Child Therapy in Wichita: 8 Signs Your Child Needs Help

When to seek professional support for your child’s emotional and behavioral challenges

Your child isn’t acting like themselves. Maybe their grades are dropping, they’re having meltdowns over small things, or they’ve withdrawn from friends and activities they used to love. You’re wondering: Is this just a phase, or does my child need professional help?

As a parent, knowing when to seek child therapy can be one of the hardest decisions you’ll make. You don’t want to overreact, but you also don’t want to wait too long if your child is struggling.

At Resolutions Therapy in Wichita, Kansas, we specialize in working with children from ages 0-18. Our experienced child therapists, including Danielle Mapes, LMSW, who has nearly 20 years of experience working with children, and Julia Baldares, LPC, with her strong background in education and school-based mental health, understand child development and know how to help kids navigate their emotional and behavioral challenges.

What Is Child Therapy?

Child therapy (also called pediatric counseling or children’s mental health treatment) is a specialized form of therapy designed to help children process emotions, develop coping skills, and navigate developmental challenges in age-appropriate ways.

Unlike adult therapy, which relies heavily on talk therapy, child therapy uses play, art, games, and other creative methods to help children express what they’re feeling when they don’t yet have the words to describe it.

How Child Therapy Differs from Adult Therapy

Children’s brains are still developing, which means they process emotions and experiences differently than adults. Effective child therapy meets kids where they are developmentally:

• Play-based approaches – Using toys, games, and activities to help children express feelings
• Age-appropriate communication – Speaking in ways children can understand
• Parent involvement – Working with parents to reinforce skills at home
• Shorter sessions – Matching children’s attention spans
• Focus on behaviors – Helping children change problematic behaviors, not just talk about feelings

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, therapy is effective for a wide range of childhood mental health issues when provided by properly trained professionals.

8 Signs Your Child Needs Therapy

Every child goes through difficult periods, but certain signs indicate professional help could make a significant difference. Here are eight signs your child might benefit from therapy:

1. Behavioral Changes That Persist

All children have bad days, but when behavioral changes last for weeks or months, it’s time to pay attention.

Watch for:

• Increased aggression or defiance
• Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
• Excessive clinginess or separation anxiety
• Regression to earlier behaviors (bedwetting, baby talk)
• Risk-taking or reckless behavior

2. Declining School Performance

When a previously engaged student starts struggling academically, it often signals emotional distress rather than just academic difficulty.

Red flags include:

• Dropping grades despite effort
• Refusing to go to school or frequent “sick” days
• Difficulty concentrating or completing homework
• Complaints from teachers about behavior
• Loss of interest in learning

Julia Baldares, LPC, at Resolutions Therapy has extensive experience in school-based mental health and can help identify whether academic struggles are connected to emotional issues like anxiety, ADHD, or learning challenges.

3. Excessive Worry or Anxiety

While some worry is normal, excessive anxiety interferes with a child’s ability to enjoy life and participate in age-appropriate activities.

Signs of anxiety in children:

• Constant worry about everyday situations
• Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical cause
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Avoiding social situations or new experiences
• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes

4. Mood Changes or Persistent Sadness

Children can experience depression, though it often looks different than adult depression.

Warning signs:

• Persistent sadness or irritability (yes, irritability can signal depression in kids)
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Talking about death or self-harm

Note: Any mention of self-harm or suicidal thoughts requires immediate professional attention. Call Resolutions Therapy at (316) 721-8118 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

5. Trauma or Major Life Changes

Significant life events can overwhelm a child’s coping abilities, even if the event seems minor to adults.

Triggering events include:

• Divorce or parental separation
• Death of a family member or pet
• Moving to a new home or school
• Witnessing violence or experiencing abuse
• Serious illness (their own or a loved one’s)
• Bullying or peer rejection

Danielle Mapes, LMSW, has nearly 20 years of experience helping children process trauma, including work with foster care, at-risk youth, and families navigating difficult transitions.

6. Difficulty With Friendships and Social Situations

Children who struggle to make or keep friends may need support developing social skills.

