Child / Adolescent

Therapy for Children and Adolescents in Utah

If Your Child Is Struggling, You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone.

Children and adolescents carry emotions that are often bigger than the words they have to describe them. At Riverwoods Behavioral Health, we understand how hard it can be to watch your child struggle. Our child therapists are here to offer compassionate, age-appropriate care for children and adolescents across Utah.

You May Have Noticed Something Has Changed

You know your child better than anyone. And sometimes, that instinct that something’s off is the most important signal of all. If you notice changes in their mood, behavior, sleep, friendships, schoolwork, or confidence, your child may be carrying something they haven’t yet found the words to express.

Reaching out is a sign that you love them—not an admission that something is wrong, or that they’ve misbehaved in some way. We’re here for you and your child, whatever life throws at you.

Does My Child or Teen Need Therapy? Know the Signs

There’s no single list of symptoms that applies to every family. But there are signs that indicate that a child or adolescent may benefit from working with a child therapist:

Big or frequent emotional reactions
Anxiety, worry, or fears
Sadness or withdrawal
Trouble at school
Friendship or family difficulties
Changes in sleep or eating
Low confidence or self-esteem
Difficulty adjusting to a major life change
Anger or frustration that feels hard to manage
Struggling to communicate feelings

What Is Child Therapy?

When you’ve seen the signs that your child is struggling, you want to be able to help. But knowing how to help isn’t always easy. Child therapy is a space where children and teens can begin to understand and express what they’re feeling, with a trained child therapist to guide the conversation.

For younger children, it might involve play, drawing, storytelling, or creative activities—less formal than sitting and talking. For older children and adolescents, it often involves conversation, goal-setting, and practical coping skills.

The Riverwoods Method: How We Support Children and Adolescents

Our child therapists teach emotional tools that can help children and adolescents deal with everyday life—as well as the things that take us by surprise. We work with each child and family to:

Build emotional awareness: Helping children identify and understand what they’re feeling
Manage anxiety and big feelings: Developing practical tools to regulate strong emotions
Develop healthy coping skills: Building strategies that children can use in real life
Build confidence and self-esteem: Supporting a stronger, more secure sense of self
Grow friendships and family relationships: Working through social challenges with guidance and skill-building
Adjust to change: Processing transitions like divorce, moving, loss, or a new school
Support school-related challenges: Addressing academic stress, learning difficulties, and social dynamics at school
Meet our child therapists and find the right fit for your family.

    
 
 
         
   Mitch Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Caring, effective practitioners.  Dr Henrie, Edith & Josh have all been amazing and while I am only half way through ketamine treatments, I would highly recommend it (and them) to anyone struggling with grief, trauma, or other feelings of depression or just struggling to understand their own feelings. I spoke to a number of patients and looked into a few locations, but chose Riverwoods based on the experience of a friend.

Edit:  Finished 6 sessions of Ketamine assisted Therapy and would highly recommend them.
  
 
        
   Casey O'Quinn Parten 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katelyn has been so wonderful and has helped me tremendously. I am so glad I found her!
  
 
        
   Elizabeth Taylor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you're on the search for a therapist who not only listens but genuinely supports and empowers you to overcome your challenges and no longer rely on therapy, look no further. I have only had experiences with Therapists at this practice that possess a rare combination of empathy, insight, and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. Instead of simply nodding along, they actively listened to my concerns, validated my feelings, and offered thoughtful perspectives that helped me gain clarity and understanding. Throughout our sessions, I always felt supported and encouraged. They gently challenged me to confront my fears and limiting beliefs, while also celebrating every milestone and achievement along the way. Their unwavering belief in my ability to grow and heal was incredibly empowering and gave me the strength to push through even the toughest moments.  I've made incredible progress in my journey toward self-discovery and emotional well-being. While therapy was once a crucial lifeline for me, I now feel confident in my ability to navigate life's challenges on my own. I acknowledge the critical role I played in this progress and growth, however, I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support and dedication from the Therapy staff at Riverwoods Behavioral Health.
  
