Expert therapy for children and adolescents—helping young people manage emotions, develop healthy behaviors, and thrive at home, school, and with peers
Our licensed therapists provide evidence-based child therapy and teen therapy in Greater New Orleans and throughout Louisiana through both in-person sessions and secure teletherapy. We offer specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma, and other challenges affecting children and teens.
Evidence-Based Therapy for Children and Adolescents
We provide specialized therapy for children and teens facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Our licensed therapists use proven treatment approaches to help young people develop healthy coping skills, manage difficult emotions, and build resilience across all areas of life.
Child therapy and teen therapy at The Terrebonne Group focuses on the unique developmental needs of children and adolescents. We work with young people struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, trauma, ADHD, and other concerns that affect their well-being at home, school, and in relationships. Our goal is to support each child’s healthy development while providing support to parents and families throughout the treatment process.
Every child and adolescent is unique. We tailor our treatment approaches to match your child’s age, developmental stage, personality, and specific challenges. Whether your child needs play-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, or specialized interventions for trauma, our clinical child and adolescent specialists create individualized treatment plans that address the whole child.
We offer both in-person therapy at our New Orleans office and secure teletherapy for families throughout Louisiana, making quality care accessible when and where you need it.
Different Types of Therapy for Children and Teens
We use a range of evidence-based behavioral and cognitive therapies tailored to your child's needs, age, and presenting concerns.
Play Therapy (Ages 5-10)
For younger children, play therapy provides a natural way for them to express feelings and process experiences. Through play, children communicate what they cannot yet put into words. Our therapists use therapeutic play techniques to help children work through trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and family challenges in developmentally appropriate ways.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Ages 8-18)
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and effective treatment approaches for children and adolescents. CBT helps young people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. This structured approach teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. Research shows that cognitive behavior therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of many childhood conditions.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Ages 6-18)
For children and teens who have experienced trauma, we offer specialized trauma treatment. Trauma-Focused CBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive approaches to help young people process difficult experiences safely. This evidence-based intervention helps children and adolescents reduce trauma symptoms and develop healthy coping strategies.
Family Therapy (All Ages)
Family therapy recognizes that a child's behavior occurs within the family system. We work with parents, caregivers, and family members to improve communication, address family dynamics, and strengthen relationships. Family therapy can be particularly helpful when behaviors affect the entire household or when family members need support understanding and responding to a child's challenges.
Psychodynamic Therapy for Adolescents (Ages 14-18)
For older teenagers, psychodynamic approaches help teens develop deeper self-understanding and explore identity issues. This traditional therapy focuses on how past experiences affect current feelings and behaviors. Teens engage in talk therapy to understand themselves better, navigate complex emotions, and work through relationship challenges.
Parent Training & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (Ages 2-12)
Parent training interventions teach caregivers effective strategies for managing their child's behavior. For younger children, we incorporate techniques from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy to strengthen the parent-child relationship while addressing behavioral concerns. Parents learn specific skills to encourage positive behaviors and respond effectively to challenging behaviors.
Different Types of Therapy for Children and Teens
We use a range of evidence-based behavioral and cognitive therapies tailored to your child's needs, age, and presenting concerns.
Play Therapy (Ages 5-10)
For younger children, play therapy provides a natural way for them to express feelings and process experiences. Through play, children communicate what they cannot yet put into words. Our therapists use therapeutic play techniques to help children work through trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and family challenges in developmentally appropriate ways.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Ages 8-18)
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and effective treatment approaches for children and adolescents. CBT helps young people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. This structured approach teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. Research shows that cognitive behavior therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of many childhood conditions.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Ages 6-18)
For children and teens who have experienced trauma, we offer specialized trauma treatment. Trauma-Focused CBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive approaches to help young people process difficult experiences safely. This evidence-based intervention helps children and adolescents reduce trauma symptoms and develop healthy coping strategies.
Family Therapy (All Ages)
Family therapy recognizes that a child's behavior occurs within the family system. We work with parents, caregivers, and family members to improve communication, address family dynamics, and strengthen relationships. Family therapy can be particularly helpful when behaviors affect the entire household or when family members need support understanding and responding to a child's challenges.
Psychodynamic Therapy for Adolescents (Ages 14-18)
For older teenagers, psychodynamic approaches help teens develop deeper self-understanding and explore identity issues. This traditional therapy focuses on how past experiences affect current feelings and behaviors. Teens engage in talk therapy to understand themselves better, navigate complex emotions, and work through relationship challenges.
Parent Training & Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (Ages 2-12)
Parent training interventions teach caregivers effective strategies for managing their child's behavior. For younger children, we incorporate techniques from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy to strengthen the parent-child relationship while addressing behavioral concerns. Parents learn specific skills to encourage positive behaviors and respond effectively to challenging behaviors.
Secure Online Therapy for Children & Teens Throughout Louisiana
Can’t make it to our New Orleans office? We offer HIPAA-compliant teletherapy (online therapy) for children and adolescents living anywhere in Louisiana.
