Christian Child Counseling in Pennsylvania for Kids Ages 3–12
For parents and caregivers
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Counseling
Every child has hard days. Counseling may help when worries, sadness, anger, or behavior changes are strong, last for weeks, or start to get in the way at home, at school, or with friends. The CDC notes that childhood mental health concerns often show up in how a child plays, learns, and behaves, and that a professional evaluation is a good next step when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Does this sound familiar?
Bedtime has become a battle. Your child melts down over small things, clings to you at drop-off, or has gone quiet in a way that isn’t like them. You’ve tried everything you can think of, and you still don’t know what’s going on inside.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Worry or fear that won't settle
Trouble separating, frequent stomachaches, or fears that keep them from school or sleep.
Big feelings and meltdowns
Anger, tears, or outbursts that are more frequent or intense than you would expect for their age.
Changes after a loss or transition
A move, divorce, a new sibling, a death in the family, adoption, or a scary event.
Pulling away
Losing interest in play or friends, seeming sad or flat, or regressing in sleep or toileting.
Struggles at school
Trouble focusing, reports from teachers, conflict with peers, or not wanting to go.
What we help with
How Child Counseling Can Help Your Family
Kids come to counseling for many reasons. These are some of the most common concerns our counselors see in children ages 3 to 12.
Anxiety and worry
Separation fears, nighttime worries, perfectionism, and body-based anxiety like stomachaches.
Anxiety counseling →Anger and big emotions
Naming feelings, calming the body, and practicing better choices when emotions run high.
Anger management →Grief and loss
Death of a loved one or pet, and the losses that come with moves or changing schools.
Grief counseling →Divorce and family changes
Separation, co-parenting transitions, blended families, and new siblings.
Co-parenting counseling →Adoption, foster care, and attachment
Support for kids and parents building trust and connection.
Adoption counseling →Trauma and scary experiences
Gentle, paced care after accidents, medical events, abuse, or frightening events.
Trauma counseling →We also help with behavior at home or school, friendships and social skills, and self-esteem and faith questions. Explore art therapy, counseling for parents, and family counseling, or talk with our care team.
Counseling at a child's level
How Christian Child Counseling Works
Young children usually can't sit and talk through a problem the way adults do. Play is how they communicate. The Association for Play Therapy describes play therapy as most often used with children ages 3 to 12, and notes that results are strongest when a parent or caregiver takes an active part.
Play therapy
Toys, games, sand trays, and pretend play give children a safe way to show what they feel and practice new ways to respond.
Art therapy
Drawing, painting, and clay help kids express what words can't reach. Learn more about art therapy at Grace.
Kid-sized coping skills
Simple, evidence-based tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, like breathing games, feeling charts, and brave steps, that children can use at home and school.
What to expect
Talk with our care team. Tell us about your child, your concerns, and your schedule. We match you with a counselor who fits your child's age and needs.
Parent intake. The first appointment often starts with you, so the counselor can learn your child's history, strengths, and what you have already tried.
Getting comfortable. Early sessions focus on helping your child feel safe and at ease with the counselor through play and conversation. Our guide on how to prepare your child for therapy has simple words to use before the first visit.
Building skills together. Your counselor works with your child on goals you agree on and shares ideas you can use at home.
Checking progress. Regular parent check-ins keep you informed and help adjust the plan as your child grows.
You Don't Have to Choose Between Your Faith and Excellent Care for Your Child
Christ-Centered
Clinically Excellent
Personally Matched
Meet some of our child counselors
Counselors Who Love Working With Kids
These counselors bring training and experience in working with children. Our care team will help you find the best fit based on your child's needs, location, and availability.
Amanda Bell
Works with kids ages 3 to 18 and brings a school counseling background. Uses cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapy to help children build coping skills.
Amanda Prugar
Brings experience from school settings and post-adoption work. Uses person-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral approaches with trauma-informed care.
Liisa Blondeel
More than 30 years of experience with children and families. Uses play and art therapy techniques with younger clients alongside CBT and family-systems work.
Hannah Morris
Uses an integrative approach rooted in art therapy, with practical tools from cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy.
Sarah Wentz
Experience with children, blended families, and adoption. Uses person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and trauma-informed approaches, often with art and play therapy.
Where and how we meet
In-Person Child Counseling Across Western Pennsylvania
Young children do best face to face, so child counseling happens in person at our Western Pennsylvania offices. For some older children, online sessions may be an option depending on your child's needs and counselor availability. Parent coaching sessions can often be held online.
Have a child 13 or older? Our Christian counseling for teens is designed for the questions and pressures of adolescence.
Grace accepts many major insurance plans, including Highmark, UPMC, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Geisinger, and TRICARE. Our care team can help you check your child's benefits before the first visit. See all accepted plans and self-pay rates on our insurance and fees page.
Questions Parents Ask About Christian Child Counseling
What age does Grace start seeing children?
Our counselors work with children as young as 3. This page focuses on kids ages 3 to 12. For ages 13 and up, see our counseling for teens.
How do I know if my child needs counseling?
Consider counseling when worry, sadness, anger, or behavior changes are strong, last more than a few weeks, or get in the way at home, at school, or with friends. A free discovery call can help you decide whether counseling is a good next step.
Will I be in the room during sessions?
It depends on your child's age and needs. Parents are often part of the first session and regular check-ins. Some sessions are one-on-one so your child can build trust with the counselor, and your counselor will explain how they will keep you informed.
How does play therapy help?
Play is how young children communicate. Through toys, art, and games, children can show what they feel, work through hard experiences, and practice new skills in a way that feels natural and safe.
Do you offer online counseling for children?
Young children are seen in person. Online sessions may be available for some older children depending on their needs and counselor availability, and parent coaching can often be held online.
Will faith be part of my child's counseling?
Only as your family wishes. Counselors can include prayer, Bible stories, and reminders of God's love in age-appropriate ways, or keep sessions focused on skills. You decide.
This page offers general education, not individualized clinical advice. Clinically reviewed by Stephen A. Luther, MSEd, MEd, LPC, October 2026. If your child is in danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.