 
        
   Ashlyn Gardner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Riverwoods Behavioral Health has amazing staff and is a beautiful venue too! Can’t say enough good things about Candise. She is the best ! Thanks for everything!
  
 
        
   Crystal Mora 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I underwent ketamine treatment under Miranda’s expert guidance, and the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. Before this, depression and anxiety gripped me, making each day a struggle. Now, I feel a newfound lightness, freedom, and genuine happiness. I've learned to love myself again.

The impact of this treatment is beyond words; it has been life-changing. To say that it pulled me back from the brink of a dark period that might have cost me my life is not an exaggeration. I can't express enough gratitude for the exceptional care I received from Miranda, alongside the incredible team of Marie and Michelle at Riverwoods Behavioral Health. The compassionate work being done at Riverwoods is nothing short of life-saving. I owe my newfound joy and well-being to Miranda and the incredible team – they are true heroes in the realm of mental health.
  
 
        
   Heather Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Trish is wonderful! Of course, there are differences, but being in the mental health field myself, she is  empathetic, understanding, and uses a patient-centered approach. I also strongly support Ketamine assisted psychotherapy!  I’ve participated in many interventions, but IKAP really minimized my intrusive/self critical thought processes the best, helped shift my thoughts to more accurate, logical thoughts, and improved emotional regulation. It was extremely helpful, working as a healthcare worker during COVID-19 on the frontlines.
  
 
        
   Bentley Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This clinic provides outstanding services. I faced a complex billing issue that would usually have been an insurance nightmare. However, Louise, in the billing department, turned this into an exceptionally clear and stress-free process. From day one, she advocated for me with the insurance companies, making sure I only paid what was absolutely necessary.

Why Utah Families Trust Riverwoods Behavioral Health for Child Therapy

Trusting your child’s emotional well-being to anyone is scary, and finding the right child therapist matters. At Riverwoods Behavioral Health, we know that children need someone who can connect with them as a person and make them feel genuinely safe. When you trust Riverwoods you get:

A compassionate approach led with empathy, patience, and care
Clinical expertise provided by trained and licensed therapists
Experienced child therapists that understand child development and adapt their approach to each stage
Individualized care unique to your child
Respect for each child’s personality and family context
A safe, supportive environment where every session is designed to feel comfortable, private, and non-threatening

Frequently asked questions

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Therapy?

If your child is struggling with emotions, behavior, relationships, or daily functioning, child therapy may help. You don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to reach out.

What Age Can Children Start Therapy?

Children can begin therapy as young as three or four years old. Child therapy approaches vary by age. Our child therapists are trained to adapt their approach to your child’s developmental stage.

How Does Therapy Work for Teenagers?

Therapy for teenagers is grounded in respect and privacy. Our therapists work collaboratively with teens, involving them in setting goals and directing the pace of their sessions. Parents are kept informed in age-appropriate ways.

Will Parents Be Involved in Child Therapy?

Yes, and your involvement matters. While much of the child therapy process is private to protect your child’s trust, our therapists will communicate with you regularly about progress, goals, and how you can support your child at home. The level of involvement may shift as your child gets older.

How Long Does Child Therapy Take?

There is no set timeline. Some children make meaningful progress in a few months. Others benefit from longer-term support, particularly when working through deeper emotional challenges or significant life changes.

What Should I Tell My Child Before Their First Therapy Appointment?

Keep it simple and honest. You might say something like, “We are going to meet someone whose job is to help kids talk about their feelings and figure things out.” Avoid framing therapy as a consequence or a punishment. Let your child know it is okay to feel nervous, and that the therapist is someone who is on their side.

Helping Your Child Feel Heard, Understood, and Supported

No one wants to see their child suffer, and at Riverwoods Behavioral Health, we believe in helping each child or young adult find support in the way that works for them. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to make the call.