Child Therapy
Helping Kids Feel Safe, Understood, and Confident
- Anxiety counseling for every age, and EMDR with our EMDR-trained therapist
- In-person in New Lenox and telehealth across Illinois
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- No waiting list, and we reply within 24 hours
Reviewed by Sidra Shoaib, LPC, Anxiety & Emotional Regulation Counselor · Updated October 2026
Child Therapy That Meets Kids
Where They Are
Child therapy in New Lenox, IL helps children work through big feelings, hard changes, and everyday struggles in a way that makes sense to them. Kids do not always have the words for what they are feeling, so we use play, art, stories, and games to help them understand their emotions and learn new ways to cope.
We work with young children and the parents who love them. Whether your child is having meltdowns at home, struggling at school, adjusting to a divorce or a move, or just does not seem like themselves, we are here to help. Families come to our New Lenox office from Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Lockport, and across Will County. Every child is different, so treatment is built around your child’s age, challenges and strengths, and it may include you in sessions as often as it helps.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 children ages 2 to 8 has a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental condition. Getting support early can make a real difference in how children feel about themselves at home, at school, and with friends.
Our child therapists
Which Therapists Work With Children?
Two of our therapists see children. Sidra works with kids as young as 6, and Danielle sees kids 10 and up.
Sidra Shoaib, LPC
I work with children and teens ages 6 to 17 who are dealing with anxiety, school stress, big feelings, and emotional regulation. Having worked inside schools as a school counselor, I know where that pressure really comes from. My goal is for every client to leave feeling empowered and optimistic about their future.
Works with: children and teens ages 6 to 17, and open to adults
Approach: CBT, solution-focused and play-based counseling
Languages: English and Urdu
Insurance: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
Danielle Moon, LSW
I work with children ages 10 and up, teens, and adults who are navigating anxiety, overwhelming emotions, behavior challenges, depression, low self-esteem, and everyday stress.
Works with: kids 10 and up, teens and adults
Approach: strengths-based CBT with breathing and grounding skills
Insurance: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
We match each child with the therapist we think is the best fit for their situation, what they’re struggling with, and their age. If that’s not someone on our team, we’ll refer you to someone who is.
“Play is really the work of childhood.”
– Fred Rogers
In-network with
- Aetna PPO
- Cigna / Evernorth
- BCBS PPO
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
- Initial assessment $200
- Ongoing sessions $150
Insurance and rates
Insurance Accepted
Davis-Smith Mental Health is in network with Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna and Evernorth, UnitedHealthcare, and UMR. Not every therapist is in every network, so we check your plan with you before your first session. If you’d rather pay privately, we can give you a Superbill to use with your out-of-network benefits.
WHEN TO REACH OUT
What We Help Children With
Children come to therapy for many reasons. You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to reach out. These are some of the most common things we help with:
Big Feelings and Meltdowns
Tantrums that last too long, frequent tears, or anger that seems to come out of nowhere.
Worry and Anxiety
Fears that get in the way of school, sleep, or play. Our child anxiety therapy page explains how we help.
Behavior Changes
Acting out at home or school, defiance, or a sudden change in how your child is behaving.
Divorce and Family Changes
Separation, a new sibling, a blended family, or anything that shakes up your child’s sense of home.
Separation Anxiety
Clinging at drop-off, trouble sleeping alone, or panic when a parent leaves the room.
Friendship and Social Skills
Trouble making or keeping friends, feeling left out, or struggling with sharing and taking turns.
School Struggles
Not wanting to go to school, stomachaches on school mornings, or frustration with homework.
Sleep and Bedtime Battles
Fear of the dark, trouble falling asleep alone, or nightmares that keep the whole house up.
Low Self-Esteem
Saying things like “I’m bad at everything” or giving up quickly when something feels hard.
Parents, You Do Not Have to Have All the Answers
Watching your child struggle is one of the hardest parts of being a parent. You have probably tried everything you can think of, and it is okay if nothing has worked yet. Children do not come with instructions, and asking for help shows how much you care.
