous client ratings, surveys, and internal clinical data reviews. Based on our clinical testing data, 93% of GearingUP clients show “significant improvements” in resolving their clinical issues after 6-12 months of therapy. Client surveys show that 99% of our clients report that they have made progress on their goals since starting with GearingUP and 100% agreed that the therapist was effective for their therapy needs. Approximately 97% of clients say that they feel better since they have started therapy with GearingUP, and 99% of clients responded that they are happy with their care at GearingUP.

Locations GearingUP Offers Kids & Teens Therapy

We're happy to offer Kids & Teens Therapy at the following locations.

Dallas (Lakewood)

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Frisco West

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McKinney

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North Richland Hills

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Plano (Mapleshade)

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Plano (Stonebriar)

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Prosper

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