Thinking about child counselling? Here’s what parents need to know

What does child counselling involve, when should my child have counselling, and how do we get started? 

Support for mental health and wellbeing has come a long way in recent years. Even so, knowing where to start – especially when it comes to supporting your child – can still feel daunting. Wanting to help, but not knowing how, can leave many parents feeling overwhelmed.

Seeking support for children and young people’s mental health is more common than you might think. The NHS estimates that around 1 in 5 young people aged 8 to 25 in England have a probable mental health condition, while the 2022-23 Children’s Commissioner report showed that around 8% of children and young people in England were referred to child and young people’s mental health services. 

While many children are referred for NHS mental health support each year, not all are able to access help quickly. Wait times and service availability can vary, which is why some families explore a range of support options that might work best for their child and their unique situation. 

Deciding whether your child might benefit from counselling isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you have noticed changes in their mood or behaviour, or you simply have a feeling that something isn’t quite right, but aren’t sure whether support is really needed, or if things will improve on their own. 

Child counselling is often seen as a ‘last resort’, when in reality it can offer a gentle, supportive space for children and young people to explore their thoughts and feelings – especially during challenging or confusing times. Here, we look at when child counselling can help, what it involves, and how to access support if you’re considering taking that step.

What is child counselling?

Child counselling, or therapy for children, gives children and young people a safe space to talk about anything they may be finding difficult. This might include worries about school, feelings around a big change in their life, or simply having an adult they can talk to without worrying about upsetting those close to them.

Working with a child counsellor doesn’t mean you’ve done anything ‘wrong’ as a parent. For many families, it’s simply a way of offering extra support – helping children understand themselves, manage big feelings, and feel supported.

What does a child counsellor do?

Child counsellors help children to open up and talk about their worries and feelings in a safe, judgement-free space, in a way that is age-appropriate. This might include supporting children through anxiety, low mood, or helping them process big changes, such as moving schools or experiencing loss. 

They may also support children coping with illness, learning differences, or ongoing challenges such as low self-esteem. For others, counselling may be short-term, helping with things like exam stress or a temporary period of difficulty.

Some child counsellors may use talking therapy. Others may be trained in forms of therapy that can be particularly beneficial for younger children or children who struggle to express themselves verbally, such as play therapy or sand tray therapy. 

When should a child have counselling?

There’s no single ‘right’ time to start counselling. Many parents wait until a concern or worry feels big or unmanageable, but counselling doesn’t have to be a last resort. Whether your child isn’t quite acting like themselves, appears overwhelmed by their thoughts or feelings, or seem like they may be quietly struggling to adjust after a change, counselling could be a supportive route.

Some parents consider counselling if their child is experiencing ongoing worry, sadness, anger, or withdrawal, or if they notice changes in behaviour, sleep, confidence, or school life. Others seek support during big life events, such as bereavement, family separation, illness, or moving home.

Often, it comes down to instinct. If you’ve noticed something isn’t quite right, or you feel your child might benefit from having someone outside the family to talk to, counselling can offer space to explore what’s going on.

Is child counselling only for ‘serious’ problems? 

A common misconception is that counselling is only for ‘serious’ problems or long-term mental health concerns. Many children attend counselling for everyday challenges that feel big to them, even if they seem small from an adult perspective.

Children don’t always have the words or emotional awareness to explain how they are feeling. This means their worries can show up in unexpected ways. Child counselling can help children understand their emotions and feel listened to, while gently learning ways to cope with what they’re experiencing. This support can make a real difference before worries begin to affect everyday life.

Seeking support doesn’t mean there is something ‘wrong’ with you or your child. For many families, it’s a way of offering extra support during times of change, uncertainty, or emotional growth. 

How do I get my child counselling? 

There are a few different ways to access counselling for children. Some parents start by speaking with their GP or their child’s school, who can offer guidance on what support may be available locally. Availability and waiting times can vary depending on where you live.

A number of mental health charities aimed at supporting children and young people are also available. Some offer counselling, while others provide information, or someone to talk to for advice and to signpost where further help can be found. Childline offers free 24/7 confidential support via phone or online chat for under-19s. Place2Be offers mental health support (including one-to-one and group counselling) directly in schools. YoungMinds provides detailed resources online with more information, as well as a parents helpline. 

Some parents choose to look into private counselling as an alternative or additional option. Private counselling can often allow a greater level of flexibility, including shorter or no waiting lists, the ability to choose a therapist who best works for your child, and to try different types of therapy, including both child therapy and family therapy. 

When looking for a child counsellor, it’s important to check that they have the right training and experience to work with children or young people. You may find it helpful to use Counselling Directory – part of the Happiful family – to search for practitioners near you. Here you can read therapists’ profiles, learn about their approach, and find someone who feels like a good fit for your child and family. 

Every child is different, and so is every family. Whether counselling feels like the right next step or something to keep in mind for later, knowing what support exists can make a difference. Trusting your instincts and staying curious about your options can help you move forward when the time feels right.