Many families find teletherapy convenient and effective, especially for teens who may feel more comfortable talking from home, families with busy schedules, or those in areas outside Greater New Orleans.
How Therapy Helps Children and Teens
Our therapists provide treatment for children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
Click on each treatment to learn more.
- Emotional & Mood Concerns
- Behavioral Challenges
- Trauma & Loss
- Social & Relationship Issues
- School-Related Concerns
- Other Concerns
Anxiety: Separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, fears and phobias, panic disorder
Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, difficulty with daily activities
Stress: Overwhelm from school, family changes, social pressures, or life transitions
Low Self-Esteem: Negative self-talk, feelings of inadequacy, difficulty recognizing strengths
Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing big feelings, emotional outbursts, mood swings
Anger Management: Frequent outbursts, difficulty controlling temper, aggressive behavior
Oppositional Behavior: Defiance, refusing to follow rules, arguing with authority figures
Impulse Control: Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting, risky behaviors
School Behavior Problems: Disruption in class, conflicts with teachers or peers, rule-breaking
Attention Difficulties (ADHD): Trouble focusing, hyperactivity, impulsivity affecting school and home
Trauma: Effects of abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, accidents, or other traumatic events
Grief and Loss: Difficulty coping with death of loved ones, pet loss, or other significant losses
PTSD Symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance following traumatic experiences
Social Skills Development: Difficulty making or keeping friends, reading social cues, age-appropriate interactions
Bullying: Being bullied by peers or engaging in bullying behaviors
Peer Relationship Difficulties: Conflicts with friends, feeling left out, social isolation
Family Discord: Conflict with parents or siblings, tension in family relationships
School Performance: Declining grades, difficulty completing work, lack of motivation
School Refusal: Anxiety about attending school, avoidance, physical complaints before school
Academic Stress: Pressure to perform, test anxiety, perfectionism
Learning Difficulties: Struggles that may affect emotional well-being and self-esteem
Identity & Sexuality Questions: Exploration of identity, questions about sexuality, coming out concerns
Substance Use Concerns: Experimentation with or concerns about drugs or alcohol
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Cutting, other self-injurious behaviors, thoughts of suicide (requires immediate intervention)
Eating or Body Image Concerns: Unhealthy relationship with food, negative body image, disordered eating patterns
The Therapy Process
Initial Assessment & Consultation
Therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment where our therapist meets with parents and your child or teen to understand the concerns, history, and family dynamics. For younger children, much of the initial session involves talking with parents. For teens, we balance getting information from both the adolescent and parents while respecting the teen's privacy.
During this first session, we'll discuss:
Current symptoms and behaviors of concern
When difficulties started and what might have triggered them
How challenges affect school, family, friends, and daily life
Your child's strengths, interests, and what they enjoy
Family dynamics and relationships
Previous treatment or interventions tried
Your goals for therapy
Individualized Treatment Plan
Following the assessment, your therapist creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child's specific needs, age, and developmental stage. This plan outlines:
Specific therapeutic approaches that will be used
How often sessions will occur (typically weekly)
Expected length of treatment
How parents and caregivers will be involved
Whether family therapy sessions are recommended
Potential collaboration with schools or other providers
Clear, measurable goals
Therapy Sessions
For Children (Ages 5-12): Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes and may include play-based activities, art, games, and age-appropriate talk therapy. Young children often communicate through play rather than words, so our therapists create a safe space where children feel free to express themselves naturally. Parents are updated regularly and may have periodic parent sessions to learn strategies for supporting their child at home.
For Teens (Ages 13-18): Teen therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes of talk therapy where adolescents work one-on-one with their therapist. Teenagers engage in conversations about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Therapists use different types of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavior therapy, problem-solving, and skills development. We respect teens' need for privacy while keeping parents appropriately informed about progress and any safety concerns.
In-Person & Teletherapy Options
We offer both in-person therapy sessions at our New Orleans office and secure teletherapy throughout Louisiana. Many families appreciate the flexibility of choosing between in-person and virtual sessions based on their needs, schedule, and preferences.
Teletherapy works well for:
Families living outside the Greater New Orleans area
Teens who feel more comfortable talking from home
Busy families with scheduling or transportation challenges
Continuation of care during illness, travel, or school breaks
Adolescents who prefer the privacy of virtual sessions
Our therapists are skilled at building rapport and providing effective treatment through both formats. The therapeutic process and techniques remain the same whether sessions are in-person or virtual.
Parent Involvement & Communication
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their child's progress. The level and nature of parent involvement varies by age:
Younger Children: Parents typically have regular check-ins and may participate in parent training to learn behavior management strategies
School-Age Children: Balance of child sessions and periodic parent sessions to coordinate approaches
Teens: Less frequent parent updates to respect adolescent privacy, with teen's knowledge of what's shared
We also provide:
Strategies for supporting your child at home
Guidance on responding to challenging behaviors
Communication about progress and treatment adjustments
Coordination with schools, pediatricians, and other providers
Collaboration with Schools & Other Providers
With your permission, we collaborate with your child's school, pediatrician, psychiatrist (if medication is involved), and other professionals to ensure coordinated care. This may include:
Communication with teachers about behavioral strategies
Consultation with school counselors
Coordination with psychiatrists regarding medication
Partnership with pediatricians on overall health
Recommendations for additional services like tutoring or testing
When Should a Child or Teen Start Therapy?