Look for:

• Consistent peer rejection or bullying
• Inability to read social cues
• Extreme shyness or social anxiety
• Aggressive behavior with peers
• Isolation or preference to be alone constantly

7. ADHD, Autism, or Other Neurodevelopmental Concerns

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodevelopmental conditions, therapy can provide crucial support.

Therapy helps children:

• Develop coping strategies for symptoms
• Build social skills
• Manage emotional regulation
• Navigate challenges at school and home

Danielle Mapes has specialized experience working with children with special needs, including background in early childhood and special education.

8. Your Parental Instinct Says Something Is Wrong

Sometimes you can’t point to one specific thing, but you know your child isn’t okay. Trust that instinct.

If you’re thinking:

• “This doesn’t feel like my child anymore”
• “Something is off but I can’t explain what”
• “We’ve tried everything and nothing is working”
• “I’m worried but don’t know if I’m overreacting”

…it’s worth scheduling a consultation. You know your child best.

What to Expect in Child Therapy at Resolutions

Many parents feel anxious about bringing their child to therapy. Here’s what typically happens during the child therapy process at Resolutions Therapy in Wichita:

Initial Parent Consultation

Your child’s first session often begins with a parent meeting (without the child present) where you’ll discuss:

• Your child’s developmental history
• Current concerns and challenges
• Family dynamics and home environment
• School performance and peer relationships
• Goals for therapy

Building Rapport With Your Child

The therapist will spend time getting to know your child through play, games, or age-appropriate conversation. This relationship-building is crucial—children open up when they feel safe and understood.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Through observation and interaction, your child’s therapist will assess:

• Emotional regulation skills
• Coping mechanisms (healthy and unhealthy)
• Social skills and communication patterns
• Behavioral patterns and triggers
• Developmental appropriateness

Together with you, the therapist will create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Therapeutic Approaches Used

Our child therapists at Resolutions use evidence-based approaches including:

• Play Therapy – Using play to help children express feelings
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Teaching children to identify and change negative thought patterns
• Solution-Focused Therapy – Helping children identify strengths and solutions
• Narrative Therapy – Helping children rewrite their stories
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy – Coaching parents in real-time

Parent Involvement

Successful child therapy almost always involves parent participation. Your therapist will:

• Update you on progress (age-appropriately respecting your child’s confidentiality)
• Teach you strategies to use at home
• Help you understand your child’s behavior
• Address parenting challenges
• Coordinate with schools when appropriate

Child Therapy Specialists at Resolutions Therapy

At Resolutions Therapy, we’re committed to providing expert, compassionate care for children and their families. Our child therapy specialists bring extensive experience working with kids of all ages:

Danielle Mapes, LMSW

Danielle has nearly 20 years of professional experience working with children. Her background includes:

• Early childhood education and special education
• Work with at-risk youth and foster care systems
• Experience with children ages 0-18
• Specialization in children with comorbidities (multiple diagnoses)
• Crisis intervention for children and families

Danielle uses Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Crisis Intervention to help children overcome challenges including ADHD, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, and trauma.

Julia Baldares, LPC

Julia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong background in education and school-based mental health. Her experience includes:

• School-based counseling and educational settings
• Understanding of academic challenges and learning
• Experience with children and adolescents
• Collaborative approach with schools and parents

Julia’s education background makes her particularly effective at identifying when emotional issues are impacting school performance and working with families to address both academic and mental health needs.

Three Convenient Wichita Locations

We offer child therapy at all three of our Wichita locations:

• West Wichita: 982 N. Tyler Suite B, Wichita, KS 67212
• Downtown Wichita: 807 N Waco Ave, Ste 11, Wichita, KS 67203
• East Wichita: 8080 E. Central Suite 230, Wichita, KS 67206

We also offer telehealth sessions for families who prefer online therapy or have scheduling constraints.