We see parents as partners. You know your child better than anyone, and we will work alongside you so the progress made in our office carries over at home. All you have to do is make the first call.
How Children Grow in Therapy
How Child Therapy Helps
Child therapy gives kids a safe place to practice new skills and gives parents a clearer picture of what their child needs. Here is what that can look like:
Naming Their Feelings
Learning words for what they feel, so emotions come out in talk instead of tantrums.
Calming Tools That Work
Simple breathing, movement, and grounding skills that kids can actually use when they are upset.
More Confidence
Feeling proud of what they can do and more willing to try new things.
Better Friendships
Practicing sharing, problem-solving, and handling disagreements with other kids.
Smoother Days at Home
Fewer power struggles, easier transitions, and calmer evenings for the whole family.
An Easier Time at School
Feeling ready to learn instead of stuck in worry or frustration.
Healing After Hard Changes
Making sense of divorce, loss, or big transitions in a way that fits their age.
Tools for Parents Too
Clear, practical ways to support your child and respond when things get hard.
What Child Therapy Looks Like
Therapy with young children looks a lot like play, and that is on purpose. Through toys, art, stories, and games, children show us what they are feeling and practice new ways of handling it. A session might involve building with blocks, drawing a worry monster, or acting out a story, all while the therapist gently teaches new skills.
How Parents Are Involved
Parents are a big part of child therapy. We meet with you at the start to learn about your child, give you updates after sessions, and share ideas you can use at home. Children do best when the adults around them are part of the plan.
Some sessions may include you, and some will be just your child and the therapist. Either way, you will always know how things are going.
Child Therapy Close to Home in New Lenox, IL
Our New Lenox office at 100 Batson Court is quiet and simple, with big windows, comfortable couches and a parking lot right outside, so getting a little one in the door is easy. Families come to us from Mokena, Frankfort, Joliet, Lockport, Manhattan and Peotone. Sidra works with children as young as 6, and Danielle sees kids 10 and up.
New Client
How getting started works
It can be overwhelming coming to counseling. Here’s every step, from your first call to the sessions that follow.
Step 1
Reach out
Request a session online or call (815) 409-5940 to schedule your first appointment.
Step 2
Fill out your intake forms
Your welcome email has everything. Finish the forms at least 48 hours before your appointment, on a phone, tablet or computer, and share your preferred times and therapist.
Step 3
We check your benefits
If you’re using insurance, we check your benefits before confirming your appointment, so you have a good idea of your cost before your first visit.
Step 4
Your first session
Check in on the iPad in our waiting room. Your therapist walks you through confidentiality, answers your questions, and gets to know you and your goals.
Step 5
Plan next steps together
Most people start with weekly sessions, at least three to build a connection, then adjust together as things improve.
Gentle, Playful, and Built for Kids
Our Approach to Child Therapy
At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we know that children show us what they feel long before they can tell us. Our therapists are warm and patient, and they take time to build trust through play before diving into the harder work.
We use play-based techniques and approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for kids, and we often work on emotional regulation and anxiety together, since they tend to show up side by side in young children.
Our goal is to help your child feel safe, understood, and capable, and to give your family tools that make home feel calmer.
We proudly serve families in New Lenox, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Lockport, and the surrounding communities. Learn what to expect when you get started.
Personalized care
Licensed, caring therapists
Every therapist on our team works with anxiety. We will match you with the right person for your child.
Anxiety at the center
Anxiety is the foundation of everything we do.
EMDR-trained care
EMDR helps clients process what talk therapy alone can’t reach.
Every age and stage
From children and teens to young adults and adults.
In-person and telehealth
Our New Lenox office or secure online therapy for clients in Illinois.
Child Therapy
Questions From Parents
Get Your Child the Support They Deserve
Tell us a little about what is going on. We will match you with the right therapist and reach out to schedule.
Trouble seeing the form? Open it in a new window or call us at (815) 409-5940.