Many parents wonder at what age a child should start therapy or whether their teen really needs professional support. The answer: therapy can be helpful at any age when a child or adolescent is struggling with emotions, behaviors, or relationships that interfere with their daily life and well-being.
Signs Your Child (Ages 5-12) Might Benefit from Therapy
Persistent sadness, worry, or fearfulness lasting several weeks
Significant changes in behavior, mood, or personality
Frequent tantrums, outbursts, or aggressive behaviors beyond what’s typical for their age
Difficulty making or keeping friends
Declining school performance or refusing to go to school
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical cause
Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or bedwetting after being trained
Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
Excessive worry about parents or family members
Regression to younger behaviors (baby talk, clinginess)
Difficulty adjusting to family changes (divorce, new sibling, move)
Experienced trauma, abuse, or significant loss
Signs Your Teen (Ages 13-18) Might Benefit from Therapy
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
Withdrawal from family and friends
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Declining grades or loss of interest in school
Increased risk-taking or reckless behaviors
Substance use or experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Self-harm behaviors (cutting, burning) or talk of suicide
Intense anger or frequent conflicts
Anxiety that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty managing stress or emotions
Concerns about identity or sexuality they’re struggling to navigate
Trauma or loss they’re having trouble processing
Signs Your Child (Ages 5-12) Might Benefit from Therapy
Persistent sadness, worry, or fearfulness lasting several weeks
Significant changes in behavior, mood, or personality
Frequent tantrums, outbursts, or aggressive behaviors beyond what’s typical for their age
Difficulty making or keeping friends
Declining school performance or refusing to go to school
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) with no medical cause
Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or bedwetting after being trained
Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
Excessive worry about parents or family members
Regression to younger behaviors (baby talk, clinginess)
Difficulty adjusting to family changes (divorce, new sibling, move)
Experienced trauma, abuse, or significant loss
Signs Your Teen (Ages 13-18) Might Benefit from Therapy
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
Withdrawal from family and friends
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Declining grades or loss of interest in school
Increased risk-taking or reckless behaviors
Substance use or experimentation with drugs or alcohol
Self-harm behaviors (cutting, burning) or talk of suicide
Intense anger or frequent conflicts
Anxiety that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty managing stress or emotions
Concerns about identity or sexuality they’re struggling to navigate
Trauma or loss they’re having trouble processing
When to Seek Immediate Help
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your child or teen:
• Expresses intent to harm themselves or others
• Has attempted suicide or self-harm
• Is experiencing psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, severe paranoia)
• Shows signs of severe distress they cannot manage
Experienced Therapists Specializing in Children and Teens
Our licensed therapists have extensive training in child and adolescent development and evidence-based treatment approaches for young people.
Dr. Monica Stevens, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist | Child & Adolescent Specialist
Dr. Stevens is an experienced clinical child and adolescent psychologist who has worked with children, teens, and families in diverse settings throughout New Orleans and Louisiana. She provides evidence-based therapy using behavioral and cognitive therapies tailored to each young person’s developmental stage and needs.
Dr. Stevens completed her training in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Tulane University, where she has served as Assistant Professor since 2013. Her experience includes providing psychological services in the Orleans Parish school system, inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment facilities, juvenile justice centers, and community clinics. She continues to teach about trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD assessment and treatment
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Depression and mood concerns
Behavioral issues and oppositional defiance
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
School problems and academic stress
Social skills development
Parent training and family interventions
Dr. Stevens is Queer Allied and Racial Justice Allied, providing affirming, culturally competent care to all children, teens, and families. She offers both in-person therapy at our New Orleans office and secure teletherapy throughout Louisiana.
Help Your Child or Teen Thrive
If your child or teenager is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, we're here to help. Our licensed therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based child therapy and teen therapy that supports young people's development and well-being.
Early intervention can make a significant difference. Research shows that children and adolescents who receive treatment early often experience better long-term outcomes. Don't wait—reach out today to discuss how we can support your child.
We provide child therapy and teen therapy through in-person sessions at our New Orleans office and secure teletherapy for families throughout Louisiana.
To schedule an initial consultation: Call (504) 864-0800 or send us your request through the form.
Ready to Begin?
Help Your Child or Teen Thrive
If your child or teenager is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, we're here to help. Our licensed therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based child therapy and teen therapy that supports young people's development and well-being.
Early intervention can make a significant difference. Research shows that children and adolescents who receive treatment early often experience better long-term outcomes. Don't wait—reach out today to discuss how we can support your child.
We provide child therapy and teen therapy through in-person sessions at our New Orleans office and secure teletherapy for families throughout Louisiana.
To schedule an initial consultation: Call (504) 864-0800 or send us your request through the form.
