Child therapy in Chicago, IL
When something feels off with your child, it's hard to know what to do. Find a child therapist in Chicago who specializes in helping kids and families navigate challenges.
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Therapy in Chicago by the numbers
Based on 2748 licensed therapists across the US, including 32 in Chicago · Updated July 2026
What to expect from therapy in Chicago
You don't need a crisis or a diagnosis to reach out to a therapist in Chicago. Here's what the process usually looks like.
Meeting the parents
Most child therapists start with a session for parents only: your child's history, what you've noticed at home and school, and what you hope will change.
Earning your child's trust
A child needs to feel safe before they'll share much, so the first few sessions are relaxed and low-pressure, at a pace set by your child.
Age-appropriate methods
Younger children (3-8) often work through play therapy. Older children and teens may use talk therapy, CBT, or creative expression. The approach matches your child's developmental stage.
Family check-ins
Expect periodic sessions with parents or the whole family to review progress, agree on next steps, and decide together when therapy can wind down.
Example searches in Chicago
Illustrative examples, not real client stories — describe your own situation to see who fits.
"Behavioral issues in my 8-year-old"
Situation: A family in Chicago dealing with their child's aggressive behavior, defiance, and emotional outbursts
Example match: Connected with a child therapist using play therapy and parent coaching, available for family sessions
"Teen therapy in Chicago for depression"
Situation: Parents concerned about their teenager's withdrawal, declining grades, and mood changes
Example match: Matched with an adolescent specialist experienced in teen depression, offering both individual and family sessions
"Help my child after our divorce"
Situation: A family in Chicago whose child became withdrawn and tearful after the parents separated
Example match: Connected with a child therapist experienced in divorce adjustment, involving both parents where possible
Getting your child the right support in Chicago, Illinois
Not every struggle needs a diagnosis, and not every diagnosis needs long treatment. When the days get short and gray in Chicago, children feel it too: less daylight, less outdoor play and more time indoors can deepen low mood or irritability in a child who is already struggling. A child therapist or psychologist can help you work out which kind of help fits your child right now.
Trauma-focused CBT is well supported for children who have been through frightening or painful experiences. Play therapy works well for younger children, who often show what's bothering them through play before they can say it.
Local options for child therapy in Chicago, IL
Start with the 32 therapists listed in Chicago: note who mentions work with children on their profile before writing to anyone.
Each Chicago profile notes whether the therapist sees clients online, which matters if you'd like child therapy from home. Online parent sessions are a practical option even when your child's own sessions are in person.
At $100–$220 a session, Chicago is below the $120–$250 in Naperville for child therapy; insurance and sliding-scale fees can change the picture, so ask.
Other places to look for a child therapist near Chicago
No other Illinois city on FindSupport lists more therapists than Chicago (32); Rockford (16) and Naperville (15) add more profiles to compare, in person or by video.
Neighboring states add more: Cedar Rapids, IA lists 13, 8% of whom work with children; Des Moines, IA lists 11, 9% of whom work with children. For video sessions, check that a therapist there is licensed in Illinois too.
What happens when you contact a child therapist
Sleep problems that last — trouble falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or needing a parent nearby again — can signal worry a child can't put into words. If a child's low mood, irritability or tiredness returns each winter and lifts in spring, mention that pattern to the therapist and the pediatrician.
On cold or icy days online sessions can replace the drive after school, and they work well for many older children and teens. Notice how the therapist talks to your child in the first meeting: warmth and patience matter as much as credentials. In-person sessions usually suit younger children best; online can work well for many teens. Reading two or three child therapist profiles in Chicago side by side — focus areas, approach, fees — is often the quickest way to a short list.
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Find child therapy help in Chicago →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get child counseling online in Illinois?
Yes — video sessions work well for most concerns. The therapist needs to be licensed in Illinois (where you are during the session), so a child therapist elsewhere in the state can see you in Chicago as easily as a local one. Teens often find video easier to fit around school, while younger children usually start in person.
How many therapists does FindSupport list in Chicago for child therapy?
The Chicago list has 32 therapists so far. Not every profile names child therapy as a specialty; the focus areas on each one show who takes it on.
Where else in Illinois can I find a child therapist?
Outside Chicago, the Illinois listings with the most therapists are: 16 therapists in Rockford; 15 therapists in Naperville. A therapist licensed in Illinois can work with you by video from anywhere in the state.
How much does child therapy cost in Chicago?
Sessions in Chicago usually run $100–$220. For a sense of scale, twelve weekly sessions at that rate come to about $1,200–$2,640 before insurance or sliding-scale discounts. If you plan to use insurance, check whether the therapist is in network; if not, ask about a sliding scale or a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
At what age should a child start therapy?
Children as young as 3-4 can benefit from play therapy. For older children and teens, talk therapy and CBT are effective. If you're noticing behavioral changes, it's never too early to consult a child therapist.
Should my child see a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
Therapists and counselors provide talk and play therapy. Psychologists do too, and can also carry out formal testing, for example for ADHD or learning differences. Child psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Many families start with a therapist, who can refer on if testing or medication seems worth considering.
Can therapy help my child after a divorce?
Yes. Children often blame themselves, worry about loyalty to each parent, or struggle with moving between two homes. A child therapist gives them a neutral place to talk and can help both parents respond in consistent ways.
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