What People Are Saying About Us
5.0 Based on 6 Google reviews
“Davis-Smith Mental Health truly cares about their clients. The therapists are compassionate, skilled, and genuinely committed to helping you grow and heal. It’s clear that Jessica has built a team that shares her values and dedication. Highly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful support and real results.”
Kasia Budyn · Posted on Google
“Jessica provides a safe and welcoming environment for all the teens she sees. She tailors treatment to each teen and is incredibly patient and open to their needs. I have seen first hand the work she does and the connection she has with kids. I cannot recommend her enough as someone who will care for your teen and your family!”
Google User · Posted on Google
“Davis-Smith Mental Health is a trusted resource for providing compassionate, high-quality therapy for teens and emerging adults. I know confidently that clients are supported with empathy, professionalism, and respect. Jessica leads her team with integrity and intention. She clearly prioritizes the well-being of her staff, which allows them to show up fully for the clients they serve. Their commitment to the healing journey is evident in every interaction. I’m grateful to have them as a referral partner and deeply value their work in the mental health community.”
Sherri Wick · Posted on Google
“Jessica is a dedicated therapist and absolutely loves working with teens. You are able to feel the love from the moment you walk through the door. She and her staff will provide a safe and private environment for that one on one attention you deserve.”
Melanie K. Hall · Posted on Google
“Jessica and her team are so passionate and helpful! I would recommend this practice to anyone looking!”
Biljana Krzywinski · Posted on Google
More ways we can help
Other Ways We Help
Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety is the most common reason families come to us, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether your teen is avoiding school, your young adult can’t stop overthinking, or worry has taken over your daily life, we can help. Our therapists use CBT and EMDR to help clients understand what’s driving their anxiety and build real tools to manage it.
Teen Anxiety Counseling
The teen years are when anxiety tends to hit the hardest. School pressure, social stress, comparison, and the weight of figuring out who they are can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and stuck. We work with teens to understand what’s behind the anxiety and give them real skills they can actually use, at school, at home, and in the moments that feel like too much.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched approach for trauma, and it’s also used for anxiety. It works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories and experiences that are keeping you stuck. Our EMDR-trained therapist works with teens, young adults, and adults.
Depression Therapy
Depression and anxiety often show up together. If your teen has lost interest in things they used to enjoy, is sleeping too much or too little, or seems hopeless about the future, therapy can help. We work with clients to find what’s underneath the depression and build a path forward that actually feels possible.
Trauma Counseling
Trauma is one of the most common drivers of anxiety in teenagers and young adults. It doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. It can show up as constant worry, anger, trouble concentrating, or emotional shutdown. Our therapists help clients work through trauma at their own pace, in a space where they feel safe.
Emotional Regulation
When anxiety runs high, emotions feel unmanageable. Some children, teens, and adults feel everything. Small frustrations become explosions. Sadness becomes despair. We help clients understand their patterns and develop strategies for handling intense feelings without shutting down or lashing out.
Relationship Counseling
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. It changes how they show up in every relationship. We help teens, young adults, and adults work through the ways anxiety and other challenges are impacting their connections with family, friends, and partners.
Life Transitions
Starting high school. Leaving for college. A new job, a divorce, a move. Life transitions can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, even when the change is something you wanted. We help clients work through the uncertainty and build confidence in who they’re becoming.
Young Adult Counseling
The years between 18 and 30 come with a unique kind of pressure. A lot of young adults are dealing with anxiety they’ve carried since their teenage years but never had the chance to address. We help them get unstuck and start building a life that feels like theirs.
Learn More About Child Therapy
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You don’t have to figure this out alone
If something told you to keep reading this far, trust that feeling. Whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or your young adult, the hardest part is deciding to start. We are here when you are ready.
there is courage in change ♥
- Anxiety counseling for children, teens and adults
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- Telehealth for clients in Illinois
- In-person in New Lenox
- EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma
- We truly care about every client
- There is courage in change