Therapy for Children
and Adolescents
Growing up brings rapid changes emotionally, socially, and developmentally. Each stage of life presents its own challenges, from early childhood through the transition into adulthood.
For children, big feelings, behavioral struggles, and life changes can feel overwhelming. Therapy offers a safe space to understand emotions, build coping skills, and foster healthy emotional development.
Adolescents often face increased pressure academically, socially, and within their families while also navigating identity, independence, and mood changes. Therapy can help teens manage anxiety, depression, and stress while developing stronger emotional regulation and decision-making skills.
Dr. Bhatia uses a compassionate, evidence-based approach tailored to each developmental stage, helping young people feel supported now and prepared for what’s next.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Bhatia is committed to helping children and adolescents make meaningful progress in therapy. For younger clients, she actively partners with parents to identify evidence-based strategies that can be practiced at home, reinforcing skills learned in sessions. For adolescents, therapy often includes building insight, autonomy, and coping tools that can be used in everyday life to support lasting change.
When appropriate and with consent, Dr. Bhatia collaborates with physicians, schools, and other providers to ensure coordinated care and to help clients succeed across all areas of their lives. By extending support beyond the therapy room, she aims to help each individual feel empowered, supported, and equipped to reach their goals.
Dr. Bhatia is a highly skilled psychologist who utilizes a range of effective treatment modalities. Her therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), Behavioral Parent Training using Applied Behavioral Analysis principles, Interpersonal Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With her skill set, Dr. Bhatia is able to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Therapy Accessibility: In person and Online
In person sessions are available in Naples, Florida and accessible from the surrounding areas (e.g., Marco Island, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Ave Maria).
Virtual sessions are available for those that cannot come to the office in person, including college students who are out of town. Please note that virtual sessions may not be appropriate for all ages and some presenting concerns.
Dr. Bhatia is licensed in Florida and Nebraska. As a member of PSYPACT, she can also provide telehealth in 42+ other US states. Check out THIS MAP to see if you are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is child and adolescent therapy?
Child and adolescent therapy provides a supportive environment where children and adolescents can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained psychologist. Therapy helps children and teens understand their experiences, develop healthy coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships with family and peers.
What types of issues do you help children and teens with?
Dr. Bhatia helps children and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, family difficulties, attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), learning frustrations, family difficulties, and big life changes. Each treatment plan is personalized to your child’s unique needs and goals.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
You may consider therapy if your child shows persistent signs of anxiety, worry, sadness, anger, avoidance, withdrawal, pain, or school struggles. You may also consider services if your child is asking for therapy or help. Early intervention helps prevent small issues from growing into larger emotional or behavioral challenges.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Therapy sessions are grounded in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), parent training using behavioral principles, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
How involved are parents in the therapy process?
Parent involvement is essential. For younger children, parents are often included for part of session to ensure that they can support their children's learning and progress at home. For teens, Dr. Bhatia meets with parents for a check in or parent-only meetings outside of their child's therapy time to ensure they understand how to help their child outside of session and to answer their parenting questions.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy depends on your child’s needs and treatment goals. Many children benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific skills. Some children benefit from longer term therapy depending on the severity of their presenting concern and their engagement in therapy.
Can therapy be provided through telehealth?
Telehealth therapy is available for children and teens who live in Florida, Nebraska, or PSYPACT-participating states. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Is online therapy effective for children and teens?
Research shows that telehealth therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person sessions for many children, teens, and parents. Dr. Bhatia offers both in-person and telehealth options and will recommend the format that best supports your child’s individual needs.
What should I tell my child before starting therapy?
You can explain that therapy is a safe, friendly, and private place to talk, learn new ways to handle feelings, and solve problems. Encourage your child to be open and honest. Therapy works best when there is trust and comfort with the therapist.
How do I schedule a session?
You can request an appointment directly through the contact page or by calling the office.
Let's Get Started
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Sonya Bhatia to get started. If you are unable to schedule a consultation call, please complete the contact form below.