Child & Adolescent Therapy in West Palm Beach

Are You Struggling with a Difficult Child or Teen in West Palm Beach? Explore How Child or Adolescent Therapy May Be a Solution with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT

Children and adolescents face a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Whether it’s school-related stress, social media issues, bullying, anxiety, family transitions, or emotional outbursts, young individuals often need a safe and structured space to process their thoughts and emotions. Strong families are the cornerstone of safe and secure communities, and a child’s social and emotional development are as important as physical health in creating a solid platform upon which healthy functioning in home, school and community rests.

At the private therapy practice of Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, I provide professional support to children and teens in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County through tailored child adolescent therapy. With decades of clinical experience, I offer developmentally appropriate counseling strategies that encourage self-expression, emotional regulation, effective communication, healthy family interactions, enhanced problem-solving skills, and positive coping skills. Improvements in these vital aspects of a child’s life can include increased academic achievement, decreased aggression and fighting, and improved family relationships.

Sensitive to your child’s unique needs and emotions, I will quickly assess the issue and develop a plan for your child and family to create a more harmonious relationship. To schedule an appointment, call my office today at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or fill out the form for a free introductory call.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT offers child and adolescent therapy based in West Palm Beach, Florida
• Dr. Christiansen provides specialized counseling for behavioral, emotional, and developmental issues in a family-inclusive environment to help young people pursue happier, healthier, well-adjusted lives
• Child and adolescent counseling can address various types of issues among young people, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more
• Dr. Christiansen uses a family-inclusive approach to promote consistent progress and support for children and adolescents
• Easily request a free introductory call with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT by phone at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or through the online form

What is Child & Adolescent Therapy?

Child and adolescent therapy is a form of psychological support specifically designed to meet the unique developmental needs of youth. This therapy can help with:

• Emotional Issues
• Behavioral Problems
• Learning Difficulties
• Anxiety, Depression
• Family or Peer Conflicts

I use a wide range of therapeutic modalities tailored to a child or teen’s age, personality, and presenting concerns. This can include play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), expressive arts, and family therapy sessions.

Mental health counseling and therapy for children and adolescents can be collaborative, involving caregivers when appropriate. My approach is designed to help children build trust, articulate feelings, and develop resilience.

Key Benefits of Child & Adolescent Therapy

Child or adolescent therapy sessions can benefit a young person across various facets of life, setting a better trajectory for future development:

• Improved Emotional Regulation: Children and teens learn how to recognize, express, and manage emotions in healthy ways.
• Behavioral Improvements: Therapy helps address impulsivity, defiance, withdrawal, and other problematic behaviors.
• Strengthened Family Communication: Sessions often include parents or caregivers to foster better understanding and cooperation at home.
• Support for Anxiety and Depression: I use evidence-based strategies to support individuals dealing with mood or anxiety-related challenges.
• Development of Coping Skills: Children and adolescents are taught tools they can use in school, social situations, and daily life.

How Child & Adolescent Therapy Works

Therapy begins with a comprehensive intake process, followed by consistent sessions designed to foster growth, self-awareness, and adaptive behaviors.

1. Initial Consultation: Parents and the child meet with Dr. Christiansen to discuss concerns and gather a full developmental and psychological history.
2. Individualized Treatment Plan: I develop a plan based on the child’s age, presenting issues, strengths, and goals.
3. Regular Therapy Sessions: Depending on the age and needs of the child, therapy may involve structured play, talk therapy, creative expression, or mindfulness practices.
4. Parental Involvement: I update parents regularly, and they may be invited into sessions to align therapeutic efforts with home life.
5. Progress Reviews: Therapy evolves over time as the child grows and meets treatment milestones.

Who Needs Child & Adolescent Therapy?

Child therapy or adolescent therapy can help children and teens facing:

• Emotional outbursts or persistent sadness
• Academic struggles or school avoidance
• Anxiety, including types of therapy for anxiety such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness
• Social isolation or peer difficulties
• Grief or trauma
• Parental separation, divorce, or blended family stress
• Behavioral disorders or attention issues

Whether symptoms are recent or long-standing, therapy provides structured, safe support for a child’s mental health, self esteem, interpersonal skills, and long-term well-being.

Why Choose Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT for Child & Adolescent Therapy?

Experience & Qualifications: Dr. Christiansen is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Science with intense training in psychotherapy. With many years of clinical experience, she has worked with children and families to address a wide range of mental health needs.

Proven Success: Families throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County turn to Dr. Christiansen for her compassionate and evidence-informed care. Her work is centered around fostering connection and lasting emotional growth.

A Unique Approach: No two children are alike. Dr. Christiansen blends multiple approaches — including CBT, play therapy, family systems theory, and structural and narrative therapy — to pursue a highly individualized treatment path.

Comprehensive Support: Therapy can include family communication, school support recommendations, and coordination with other professionals when needed. Dr. Christiansen partners with parents every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment for Child or Adolescent Therapy with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D. in West Palm Beach, Florida

If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially, therapy can provide the structured support they need to thrive. I am committed to providing trusted child and adolescent therapy in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area in Southeast Florida. I will help your child find clarity and calm, helping them develop skills to pursue a better and happier future.

Call my office today at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or fill out the form for a free introductory call. Your healing journey begins here. Start the journey toward healing today.

Helping Palm Beach County clients achieve peace and harmony since 2000