Do I need a diagnosis to start?

No. You do not always need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy. We can discuss your needs, concerns, and goals during the initial consultation and help determine what type of support may be appropriate.

What ages do you serve?

We provide therapy and support for children, teens, and adults. The best way to determine whether our services are a good fit is to contact us and discuss your needs and goals.

Is this covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on your individual insurance plan and the services you receive. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding your specific benefits. We can also provide information about our fees and payment options.

How is therapy different for kids?

Therapy is personalized to each child's individual strengths, communication style, sensory needs, and goals. For children, we focus on creating a supportive, comfortable environment while helping develop skills such as communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, independence, and everyday functioning.

Can I switch therapists if it's not a good fit?

Absolutely. A strong relationship between the child, family, and therapist is important for successful therapy. If you feel that your current therapist isn't the right fit, please let us know. We'll work with you to find a better match whenever possible.

What if we move to another state?

If you move to another state, please let us know as soon as possible. Because therapy licensing requirements vary by state, we may not always be able to continue providing services after you move. We can help you understand your options and, when possible, assist with finding an appropriate provider in your new location.

Child Therapist Near Me

BUILT FOR KIDS AND TEENS

With the right care team, school struggles stop running the show.

Our clinicians specialize in kids and teens, from evaluation through ongoing treatment. We work on focus, mood, and behavior, and the frustration that builds when a child's world isn't built for how they think.

Fast virtual access to a licensed therapist.

Age-specific care from early childhood through the teen years.

Support and guidance for parents and caregivers.

Measurement-based care to track real progress.

THE BACKPACK DIFFERENCE

A model built for the realities of childhood.

Fast access to care

95% of patients begin care within 3 days of referral, cutting the wait that so often gets in the way.

Age-informed therapy

Clinicians trained in child and adolescent development, including cognitive and behavioral approaches suited to each age.

Continuity through change

Care that stays with your child through school transitions, moves, and everyday life changes.

Support for caregivers

Guidance for parents on what they're seeing at home and how to respond.

Medicaid-focused expertise

Built to serve Medicaid-enrolled families, with billing and eligibility handled for you.

Parents stay in the loop

Our care coordinators keep you informed and involved at every step, without slowing care down.

How therapy works AT THIS AGE

You set the goals. In your own words.

45–50 minutes per session, or shorter and more frequent, based on what works.

45–50

Minutes per session

Real conversations. Real skill-building. Not rushed.

Your child.

They're the patient

We meet them where they are, not just where you'd like them to be.

CBT · Play · Family

Approaches that work

Matched to age, from play-based work with younger kids to CBT and family sessions for teens.

This week

Practical tools

Practical tools. Things your child can actually use between sessions.

Okay.

Not sure yet?

If you don't know what you need yet, that's okay. We'll figure it out together.

Therapy when you've never done it before

Maybe your child has never talked about this stuff.

Maybe they've been told to push through, or been the strong one so long they don't know what it feels like to put something down.

Here's what to know.

They don't need to have it figured out.

That's the whole part of starting.

They don't need a diagnosis.

A rough week is enough of a reason.

It's not weird to feel weird about it.

Most kids do, at first, and that fades.

You can stop, switch, or change direction

Anytime. Always. This is your call.

When life is in motion

Care should work with that—not against it.

A lot is changing right now: school, schedules, routines, who's helping out. Here's how we keep up.

Evenings & weekends

Real appointment times. Not just half-hour lunch slots.

Evenings & weekends

From home, from the car, from a quiet corner. No drive, no waiting room.

School schedule changes

We work around the school year, not against it.

If you move out of state

We'll help you find someone good before we let you go.

Insurance changes? Tell us

We'll figure it out. We accept Medicaid and are in-network with major plans.

Can't pay? Tell us

We won't drop you for a missed bill. We'll work with you.

IF YOU'RE JUGGLING A LOT RIGHT NOW

A lot, sometimes all at once. Piece by piece.

We work with families who are dealing with more than one thing at a time. You don't need to have it all sorted before you reach out.

Coordinate with your child's pediatrician or school if it helps

Help with insurance paperwork

Coverage-gap support

Connect with other providers your child is already seeing

Work with you through changes in address, custody, or coverage

Stick with you when things shift

WHAT IT COSTS

Most families pay $0

Medicaid

Most families pay nothing

We accept 100+ insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE in MD, VA, MI, IL, and GA. Most families pay nothing per visit.

No copay

No referral needed (most plans)

Therapy + psychiatry included

Commercial insurance

In-network with major plans

$15–$40_/Visit

Typical per-visit copay range, depending ony our plan.

Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare · and more

100+ Insurance plans accepted

We verify before your first visit

Self-pay

Transparent rates

$96_/Visit

Individual therapy, 60 minutes. Sliding-scale and group rates available.

Group sessions from $44

Sliding scale available

Get in touch — we'll figure it out

No surprise bills.

We tell you what you owe before you owe it. If anything changes, we tell you before the next visit.

Questions parents ask

You're not the only one wondering.

How do I find a child therapist close to home?

Backpack Healthcare offers both in-person and online options across the states we serve, so "near you" can mean your living room too.

Could my child's behavior at school be a sign of a mental health concern?

It can be — sudden changes in focus, mood, or behavior at school are common reasons families reach out for an evaluation.

What age can kids start therapy?

There's no minimum age — our clinicians work with kids from early elementary through the teen years.

What's the difference between play therapy and talk therapy for kids?

Play therapy helps younger kids express what they can't yet put into words, while talk therapy suits kids old enough for direct conversation — we match the approach to your child.

How do I know if my child needs therapy or just extra support at home?

An evaluation can help you tell the difference — it's a low-pressure way to get clarity either way.

Does insurance usually cover therapy for kids?

Most commercial plans and Medicaid do — we verify your coverage before your first visit.

Let's get started

Let's make sure no child waits for support.

Backpack Healthcare is here to help parents and caregivers get kids the care they need, quickly and without the runaround.

Schedule a Visit

See how therapy works

At a glance

Time to first appointment

3 days

Ages served

4 and up

States served

Languages supported

250+