Common Issues We Treat in Child Therapy

Our child therapists at Resolutions have experience helping children with:

• Anxiety Disorders – Generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias
• Depression – Childhood depression, persistent sadness, loss of interest
• ADHD – Attention challenges, hyperactivity, impulse control
• Behavioral Issues – Defiance, aggression, oppositional behavior
• Trauma and PTSD – Abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, accidents
• Grief and Loss – Death of loved ones, divorce, major changes
• School-Related Issues – Bullying, academic stress, social difficulties
• Autism Spectrum Disorders – Social skills, emotional regulation, sensory issues
• Self-Esteem Issues – Low confidence, negative self-image
• Family Transitions – Divorce, remarriage, new siblings, moving

How to Talk to Your Child About Therapy

Many parents wonder how to introduce the idea of therapy to their child. Here are some age-appropriate ways to approach the conversation:

For Younger Children (Ages 3-7)

“We’re going to meet someone who helps kids with their big feelings. They have toys and games, and they’re really good at helping kids feel better.”

For Elementary-Age Children (Ages 8-11)

“I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling [sad/worried/angry] lately. We’re going to see someone called a therapist who helps kids figure out their feelings and teaches helpful ways to handle tough situations.”

For Teens (Ages 12-18)

“I want to support you through what you’re going through. A therapist is like a coach for your mental health—someone who’s on your side and can give you tools to handle challenges. Would you be open to trying it?”

Key points to emphasize:

• Therapy is not a punishment
• Lots of kids go to therapy
• The therapist is there to help, not judge
• You can talk about anything
• We love you and want to support you

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy

How long does child therapy take?

The length of therapy varies based on your child’s needs. Some children benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions) focused on specific issues, while others may need longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to determine the appropriate timeline and will regularly reassess progress.

Will my child talk to me about what happens in therapy?

Therapists balance your child’s need for confidentiality with your right as a parent to know what’s happening. Your therapist will share general themes and progress while respecting your child’s privacy about specific session content. This helps children feel safe opening up.

What if my child refuses to talk to the therapist?

It’s completely normal for children to be hesitant initially. Skilled child therapists don’t rely solely on talking—they use play, art, games, and other activities to build rapport and help children express themselves. Most children warm up within a few sessions.

Does insurance cover child therapy in Wichita?

Many insurance plans cover children’s mental health services. Resolutions Therapy accepts most major insurance providers. Call us at (316) 721-8118 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.

Should I stay in the session with my child?

For very young children (typically under 5), parents often participate in sessions. For older children, therapists usually meet with the child individually while checking in with parents before or after sessions. Your therapist will recommend what’s best for your child’s age and comfort level.

Can therapy help with school problems?

Yes. Child therapists can help with various school-related issues including academic anxiety, bullying, social difficulties, and behavioral problems. Julia Baldares’ background in school-based mental health makes her particularly effective at addressing educational challenges. With your permission, therapists can also collaborate with your child’s school.

Start Your Child’s Journey to Healing

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional or behavioral wellbeing, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The child therapy specialists at Resolutions Therapy in Wichita are here to support your family.

With nearly 20 years of experience helping children, Danielle Mapes, LMSW, understands the unique challenges kids face—from early childhood through the teen years. Julia Baldares, LPC, brings her school-based expertise to help children struggling with academic and social challenges.

Together, our team provides compassionate, effective care that helps children develop the skills they need to thrive.

Ready to Help Your Child Feel Better?

Call Resolutions Therapy Today

Phone: (316) 721-8118

Three Convenient Wichita Locations:

West Wichita: 982 N. Tyler Suite B, Wichita, KS 67212
Downtown Wichita: 807 N Waco Ave, Ste 11, Wichita, KS 67203
East Wichita: 8080 E. Central Suite 230, Wichita, KS 67206

Your child deserves support. Early intervention makes a difference.

Related Services at Resolutions Therapy

• Teen Counseling
• Family Therapy
• ADHD Treatment
• Anxiety Therapy for Children
• Behavioral Issues
• Trauma Therapy

About This Article: Written by the team at Resolutions Therapy to help Wichita parents recognize when their child needs professional support.

Early intervention makes a difference. Call (316) 721-8118 to schedule a consultation for your child today.